When you see an ad, “Android engineer needed,” such a position will require you to create android robots or improve the Android operational system itself. What people usually mean is a software developer who specializes in designing, building, testing, and maintaining applications for devices running the Android operating system. Android engineers are people who work on applications for smartphones, tablets, wearables, smart TVs, and other Android-powered devices.
How many operating systems are there?
It might seem that there are only iOS and Android, but they are just the most common ones. In reality, there are dozens of operating systems for various devices. When we talk about mobile devices, apart from iOS and Android, there are also some niche or legacy systems like HarmonyOS (Huawei), KaiOS, Blackberry OS, Symbian, and Windows Phone (discontinued).
Desktop and laptop operating systems are a bit more diverse. Here, you will have Windows for Microsoft, macOS for Apple, Linux for various distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian, and ChromeOS (Google).
When did the division between iOS and Android appear?
There was no such a division into operational systems when mobile phones just appeared. It started in 2007 with Apple introducing iOS alongside the first iPhone. With this step, they marked a major shift in mobile computing and the birth of modern smartphones. Initially, iOS dominated the market with its smooth interface and app ecosystem.
A year later, in 2008, Google launched the first Android phone (the HTC Dream/T-Mobile G1). Android was designed as an open-source alternative to iOS, allowing manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and HTC to adopt it.
By 2010, iOS and Android became the dominant mobile operating systems, leaving older platforms like Symbian, Windows Mobile, and Blackberry OS in decline. Today, they collectively account for over 99% of the global mobile OS market.
What’s the difference between iOS, Android, and web software developers?
The primary difference between iOS, Android, and web software developers lies in the platforms they work on, the tools they use, and the skills required for their specializations. Here’s a quick recap:
Aspect
iOS Developer
Android Developer
Web Developer
Platform
Apple devices
Android devices
Web browsers
Programming
Swift, Objective-C
Swift, Objective-C
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc
Development tool
Xcode
Android Studio
VS Code, WebStorm, etc.
App delivery
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
URLs via web hosting
Device range
Limited (Apple only)
Diverse Android devices
Any device with a browser
Performance focus
High optimization
Flexibility and scalability
Cross-platform usability
Android engineer’s key responsibilities
In a few words, an Android engineer develops software that would run smoothly on an Android operational system. Here’s a broader explanation of their day-to-day activities:
App development. Write code to develop Android apps, typically with Kotlin or Java, and frameworks provided by the Android SDK.
UI/UX Implementation. Design user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces that comply with Android’s Material Design guidelines.
Performance optimization. Ensure apps run smoothly while effectively using resources and loading on various devices.
Testing. Conduct debugging and testing to identify and fix bugs or compatibility issues.
Integration. Connect apps to back-end services, APIs, databases, and third-party libraries.
Version compatibility. Ensure applications function correctly across different versions of Android and on a wide range of devices with different screen sizes and hardware capabilities.
Maintenance. Update apps to support new OS versions, add features, and address user feedback or security concerns.
Skills required from an Android engineer
Proficiency in Kotlin or Java.
Familiarity with Android Studio (the official IDE) and tools like Gradle.
Knowledge of Android SDK and Jetpack libraries (e.g., LiveData, Room, Navigation).
Understanding of design patterns like MVP, MVVM, or Clean Architecture.
Experience with testing tools (e.g., Espresso, JUnit).
Ability to use version control systems
Version control is like having a time machine for your code. Imagine you're writing a book. Every time you make a change, you save a new version. With version control, you can go back to any previous version, see what changed, and even combine parts from different versions.
The definition of version control systems
Version control system (VCS) is a software tool that records changes to a file or set of files over time. This enables users to retrieve specific versions later. VCS is primarily used for software development, but it can be applied to any type of file.
Key benefits of VCS:
Keeps track of changes. Records every modification to your code, so you know who made what changes and when.
Collaboration. Multiple people can work on the same project without overwriting each other's work.
Time travel. You can revert to previous versions if something goes wrong.
Experimentation. You can try new things without fear of breaking the main codebase.
How does a version control system work?
A VCS operates by maintaining a repository, which is a central location where all versions of the code are stored. Among key concepts of VCS are:
Repository (a central storage location for all project files and their history),
Commit (a snapshot of the project at a specific point in time),
Branch (a separate line of development that allows multiple developers to work on different features without affecting the main codebase), and
Merge (combining changes from different branches into a single branch).
