Junior Application Developer

Position Description

Title: Junior Application Developer
Reporting To: Head of Technology
Location: Remote
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000 USD annually

Role Overview

SCATR is seeking a motivated Junior Application Developer to help build and maintain native applications across Android, iOS/macOS, and Windows platforms. This entry-level role offers an opportunity to work on SCATR's encryption and obfuscation solutions, delivering secure communications technology to end users across diverse operating environments.

The ideal candidate possesses strong programming fundamentals with experience in C/C++, and eagerness to learn platform-specific languages including Kotlin, Swift, and C#. They have a solid understanding of systems-level programming, demonstrated through academic projects, internships, or embedded systems work, and are excited to apply these skills to multi-platform native application development.

This position reports to the Head of Technology and works in close coordination with senior engineers across Engineering, Product, and Sales Engineering teams.

Core Responsibilities

1. Multi-Platform Native Development

Assist in developing and maintaining native applications for Android (Kotlin), iOS/macOS (Swift), and Windows (C/C++ and C#/.NET).
Learn and work with shared native core components using C/C++ across all platforms.
Gain experience with platform-specific build systems including Gradle, Xcode, and MSBuild.
Develop platform-appropriate UI components following MVVM patterns and reactive frameworks.

2. VPN and Networking Support

Support implementation of VPN/tunnel functionality using platform-specific APIs including Android VpnService, Apple NetworkExtension framework, and Windows networking APIs.
Learn TUN interfaces and packet tunneling technologies.
Assist with socket programming tasks (UDP/TCP) and multi-interface networking solutions.

3. Testing and Integration

Write and execute unit tests and integration tests across multiple platforms.
Debug and troubleshoot platform-specific issues in development and testing environments.
Assist with inter-process communication using platform mechanisms (named pipes, XPC, intents).
Support integration of native C/C++ code with platform languages using JNI and Swift-C interoperability.

4. Build and Development Support

Learn cross-compilation and platform-specific build configurations.
Support CI/CD pipelines for multi-platform native applications.
Assist with creating and maintaining installers across platforms (WiX, .pkg, APK signing).
Use version control (Git/GitLab) for code management and issue tracking.

5. Documentation and Collaboration

Create and maintain technical documentation for application components.
Collaborate with senior developers and cross-functional teams to understand requirements.
Participate in code reviews and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
Stay current with platform developments and security best practices.

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related technical field.
Graduation from an accredited institution required; degree must be completed by start date.

Programming Languages

Strong foundation in C/C++ programming demonstrated through coursework, projects, or internships.
Willingness and ability to learn platform-specific languages (Kotlin, Swift, C#).
Understanding of object-oriented programming principles and design patterns.

Platform and Systems Knowledge

Familiarity with Linux/Unix operating systems and command-line interfaces.
Basic understanding of operating system concepts (processes, threads, memory management).
Experience working across multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS, or mobile platforms).
Experience with Git and version control workflows.

Technical Fundamentals

Understanding of fundamental computer science concepts (data structures, algorithms).
Basic knowledge of networking concepts (TCP/IP, UDP, sockets).
Understanding of software development lifecycle and testing methodologies.
Ability to debug and troubleshoot code effectively.

Work Authorization

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Willingness to relocate or work remotely as business needs require.

Desired Qualifications

Security Clearance

U.S. Citizenship (required for security clearance eligibility).
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Platform Development Experience

Exposure to Android SDK, NDK, or Kotlin development.
Experience with iOS/macOS development using Swift or Objective-C.
Familiarity with Windows development using C# or .NET.
Experience with platform-specific build tools (Gradle, Xcode, Visual Studio).
Knowledge of mobile app architecture patterns (MVVM, MVC).

Networking and Systems

Experience with socket programming (UDP/TCP).
Understanding of VPN concepts or network tunneling.
Familiarity with NAT traversal or peer-to-peer networking.
Knowledge of multi-threaded programming and concurrency.

Cryptography and Security

Understanding of cryptographic concepts and secure coding practices.
Familiarity with platform Keystore/Keychain systems.
Awareness of application security hardening techniques.

Low-Level and Embedded Experience

Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, or bare-metal programming.
Knowledge of ARM architecture, STM32, or similar platforms.
Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop testing.
Experience with communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN).
Understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS) or Zephyr framework.

Additional Technical Skills

Experience with JNI or native code bridging.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
Knowledge of Docker, containerization, or build automation.
Experience with unit testing frameworks and test-driven development.
Rust programming experience or interest in memory-safe systems programming.
Python scripting for automation or tooling.

Experience and Portfolio

Previous internship or co-op experience in software development, embedded systems, or mobile development.
Participation in technical team projects (robotics, Formula SAE, hackathons).
GitHub portfolio or personal projects demonstrating coding abilities.
Published mobile apps or open-source contributions.

Desired Attributes

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to debug complex multi-platform issues.
Self-directed learner who can quickly pick up new programming languages and platform APIs.
Detail-oriented with strong attention to code quality and security implications.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Comfortable working with security-hardened codebases and understanding security decisions.
Eagerness to learn and professional growth mindset.
Mission-driven with appreciation for the critical nature of security software in real-world environments.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Why This Role Matters at SCATR

This role is essential to SCATR's mission of delivering secure, reliable encryption and obfuscation solutions to users across all major platforms. The Junior Application Developer helps ensure that SCATR's technology reaches end users with consistent quality, security, and performance regardless of their chosen operating system. This position offers exceptional growth opportunities to develop expertise in native application development, networking, and cryptography while working on technology that directly protects sensitive communications and data. SCATR is committed to developing early-career talent through hands-on experience with production systems, mentorship from senior engineers, and clear paths to technical leadership roles.