SDE Apprentice - Backend & Android

About Origin

Origin (previously 10xConstruction) is building general-purpose autonomous robots for US construction to

tackle rising costs, safety risks, and labour shortages. Our modular, multi-trade platform combines

purpose-built hardware with real-time site intelligence to navigate complex environments and execute

tasks with precision. Trained in high-fidelity simulation and already deployed on live sites, our robots

deliver faster execution, stronger project economics, and meaningful cost savings. Join India's talent-

dense robotics team, with colleagues from IITs, Stanford, UCLA, and other leading institutions.

About the Role

We're looking for an SDE Apprentice who is strong on the backend and comfortable working on Android

too. Operators on construction sites control our robots through Android apps. Those apps depend on

backend services for robot state, telemetry, and job data. You'll work on both sides: mostly backend

(Python, APIs, databases), with regular work on the Android app. We care more about strong

fundamentals and how fast you learn than about knowing a specific framework. You'll ship production

code to robots on live sites, with mentorship from senior engineers.

Key Responsibilities
Backend & APIs

- Build and maintain backend services in Python (FastAPI), including async endpoints and background tasks.
- Design and integrate REST and WebSocket APIs for robot telemetry, operator commands, and job data.
- Design database schemas and write efficient queries (PostgreSQL / SQLite).

Android

- Build features and fix bugs in the native Android app (Kotlin) that operators use to control and monitor robots in the field, working with our Android engineers.
- Integrate the app with backend REST and WebSocket APIs, using Kotlin Coroutines and lifecycle-aware components to keep it responsive and stable under real-time robot data.
- Help build and maintain the operator-facing HMI (Human-Machine Interface) screens and local datastorage (Room).

Across the stack

- Debug issues end to end: from an Android screen, through the API, down to a service running on the robot.
- Help build React-based dashboards and internal tools when needed.
- Write tests, take part in code reviews, and document what you build.
- Work with robotics and systems engineers to understand how operators use our software in the field.

Requirements

- Graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, or a related field.
- 0–1 year of experience. Internships, open-source contributions, and substantial personal projects count.
- Strong CS fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, OOP, operating system basics (processes, threads, concurrency), and networking basics (HTTP, TCP/UDP).
- Proficiency in at least one of Python, Kotlin, or Java, and willingness to work in both Python (backend) and Kotlin (Android).
- Backend basics: you've built at least one REST API with any framework (FastAPI, Flask, Django, Express, Spring Boot, or similar). You understand client-server architecture, authentication, status codes, and error handling.
- Working knowledge of SQL: joins, indexes, and schema design.
- Comfortable with Git and the Linux command line.
- Ability to read, understand, and modify existing codebases, not just greenfield work.
- Good communication, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn.

Good to have

- Android fundamentals: Activity/Fragment/ViewModel lifecycles, Kotlin Coroutines, background services, and Jetpack Compose. A personal or college app you can show us.
- Real-time communication with WebSockets.
- React basics: components, state, hooks, and calling APIs.
- Docker and containers.
- Basic CI/CD knowledge: GitHub Actions or similar, and how code gets tested and deployed after a merge.
- Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS / GCP).
- Interest in robotics, real-time systems, or edge computing. Exposure to ROS2 is a plus.

Note- For apprentice/Intern: This is a six-month contract-to-hire position, with potential for longer-term

opportunities depending on your contributions and interests. We're excited to work with motivated

individuals who are eager to support real-world robot development and grow alongside us.

Benefits

- Gain experience in a dynamic startup environment at the forefront of robotics and AI innovation.
- Contribute to the development of technology that will revolutionize the construction industry.
- Work alongside a talented and passionate team committed to making a real-world impact.
- Learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable skills in robotics software engineering.
- Gain practical experience in a real-world engineering environment.
- Contribute to a project with the potential to make a significant impact on the construction industry.