Develop and integrate mission-critical software within the TAK ecosystem, including ATAK, WinTAK, MILTAK, and TAK Server. Build CoT data pipelines, low-latency APIs, sensor and intelligence data ingestion systems, CI/CD pipelines, containerized deployments, and edge-deployed applications. Troubleshoot tactical networks and integration issues while translating defense mission requirements into scalable solutions. The role requires significant TAK ecosystem experience, multiple programming languages, security clearance, and up to 25% travel.
About the Organization
Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. We are a solution-driven company delivering data insights and technology solutions to customers with missions critical to U.S. national interests. We’re looking for thoughtful, skilled professionals who thrive as trusted partners building technology-agnostic solutions and want to apply their talents supporting customers with difficult and important mission sets.
About the Role
Redhorse transforms the way government uses data and technology. To support this mission, we are seeking a Senior Software Engineer – Mission Systems Integrations to drive the development, integration, and modernization of mission-critical tactical systems for defense and national security stakeholders.
In this role, you will be the technical integration backbone bridging tactical-edge operations with enterprise-scale data platforms. You will design, build, and deploy high-performance software solutions leveraging the TAK (Tactical Assault Kit / Team Awareness Kit) ecosystem and Cursor on Target (CoT) architectures, directly enhancing real-time situational awareness and decision advantage for operators in high-stakes environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and integrate custom plugins, services, and middleware within the TAK ecosystem (ATAK, WinTAK, TAK Server, and MILTAK).
- Architect and implement Cursor on Target (CoT) data schemas, translations, and event-routing pipelines between tactical devices and enterprise cloud systems.
- Configure, scale, deploy, and maintain TAK Server instances across diverse on-premise, edge, and cloud operating environments.
- Build reliable, low-latency APIs and data ingestion pipelines to ingest multi-source sensor and intelligence feeds into tactical situational awareness interfaces.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, product managers, and government stakeholders to translate operational mission requirements into scalable technical solutions.
- Implement automated CI/CD pipelines, containerized deployments, and rigorous testing frameworks for edge-deployed mission software.
- Troubleshoot complex tactical network, protocol, and integration issues across heterogeneous environments.
Required Experience/Clearance
- Active DoD Secret clearance with eligibility to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
- 7+ years of professional software engineering and systems integration experience.
- 3+ years of hands-on technical experience within the TAK protocol ecosystem, including Cursor on Target (CoT) messaging, TAK Server configuration/management, and ATAK/WinTAK/MILTAK integration.
- Strong proficiency in at least two core programming languages: Java/Kotlin (Android/TAK Server plugins), C#/.NET (WinTAK), C++, or Python.
- Proven experience with network protocols, real-time messaging systems (WebSockets, TCP/UDP, ZeroMQ, MQTT), and data serialization formats (XML, JSON, Protocol Buffers).
- Experience working with version control systems (e.g., Git/GitLab) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker).
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% to customer sites, test events, and field integration exercises as needed.
Desired Experience
- Experience developing custom ATAK Android plugins using the ATAK Plugin SDK.
- Familiarity with tactical data links (e.g., Link 16, VMF, SADL) and defense geospatial formats (e.g., KML/KMZ, GeoTIFF, NITF).
- Hands-on experience deploying TAK Server or mission applications in cloud environments (AWS GovCloud, Microsoft Azure Government).
- Experience with container orchestration (Kubernetes) and infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible).
- Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity policies, STIG compliance, and Risk Management Framework (RMF) standards.
We encourage all candidates who meet the basic requirements to apply, even if you do not have any of the following experience:
The salary range provided for this position represents the anticipated base salary for successful candidates. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, security clearance level, geographic location, market conditions, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may participate in Redhorse's comprehensive benefits programs and may be eligible for performance-based or other incentive compensation, where applicable.
Redhorse Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at [email protected]
Redhorse Corporation shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet Redhorse’s changing needs. This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse’s sole discretion.
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