Embedded Android Software Engineer

Overview

Embedded Android Software Engineer – Location: US-VA-Fairfax. Job ID: 2026-4212. Category: Information Technology. Position Type: Full Time Salary.

Riverside Research is an independent National Security nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research Institute is seeking an Embedded Android Software Engineer to support firmware development in embedded and mobile network security hardware for the Riverside Research Open Innovation Center (OIC). The OIC pursues research and development in secure and resilient systems.

The ideal candidate has experience in dynamic research and development environments, from ideation through execution, and in designing and delivering innovative secure networking and cryptographic solutions for national security customers. As a principal technical contributor, the candidate will develop new techniques and technology to address complex problems, with a track record of outside-the-box problem solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the ability to brief stakeholders on technical results.

Responsibilities

• Develop C/C++, Kotlin/Java code in Android, Linux-based, or embedded systems
• Collaborate on systems-level projects (networking, device interfaces, low-level services)
• Engage in algorithm/protocol analysis, architecture review, system engineering, implementation, verification, and delivery
• Create and manage embedded system build processes, including AOSP
• Handle all aspects of Embedded Software development, including documentation, implementation, emulation, integration, and test

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in computer engineering, computer science or equivalent
• 3+ years' experience developing Linux embedded platforms (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot)
• Understanding of git/repo version management in Android build process
• General understanding of Android architecture, AOSP Telephony experience
• Experience working on systems-level projects (networking, device interfaces, or low-level services)
• Understanding of networking fundamentals – basic networking and firewall experience on Android/Linux (IP, routing, TCP/UDP)
• Ability to debug issues across system layers (baseband, application, OS, network)
• 3+ years of cross-platform development using C/C++ and embedded Linux
• Firmware development, analysis, and reverse-engineering
• Device bring-up starting with the root filesystem
• Experience building software using Make, CMake, or Cargo
• Familiarity with debugging tools: tcpdump, strace, dmesg, ip, ss
• Eligibility for a SECRET clearance and ultimately a TS/SCI

Additional/Desired:

• Eligible for a TS/SCI Clearance
• Experience with Rust programming language
• Familiarity with iptables, NAT, or VPN concepts
• Familiarity with Linux device management (udev)
• Exposure to USB device/gadget frameworks
• Exposure to /dev, sysfs, or procfs interfaces
• Experience with ARM-based systems (e.g., Raspberry Pi)
• Exposure to performance tuning in low-level or embedded C software

Compensation

$100,000 - $180,000. This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location, and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company. We are an affirmative action—equal opportunity employer and comply with applicable laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefits. Employment decisions are based on technical experience, qualifications, and job-related criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.