Here’s how the basic workflow of a version control system looks:
Checkout. A developer creates a local copy of the project from the repository.
Modifications. The developer makes changes to the code.
Commit. The developer saves the changes as a new version (commit) in the local repository.
Push. The developer sends the changes to the central repository.
Pull. Other developers can fetch the latest changes from the central repository.
There are two types of version control: centralized and distributed. Here’s the difference:
What are popular version control systems?
There are several popular version control systems used in software development. Among centralized version control systems, Subversion (SVN) is the most widely adopted one. It’s a centralized system where a single repository stores all project files.
Among distributed version control systems, there’s more to choose from.
Git is a decentralized system where each developer has a complete copy of the repository, making it highly efficient for large projects and distributed teams.
Mercurial is another decentralized system known for its speed and simplicity.
Bazaar is a flexible system that supports both centralized and distributed workflows.
Git is currently the most widely used version control system due to its flexibility, speed, and strong community support.
like Git.
Awareness of publishing and managing apps on the Google Play Store.
Average annual salaries of Android engineers
As always, the salaries of tech talent can differ drastically and depend on many factors. The key factors are the level of proficiency of an engineer (years of experience, background, skills) and their location.
These are some of the average annual salaries of Android engineers as of December 2024 based on open data and job placement platforms.
United States: $144,000
Canada: $80,000
United Kingdom: $67,000
Germany: $74,000
France: $58,000
Sweden: $87,220
India: $44,137
Ukraine: $37,600
The difference between a salary in the USA and, say, Ukraine is drastic – in Ukraine, the salary of an Android engineer is almost four times lower, which doesn’t affect the quality of their work.
As a business owner seeking to cut costs, you can think of hiring software developers abroad, and the question arises –
Should you outsource Android development?
Outsourcing Android development can be a good choice, especially for startups or companies for whom the Android version of their application is not a priority and can be delegated to third parties. Apart from traditional outsourcing, when you hire an agency based in Ukraine, India, or Poland for cost-effective software development, there are other options.
Options to delegate Android development
1. Freelancers.
Hire independent Android developers from platforms like Upwork, Toptal, or Fiverr.
Pros: Flexibility and lower costs for small or short-term projects.
Cons: Limited scalability and reliability compared to agencies.
2. Dedicated development teams
Dedicated development team is like hiring a skilled team of craftsmen to build your custom furniture. Instead of hiring individual workers or buying ready-made furniture, you get a dedicated team focused solely on creating your piece. They work exclusively for you, understanding your vision and bringing it to life.
What’s the difference between staff augmentation and dedicated teams?
Staff augmentation is like borrowing tools from a neighbor to complete a home improvement project. You have your core team but require additional expertise for specific tasks. You manage these external resources.
A dedicated team is akin to hiring a specialized construction crew. They focus solely on your project, working as an extension of your team. You have greater control over the team and its direction.
Key differences lie in control, commitment, and team dynamics. Dedicated teams offer more control and long-term commitment, while staff augmentation provides flexibility for specific needs.
What are the benefits of dedicated teams?
Dedicated teams offer several advantages.
Focused expertise. Tailored skills for specific project needs.
Stronger communication. Direct interaction for better understanding.
Accelerated timelines. Faster project completion.
Greater control. Influence over the development process.
Intellectual property protection. Safeguarding sensitive information.
Long-term partnerships. Building trust and fostering innovation.
Potential cost-efficiency. Long-term value compared to other models.
How do you hire a dedicated team?
Building a dedicated development team involves several key steps.
Firstly, you need to define your needs. Clearly outline project scope, required skills, and team size.
→ Then, research potential providers. Explore different companies offering dedicated team services. Evaluate the top providers you’ve chosen. Consider factors like experience, portfolio, communication, and pricing.
→ Think of the team composition. Determine the specific roles and skills needed.
→ Now, it’s time for contract negotiation. Finalize terms, including payment, intellectual property, and confidentiality.
→ Next stop, onboarding. Introduce the team to your project and company culture.
Effective communication and collaboration are essential for a successful partnership. (outstaffing
Outstaffing, also known as "staff augmentation" or "outsourced staffing," is a legal arrangement in which a business entity (the "client company") contracts with a third-party service provider (the "outstaffing company") to temporarily transfer certain employment-related responsibilities and obligations associated with its workforce. This contractual relationship is established according to applicable labor and employment laws.
