Java ATAK Developer

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

About the role

Forterra is looking for a JAVA ATAK Developer with ATAK plugin development experience for our UI/UX development team. This developer will work with the UI/UX team to build out Forterra’s remote command and-control (C2) capabilities for our fleets of autonomous platforms. This developer will be responsible for supporting Forterra’s Tactical C2 node that is implemented as an ATAK plugin. Much of the Forterra software stack is written in C/C++, and some of the code running on the ATAK phone is written in C, so this person will be expected to have familiarity and experience interfacing with those languages. This developer will work to design, document, implement, and test a robust interface to our heterogeneous platforms that leverages best-practices in web and remote communications, networking and data transfer, and lightweight and robust API definitions to allow a group of disparate operators to maintain awareness and control of the fleet to achieve desired mission outcomes.

This team develops and maintains both our user interface software as well as the messaging, vehicle-side software, and networking layer for our ground autonomous vehicles. Our UI software is used for both remote monitoring and situational awareness of our commercial and defense systems as well as local, close-proximity command and control. User interfaces are the first point of contact for users to experience Forterra’s cutting-edge autonomy, and this team is critical in showcasing our capabilities.

What you'll do

• Designing, supporting and maintaining Forterra’s ATAK based tactical C2 capability
• Designing and implementing the remote C2 architecture connecting Forterra, existing government, and partner user interfaces to our autonomous vehicle platforms.
• Work with a team of developers to design, implement, and maintain Forterra user interface software products that leverage this C2 architecture.
• Promote clean, efficient, informative, and enjoyable user experiences that minimize operator load.
• Support the documentation of the C2 APIs and the continual alignment and integration with third party systems.
• Enable and embody a culture of software quality and reliability in a scaled production focused environment.

Qualifications:

• Mission-First Mindset - We put the needs of the mission and our customers first and understand that the US and its allies have no preordained right to victory in any future conflict.
• Ownership Mentality - We’re looking for owners; those who have a natural bias to assume responsibility, a healthy dose of skepticism, and contribute to a culture of performance.
• Technical Aptitude and Intellectual Curiosity - We are first and foremost a technology company, working at the leading edge of capabilities like machine learning, autonomy, distributed networking, and multi-modal sensor fusion.
• Structured Thinker and Problem Solver - Leading technical programs requires clear communication and well-thought-out plans. A solution-driven approach, the ability to distill complexity into its essential, digestible components, and the ability to supervise execution are critical to ensure mission success.
• 360 Degree Leader - We are a non-hierarchical organization with a matrix structure that is dynamic and evolving. We expect you to be self-aware enough to recognize your position of unstated leadership within the company. You should have a demonstrated ability to lead and influence people through both formal and informal constructs and in situations where there is lack of clarity across teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong programming ability in the Android ATAK plugin environment.
• Strong programming ability in modern Java frameworks.
• Familiarity with C++ software development.
• Experience with lossy and high-latency communications frameworks.
• Strong Linux development environment experience.
• Self-motivated, a flexible team player with good written and oral skills, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Successful team members will aggressively reduce risk, understand and focus on value in an agile environment, and be willing to proactively solve problems and take on gaps to push the product forward with high quality and impact to our customers.
• Successful team members will aggressively reduce risk and optimize value in an agile environment.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in a similar field.
• At least 2 years of experience with ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit).
• Strong programming experience in modern C++.
• Product and plug-in design experience.
• Familiarity with networking protocols and general Linux network configurations (VLANs, iptables, routing protocols, broadcast/multicast, etc.).
• Familiarity with Conan package manager, CMake build tools, and Git SCM.
• Experience developing in automotive environments or in tactical defense environments.
• Experience with test driven development in continuously integrated environments.

US Salary Range
$115,000—$175,000

Location
Hybrid in Clarksburg, MD

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
  
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance, Legal & ID protection plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%. Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.
  

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.