Android Developer Job Description, KRAs and Skills

An Android Developer builds and maintains mobile apps for Android phones and tablets using Kotlin or Java. At the entry level they build screens, connect to APIs, fix bugs and test on real devices under the guidance of senior developers. A good junior Android developer writes clean UI code, handles app lifecycle and network calls correctly, and cares about how the app feels on low end devices. The role sits in a mobile engineering team and reports to a mobile lead or senior software engineer, delivering assigned features and learning the codebase.

Detail	For this role
Department	Information Technology
Level	Entry level
Reports to	Mobile Team Lead
Direct reports	None
Experience	Fresher or up to 2 years in Android development

Android Developer job description template

Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.

Job title: Android Developer

Department: Information Technology

Reports to: Mobile Team Lead

Location: [City], [office, branch or site]

About the role

Key responsibilities

Build Android screens and features in Kotlin or Java from designs and clear acceptance criteria.
Connect the app to backend APIs and handle loading, error and empty states cleanly.
Handle the activity and fragment lifecycle, state and configuration changes correctly.
Fix crashes and bugs reported from testing and from crash reporting tools.
Test features on real devices and different screen sizes and Android versions.
Write unit tests for logic and follow the team's architecture such as MVVM.
Optimise app performance, memory and battery use on low and mid range devices.
Raise clean pull requests and act on review feedback quickly.
Help prepare release builds and fix issues found before the store submission.
Learn the codebase, libraries and Android practices with support from seniors.

Requirements

Graduate in computer science, IT or engineering
Working knowledge of Kotlin or Java and the Android SDK
A published app or project portfolio is an advantage
Fresher or up to 2 years in Android development

KRAs and KPIs for a Android Developer

Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.

Key result area	How to measure it
Delivery	Assigned features delivered within sprint estimates at agreed quality
Crash rate	Crash free sessions for own features kept above the team target
Code quality	Pull requests pass review with limited rework
Device coverage	Features tested on the agreed range of devices and Android versions
Responsiveness	Review feedback and bug fixes actioned within one working day
Learning	New Android skills and libraries picked up each quarter

Skills and tools

Kotlin or JavaAndroid SDKREST API integrationMVVM architectureJetpack librariesUnit testingGitAttention to detailWillingness to learn

Tools used day to day: Android Studio, Kotlin, Gradle, Firebase, Git, Postman.

Reporting line and career path

Moves up from: Software Trainee, Intern, Associate Software Engineer
Next roles: Software Engineer, Senior Android Developer, Mobile Team Lead

Interview questions for a Android Developer

Explain the Android activity lifecycle and why it matters.
How do you make a network call and show the result without freezing the UI?
What is the difference between an activity and a fragment?
The app crashes only on some devices. How do you find the cause?
How do you keep a RecyclerView smooth with many items?
Tell me about an app you built and what was hard about it.

Managing a Android Developer in ZeniaHR

AttendanceOffice or hybrid on a general shift, with device testing done in the office. Web punch on the approved office network covers office days, and mobile app punch with a location check covers work from home days set in the work terms policy.LeaveA junior developer is often on probation, so track the probation end date through the probation queue and ask the manager for a review. Reporting manager then HR approve leave, and the leave apply preview flags whether leave is allowed during probation.Performance and KRAsSet the KRAs above as goals in a review cycle and use the probation review rated 1 to 5 by the manager to confirm the developer. After confirmation hold the formal review each quarter and check delivery and crash rate monthly.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an Android developer do?

An Android developer builds and maintains apps for Android phones and tablets using Kotlin or Java. They build screens, connect to APIs, handle the app lifecycle, fix crashes and test on real devices. At the entry level they deliver assigned features, write tests and learn the codebase with support from senior developers.

Should I learn Kotlin or Java for Android?

Learn Kotlin. Google recommends Kotlin as the primary language for Android, and most new code and job descriptions expect it. Java knowledge still helps because many existing apps use it and the two work together, but a fresher today should focus on Kotlin, the Android SDK and Jetpack libraries first.

What qualifications do you need to become an Android developer?

Most Android developers hold a computer science or IT degree, but employers care most about your skills and projects. You need Kotlin or Java, the Android SDK, API integration and an understanding of app architecture. A published app or a strong project portfolio often matters more than certifications for entry roles.