Android SystemUI Developer

Android SystemUI Engineer

Position Overview

We're seeking an experienced SystemUI Engineer to develop and maintain Android's user interface components and system-level UI frameworks. This role focuses on creating intuitive, performant user experiences through deep SystemUI customization, framework integration, and cross-component communication via AIDL. We value demonstrated expertise and practical contributions over formal credentials.

Key Responsibilities

SystemUI Development

• Design, develop, and maintain SystemUI modules including status bar, navigation bar, quick settings, and notification panel
• Implement custom lock screen interfaces and system dialogs
• Optimize UI performance, animations, and user interaction flows
• Develop and maintain notification system components and behaviors
• Create responsive and adaptive UI elements for different screen sizes and orientations

Framework Integration

• Integrate SystemUI components with Android framework services (ActivityManager, WindowManager, PackageManager)
• Design and implement AIDL interfaces for UI-related inter-process communication
• Collaborate with framework teams to expose necessary system APIs
• Ensure proper integration with Android security model and permissions system
• Work with graphics stack components (SurfaceFlinger, WindowManager) for optimal rendering

Platform Optimization

• Optimize SystemUI for memory usage, power consumption, and rendering performance
• Implement accessibility features and ensure compliance with accessibility standards
• Debug complex UI rendering issues and interaction problems
• Ensure compatibility across different device configurations and form factors

Technical Leadership

• Participate in UI/UX architectural decisions and system design reviews
• Mentor developers on SystemUI internals and best practices
• Contribute to UI/UX technical documentation and coding standards
• Stay current with Android UI evolution and material design principles

Required Qualifications

Minimum 2-4 years of SystemUI development experience with at least 1-4 shipped Android projects involving significant SystemUI customization or framework integration.

Technical Skills

• Expert-level SystemUI experience including deep customization of status bar, quick settings, lock screen, notification system, and navigation components
• Strong Android Framework knowledge particularly WindowManager, ActivityManager, and UI-related system services
• Proficient in AIDL development for designing UI-related system APIs and service interfaces
• Advanced Java/Kotlin expertise with strong understanding of Android UI frameworks and components
• Experience with Android's graphics stack and rendering pipeline
• Proficiency with Android build system (AOSP, Soong, Blueprint)

Platform Knowledge

• Deep understanding of Android view system, custom views, and UI performance optimization
• Experience with Android's theming system and resource management
• Knowledge of Android accessibility frameworks and implementation
• Familiarity with material design principles and Android UI guidelines
• Understanding of touch input handling and gesture recognition systems

Development Experience

• Hands-on AOSP (Android Open Source Project) development experience
• Proficiency in Android app development with Jetpack Compose + Kotlin
• Experience with UI testing frameworks and automated UI testing
• Proficiency with debugging tools (systrace, perfetto, GPU profiling tools)
• Experience with version control systems (Git, Gerrit) and code review processes

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum 4-6 years of SystemUI development experience with at least 4-6 shipped Android projects involving significant SystemUI customization or framework integration.

Advanced Experience

• Experience with Android's modular system architecture and dynamic UI loading
• Knowledge of Android Runtime (ART) as it relates to UI performance
• Familiarity with cross-platform UI frameworks and their Android integration
• Experience with Android's animation frameworks and advanced UI transitions

Industry Background

• Experience shipping consumer Android devices with custom UI implementations
• Understanding of OEM UI customization requirements and constraints
• Knowledge of Android compatibility testing (CTS) related to UI components
• Experience with carrier-specific UI requirements and certifications

Technical Environment

• Languages: Java, Kotlin, XML (for layouts and resources), Python (for tooling)
• Frameworks: Android Framework (UI focus), SystemUI, AIDL, View system, Material Components
• Tools: Android Studio, AOSP build tools, UI Automator, Hierarchy Viewer, GPU profiling tools
• Methodologies: Agile development, design review processes, automated UI testing, accessibility testing