Senior Android Platform Engineer
About the Role
We are building a hardened, custom Android platform designed for deployment across large-scale, managed device fleets operating in high-assurance environments.
We're looking for experienced engineers who can take full ownership of this domain-from custom OS builds and kernel development to device security and fleet management infrastructure. This is a foundational platform engineering role where you will define architecture, establish engineering standards, and play a key leadership role as the platform and team scale.
You'll collaborate closely with a growing engineering organization to deliver a secure, reliable, and highly maintainable platform.
Key Responsibilities
Platform Development
Maintain and extend a custom AOSP-based platform, including device trees, vendor partitions, HAL customizations, and system image signing
Build, modify, and flash Android system images from source
Build & Release Engineering
Design and operate reproducible build systems with CI/CD automation
Manage secure release processes, including signing infrastructure and key lifecycle management
OTA & Update Systems
Architect and implement a robust OTA update pipeline
Support phased rollouts, rollback mechanisms, and fault-tolerant installations-especially for constrained or degraded environments
Kernel Engineering
Build, customize, and maintain Linux kernel images
Develop kernel modules and integrate upstream security patches
Debug system-level and kernel-level issues
Security & Trust Infrastructure
Own the secure boot chain, including AVB key management, bootloader security, and SELinux policy development
Implement strong device protections such as encryption, rollback protection, tamper detection, and remote wipe
Evaluate and integrate cryptographic modules aligned with U.S. government cybersecurity standards
Fleet & Device Management
Design and implement device lifecycle management systems, including enrollment, provisioning, policy enforcement, and compliance reporting
Build infrastructure for fleet health monitoring and operational visibility
Required Qualifications
7+ years of software engineering experience, including:
4+ years in Android platform or system-level development (not application development)
Strong experience working with AOSP or similar open-source platforms
Hands-on experience with:
Android Verified Boot (AVB) and secure boot chains
Bootloader security and device integrity enforcement
Android OTA systems (e.g., update_engine, A/B partitioning, payload generation)
Deep Linux kernel expertise:
Building from source, module development, device tree configuration, and debugging
Security engineering fundamentals:
PKI, code signing, chain of trust, encryption (FDE/FBE), and secure key management
Strong programming skills in:
C/C++, Python, and Shell scripting
Working knowledge of Java/Kotlin for Android framework-level development
Core Skills
- Linux Systems Engineering
- Android Platform Development
- System-Level Software Engineering
Why This Role
This is a unique opportunity to join at the ground level and define the technical foundation of a mission-critical Android platform. You'll have the autonomy to shape architecture decisions, influence long-term strategy, and work on complex challenges at the intersection of operating systems, security, and large-scale device management.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wilmington, DE.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $84.00 - $112.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,DE.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email ... for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.