Android Firmware Team Leader

Job Title: Android Firmware Team Leader

Location: Hybrid

Job Type: Full-time

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Android Firmware Team Leader to join our team. This role focuses on developing and maintaining custom Android firmware with unique requirements, including versions without Google services and enhanced security features. The ideal candidate has a strong background in Android development, low-level system programming, and expertise in handling multiple firmware versions for different devices. You will work on developing security controls, maintaining firmware integrity with regular updates, CVE fixes, and custom APK packaging.

Key Responsibilities:

Firmware Development & Customization

• Develop and maintain custom Android firmware, with and without Google services.
• Create and manage different firmware versions for various Android devices.
• Customize firmware based on project requirements, including specialized security features.

Version Management & Maintenance

• Manage firmware version control using a version tree to track development across multiple device builds.
• Package different firmware versions with specified APKs and ensure compatibility across devices.
• Regularly update and patch firmware with the latest CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) fixes to maintain device security.

Security Implementation

• Develop and implement custom defense controls by accessing low-level drivers and bootloaders.
• Apply security modifications based on GrapheneOS, incorporating features and enhancements specific to secure environments.

Quality Assurance & Deployment

• Test firmware versions thoroughly to ensure stability and performance.
• Document and manage the deployment process across multiple device types.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Technical Proficiency

• Strong knowledge of Android OS internals and AOSP (Android Open-Source Project).
• Experience in low-level programming and system development on Android platforms.

Firmware Development Tools

• Proficiency in using Git and version control for managing firmware version trees.
• Experience with building systems like Soong and Make for Android.
• Hands-on experience with device drivers, bootloaders, and hardware abstraction layers (HAL).
• Familiarity with Android build tools, including Android Studio and command-line tools.

Security & Defense Expertise

• Familiarity with implementing security controls and modifying firmware for high-security use cases.
• Knowledge of CVE mitigation and processes for keeping devices updated against known vulnerabilities.
• Understanding of secure operating systems like GrapheneOS and experience with incorporating similar modifications.

System Integration & Packaging

• Strong knowledge of APK packaging, including integrating custom APKs in firmware builds.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) and Jenkins for automation in packaging and deployment.

Additional Skills

• Team management, project planning, project delivery, software project management, and Jira.
• Good understanding of embedded systems and how firmware interacts with hardware.
• Familiarity with Android kernel development.
• Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP), Linux, C, Java, Debugging, and Multithreading.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of experience in Android firmware development.
• Proven experience in maintaining custom firmware across multiple devices.