Legal aspects of outstaffing
Employment relationship. Under an outstaffing arrangement, the client company retains control over the day-to-day tasks and supervision of the individuals who work for it. However, the outstaffing company formally employs these individuals, becoming the legal employer of record.
Compliance with employment laws. The outstaffing company assumes responsibility for complying with labor laws, including but not limited to wage and hour regulations, tax withholdings, workers' compensation, and employment discrimination laws. It’s obligated to ensure that the workers are treated under applicable employment standards.
Contractual agreement. The client company and the outstaffing company enter into a legally binding contract outlining the terms and conditions of the outstaffing arrangement. While the specific content of such agreements can vary depending on the parties' needs and preferences, these are the common sections of a typical outstaffing agreement:
Introduction and definitions
Scope of services
Duration and termination
Payment and fees
Employee benefits and compensation
Confidentiality and intellectual property
Indemnification and liability
Insurance
Compliance with laws
Dispute resolution
Conflicts of interest
Force majeure
Governing law and jurisdiction
Risk mitigation. Outstaffing can help the client company mitigate certain employment-related risks, such as legal liabilities associated with wrongful termination, workplace injuries, or employee disputes. By transferring these responsibilities to the outstaffing company, the client company may reduce its exposure to such risks.
Cost control. Outstaffing can offer cost savings to the client company by eliminating the need for full-time employees and associated expenses like benefits, insurance, and payroll administration. Instead, the client company pays a fee to the outstaffing provider for its services.
Confidentiality and intellectual property. The contractual agreement between the parties often includes provisions to safeguard the confidentiality of the client company's proprietary information and address issues related to intellectual property created by the workers.
Outstaffing advantages and benefits
Money saving. Outstaffing allows you to access skilled professionals without the overhead costs of hiring full-time employees. You pay for the specific services you need, reducing expenses like benefits, office space, and equipment.
Access to global talent and technology. Outstaffing providers often have access to a global pool of talent, enabling you to tap into specialized skills and expertise that may not be available in your local job market. You can also take advantage of the outstaffing provider's technology infrastructure, software, and tools, avoiding substantial upfront investments in technology and software licenses.
Reduced administrative burden. The outstaffing company assumes HR and administrative responsibilities, including payroll, tax compliance, and regulatory adherence, freeing you from these tasks.
Scalable workforce. Add or remove workers as needed to match project scope, allowing for efficient resource allocation and improved project management.
Cost predictability. Budget more accurately with predictable outsourcing costs, as opposed to the unpredictable costs associated with hiring and retaining full-time employees.
Competitive advantage. Stay competitive in your industry by leveraging outstaffing to quickly adapt to market changes, innovate, and maintain a lean, efficient workforce.
The difference between outstaffing and outsourcing
IT outstaffing and IT outsourcing are distinct approaches to managing IT functions.
IT outstaffing involves hiring external IT professionals who work as an extension of the client company's in-house team, with the client maintaining direct control over project management and tasks.
In contrast, IT outsourcing entails contracting a third-party company to handle specific IT functions or projects independently, with the outsourcing provider taking full responsibility for project execution and management.
IT outstaffing offers greater control and integration of external resources into the client's workflow, while IT outsourcing provides a turnkey solution with less client involvement in day-to-day operations and decision-making.
Whenever you have questions about outstaffing or want to try this strategy for your project development – give MWDN a call and estimate the cost of your dedicated remote teammate.
)
Employ a dedicated team through an outstaffing provider. These developers work exclusively for your project while being employed by the provider.
Pros: Full control over the team and better scalability compared to freelancers. Outstaffing vendors are quite popular in Eastern Europe for cost-efficiency and skilled talent.
3. Offshore development centers
Set up a remote team in another country through a third-party partner that manages operations and hiring.
Pros: Best suited for large-scale, long-term development needs.
4. Onshore/nearshore outsourcing
Partner with firms in your region or neighboring countries.
Pros: Easier communication and alignment on time zones; suitable for projects needing frequent interaction.
In some cases, like when you cooperate with vendors like MWDN, you can have a huge variety of working models and the ability to get a personalized solution for your needs. Ready to try it out? Contact MWDN and get all the benefits of outstaffing for your business.
