Logistics Management Institute

ATAK Developer - Clearance Required

Logistics Management Institute$110K — $160K *
US-AnywhereRemote in United States
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years of software development experience, particularly with mobile applications or backend systems.
  • 2+ years of Android development experience (Kotlin and/or Java).
  • Familiarity with edge computing and optimization for resource-constrained environments.
  • Proficiency in API integration and building secure software architectures.
  • Understanding of tactical systems, specifically ATAK and military applications.
  • Comprehension of DoD cybersecurity guidelines (e.g., STIG compliance).
  • Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization for mobile apps.
  • Active Secret security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop custom ATAK plugins for tactical applications in low-bandwidth environments.
  • Enable Edge MLOps workflows and support machine learning for real-time applications.
  • Enhance geospatial data and visualization capabilities within the ATAK framework.
  • Ensure smooth integration with TAK Server and facilitate data exchange.
  • Optimize software for performance on low-resource devices under harsh conditions.
  • Implement secure API-based integrations for data sharing and collaboration.
  • Troubleshoot complex integration issues with intermittent connectivity.
  • Document technical designs and processes to ensure high-quality deployments.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on mission-critical military applications.
  • Innovative environment at the intersection of software development and tactical operations.
  • Collaborative work with multi-disciplinary teams including military personnel.
  • Potential for remote work flexibility.
  • Continuous learning and development in cutting-edge technology.
Full Job Description
Overview

LMI is seeking a skilled ATAK Plugin Developer to support the design, development, and deployment of mission-critical plugins for the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK). This role focuses on designing cutting-edge ATAK plugins and systems capable of operating at the tactical edge while enabling seamless integration with broader military systems, creating solutions to support military operations, situational awareness, and real-time decision-making. This position offers the opportunity to innovate at the intersection of software development, edge computing, and tactical applications. Candidates must be self-motivated, collaborative, and comfortable working in fast-paced, mission-oriented environments with a focus on operating in contested and resource-constrained environments.

Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and deliver custom ATAK plugins that enhance field-deployable tactical applications in disconnected, contested, or low-bandwidth environments
  • Leverage advanced techniques to enable Edge MLOps workflows and support distributed, on-device machine learning (ML) for real-time decision support and situational awareness
  • Work with geospatial data, real-time location services, and operational overlays to improve mapping and data visualization capabilities within ATAK
  • Support and extend functionality for TAK Server integration and ensure seamless data exchange between mobile applications and central server components
  • Optimize software to ensure efficient performance on low-resource devices in harsh or contested environments
  • Implement and maintain robust and secure API-based integrations (REST, WebSocket, gRPC, or similar) to support real-time collaboration and data sharing
  • Troubleshoot complex integration challenges, including data synchronization in environments with intermittent or limited connectivity
  • Ensure plugins align with military cybersecurity and STIG compliance requirements, providing DoD-compliant solutions
  • Document technical designs, workflows, and processes to ensure replicable, high-quality development and deployment efforts
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, including software engineers, data scientists, and military stakeholders, to define and refine requirements

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
  • 3-5 years of software development experience, including mobile applications, plugin development, or backend systems
  • 2+ years of experience developing for Android platforms (using Kotlin and/or Java)
  • Familiarity with edge computing concepts, including resource optimization on low-powered devices and intermittent or contested network environments
  • Proficiency in API integration and building highly-performant, secure software architectures
  • Understanding of military systems, particularly related to aTAK/Tactical Assault Kits
  • Knowledge of system security, particularly DoD cybersecurity guidelines and frameworks (e.g., STIGs, RMF compliance)
  • Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and performance optimization skills for distributed systems and mobile apps
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams
  • Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one)

 Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience implementing machine learning models for edge devices (e.g., TensorFlow Lite, ONNX Runtime, or PyTorch Mobile)
  • Familiarity with Distributed Deep Learning (DDL) techniques and frameworks optimized for edge networks or contested environments
  • Understanding of MLOps pipelines for deploying, monitoring, and retraining models at scale on decentralized systems
  • Strong understanding of DoD cybersecurity standards and best practices, particularly surrounding STIG requirements and RMF processes
  • Experience hardening applications and infrastructure for deployment in classified environments or contested tactical settings
  • Familiarity with accompanying web applications (e.g., mission command dashboards or admin portals) to visualize and manage analytics, location, or operational data
  • Skills in modern frontend frameworks (React, Angular, Vue) and backend/API development in frameworks like Flask, Django, or FastAPI
  • Experience with geospatial software and tools, including GIS standards and libraries such as GDAL, GeoServer, or Mapbox
  • Familiarity with TAK Server configurations, architectures, and plugins
  • Background working in defense/DoD environments or direct experience supporting military operations
  • Knowledge of tactical data link protocols (e.g., Link 16) and secure communication standards
  • Strong scripting abilities in Python, Bash, or similar languages
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to non-technical stakeholders or military leadership
  • Experience with DevOps practices such as CI/CD automation, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud deployments (AWS, Azure, GCP)

 

Target salary range: $110,000 - 160,000

Disclaimer: The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.

 

Job LocationsUS-PA-Pittsburgh US-Remote

About Logistics Management Institute

Logistics Management Institute (LMI) is a consulting firm dedicated to improving the management of government. LMI provides leaders with the objective analysis, tools, and programs they need to make informed decisions for their organizations. LMI is a not-for-profit organization that has been providing innovative solutions to complex problems since 1961. LMI serves clients in the federal government, state and local governments, and the private sector.
Learn more about Logistics Management Institute
Size
1,700 employees
Industry

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