Sr. Android Engineer

As a Senior Android Engineer at Platform Science, your primary responsibilities include building and maintaining Android applications written in Kotlin and Java, driving the development of our core mobile SDK, and ensuring effective communication between the vehicle and user tablets. You’ll be implementing MVVM design patterns, managing database interactions with Room or SQLite, and writing various types of tests to ensure software quality. By participating in code reviews and diving into complex technical problems, you’ll play a key role in enhancing the overall user experience.

To qualify for the Senior Android Engineer role at Platform Science, candidates should have 5+ years of experience in Android development, including building and maintaining enterprise mobile SDKs. A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field is preferred. Proficiency in technologies such as Kotlin, Java, Android Jetpack libraries, and CI/CD practices is essential. Experience with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity to hardware devices is a valuable plus. Candidates should be adaptable, eager to learn new technologies, and comfortable working in Agile/Scrum environments.

As a Senior Android Engineer at Platform Science, you'll primarily be working with Kotlin and Java. Most of our new code is written in Kotlin, which is increasingly favored for Android application development due to its modern features and concise syntax. You'll also encounter Java in legacy applications as we transition to more advanced frameworks. Familiarity with additional languages such as PHP and JavaScript for back-end interactions can further bolster your effectiveness on the team.

Platform Science utilizes Agile/Scrum methodologies to ensure efficient software development processes. As a Senior Android Engineer, you will participate in regular sprints, meetings, and collaborative planning sessions. This approach encourages flexibility in technology adoption, prioritizes continuous delivery of functional software, and fosters an environment of team collaboration, where knowledge sharing and peer reviews are key.

At Platform Science, Senior Android Engineers enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Additionally, we provide six weeks of paid parental leave. Our commitment to employee well-being is a reflection of our inclusive and engaging company culture.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you utilized Android frameworks, emphasizing your proficiency with Kotlin and Java. Discuss how you implemented MVVM design patterns or dependency injection in your applications. Being ready to provide examples of challenges faced and how you overcame them demonstrates problem-solving skills.

Discuss your approach to maintaining code quality, such as employing unit tests, integration tests, and code reviews. Highlight the importance of using tools like CI/CD for automating testing and deployment. Share experiences where you had to troubleshoot issues or improve existing codebases, showcasing your attention to detail and commitment to software craftsmanship.

Elaborate on your time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Share techniques you’ve used to stay organized, such as defining clear milestones, breaking down larger tasks into manageable components, and utilizing Agile methodologies. Demonstrating examples of past experiences can underline your capability to deliver high-quality work under pressure.

When discussing Kotlin versus Java, focus on Kotlin's modern features such as null safety, extension functions, and concise syntax that enhance productivity. Share specific projects where you used Kotlin, and highlight how its interoperability with Java has allowed for a smoother transition when updating legacy applications. Showing enthusiasm for leveraging the strengths of both languages can be beneficial.

Provide a detailed example of a technology you had to learn on the job. Describe how you approached the learning process and the resources you utilized, such as documentation, online courses, or collaboration with colleagues. Emphasize your curiosity and adaptability, which are essential traits for a Senior Android Engineer.

Highlight your communication skills and your experience working in cross-functional teams. Discuss tools and techniques you use for collaboration, such as Agile ceremonies, shared documentation, or regular check-ins. Bringing examples of successful team projects can illustrate your collaborative spirit and ability to build rapport with team members.

Talk about the importance of user-centered design principles and how they guide your development choices. Share examples where you made decisions to enhance UX, such as optimizing interface responsiveness or integrating user feedback. Reflecting an understanding of UX in your Android development showcases your holistic approach to software development.

Describe your systematic approach to troubleshooting, including steps such as gathering information, replicating the issue, and analyzing log files. Discuss how you diagnose problems and determine the most appropriate solutions, such as involving different team members when required. Providing an actual example of when you resolved a significant issue would give your answer more weight.

Share your passion for technology and continuous learning. Explain how you follow industry trends through online resources, conferences, or communities. Mention any specific projects or technologies you're excited about and how they influence your work. This shows your initiative and commitment to growth as a Senior Android Engineer.

Discuss your belief in sharing knowledge and helping others grow professionally. Describe your mentoring style, whether it involves pair programming, organized training sessions, or offering feedback on code. Providing past examples where you successfully mentored someone helps illustrate your commitment to fostering talent in the team.