TAK-X Software Developer

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced TAK-X Software Developer with direct, hands-on experience in the TAK ecosystem. This role will focus on designing and developing custom TAK plugins that

integrate with existing backend services and deliver intuitive, mission-focused user interfaces. The ideal candidate is technically strong, self-directed, and comfortable navigating complex

codebases with minimal oversight. This individual should be capable of independently architecting plugin interfaces, implementing robust integrations, and delivering polished user

experiences within the TAK environment. The candidate should further be comfortable working with a mixed team and incorporating inputs from technical leadership.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain custom plugins for the TAK-X ecosystem
• Integrate TAK plugins with external backend services and APIs
• Explore and understand existing application codebases to determine optimal plugin integration approaches
• Design and implement intuitive, mission-oriented GUI components within the TAK framework
• Troubleshoot, optimize, and enhance plugin performance and stability
• Collaborate with backend and systems engineers to ensure reliable data exchange and system interoperability
• Participate in regular engineering meetings supporting Agile software development
• Document design decisions, integration approaches, and technical implementation details

Required Qualifications

• Direct, hands-on experience developing plugins within the TAK ecosystem (specifically TAKX)
• Demonstrated experience with TAK SDKs and plugin architecture
• Familiarity with TAK data formats, CoT (Cursor on Target), and TAK networking concepts
• Ability to independently navigate unfamiliar codebases and develop well-architected extensions
• Strong communication skills for technical coordination
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate with limited direction
• Strong UI/UX design instincts with ability to translate operational workflows into intuitive interfaces
• Solid understanding of software architecture principles and clean interface design.

Desired Qualifications

• Full-stack development experience, including: Node.js, Python, FastAPI, and PostgreSQL
• Experience building RESTful APIs and backend service integrations
• Experience with real-time data visualization or geospatial data systems
• Experience working with graphic data displays, such as line plots, waterfall plots, heatmaps, map annotations, and other graph types
• Experience working in defense, tactical, or mission-critical environments
• Familiarity with ATAK, TAK Server development
• Familiarity with secure software development practices
• Comfortable providing live demonstrations or training sessions to broad audiences or tactical users
• Openness to travel for field events is not necessarily required but preferred

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Highly self-sufficient and proactive
• Comfortable operating in loosely defined problem spaces
• Capable of proposing architectural solutions, not just implementing requirements
• Strong communicator who can articulate technical decisions and tradeoffs
• Balances rapid iteration with maintainable, production-quality code