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About the project We are a funded Indian smartphone brand building a custom Android operating system to compete with One UI, ColorOS, HyperOS, and OxygenOS. The OS will ship on our own hardware and is positioned as a culturally native, India-first platform. We are at the program-planning stage and need an experienced practitioner to guide our technical direction over the next 6 months. What we need A hands-on mid-level Android OS engineer who has personally shipped a HAL-deep AOSP-based skin (or contributed substantially to one) and can advise our internal team across architecture, vendor management, and roadmap execution. Responsibilities - Review and validate our AOSP fork strategy, build infrastructure, and OTA pipeline design - Advise on Qualcomm / MediaTek BSP integration and HAL-level work - Pressure-test our 18-month roadmap, identify critical-path risks, and recommend course corrections - Sit in on weekly engineering reviews; provide written assessments at each program gate - Help interview and shortlist senior platform-engineering hires - Advise on CTS / GMS certification readiness and the typical pitfalls - Support vendor and ODM negotiations from a technical-diligence standpoint Must-haves - 5–8 years of Android platform experience, with at least one full skin shipped to retail (OnePlus, Realme, OPPO, Xiaomi, Samsung, Vivo, Nothing, Lava, or comparable) - Working knowledge of AOSP framework internals, HAL interfaces, SELinux policies, and the Android build system (Soong / Bazel) - Hands-on with at least one Qualcomm or MediaTek BSP - Comfortable reading and reviewing C++, Kotlin, and Java at the framework layer - Familiarity with the GMS certification process end-to-end Nice-to-haves - Exposure to Indic input methods, on-device LLM runtimes, or UPI integration at the platform level - Past involvement in a 0-to-1 OS program (not just feature work on a mature skin) - Existing relationships at silicon-vendor BSP teams Engagement - 6 months, with option to extend to 18 months through to GA - 15–20 hours per week; remote with 1 visit per quarter (travel covered) - Expected to attend 2 fixed weekly calls and provide async written input on architecture documents - We will sign an NDA before sharing program detail How to apply Please share: 1. A summary of the OS programs you have shipped or worked, with your specific role and the layers you owned 2. One example of an architecture decision you would call out as wrong on a custom Android skin you have seen, and what you would do differently 3. Your hourly rate expectation and earliest available start date We read every application personally. Generic responses or AI-written replies will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 60-minute technical conversation. Please do not apply if you do not have experience otherwise will be reported
Project ID: 40406714
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37 freelancers are bidding on average $12 USD/hour for this job

Hi, building a custom Android OS may look structured on paper, but AOSP forks, BSP integration, and GMS certification are where most programs face delays if not handled early. I’ve worked on platform-level systems and understand the importance of getting architecture, OTA pipelines, and vendor coordination right from the start rather than fixing issues later. For similar work and case studies: https://www.freelancer.com/u/Microlent Happy to discuss your roadmap and help validate the technical direction. ~ Rajesh
$12 USD in 40 days
9.4
9.4

Hi there, I have read your project requirement. You need an experienced Android platform engineer to guide your AOSP-based OS development, including architecture validation, BSP integration, HAL-level decisions, certification readiness, and overall roadmap execution for a scalable, production-ready Android skin. While we do not claim to have shipped a full commercial Android skin at the OEM level (like One UI or OxygenOS), we do have strong expertise in Android system architecture, framework-level development, and performance/security optimization. We can contribute effectively in areas like build systems, modular architecture planning, OTA strategy, and reviewing technical decisions—but for HAL-deep BSP ownership and certification-critical guidance, you should prioritize candidates with direct OEM experience. A few quick questions to align: ======================== Which chipset vendor are you currently targeting (Qualcomm, MediaTek, or both)? Are you planning to maintain a near-AOSP experience or a heavily customized UI/UX layer? Do you already have internal teams handling HAL/BSP, or is that still being built? Will GMS certification be required for the first release or a later phase? Best Regards, Srashtasoft Team
$8 USD in 40 days
7.0
7.0

Hi, With over 8 years of experience in the Android platform, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be invaluable for your ambitious project. Having worked on numerous OS programs and skins, such as those for OnePlus, Vivo and Xiaomi, I am well-versed in guiding all aspects of AOSP design and have a deep understanding of HAL interfaces, SELinux policies, and the Android build system. Moreover, my broad architecture experience extends to vendor management and roadmap execution—core requirements for this undertaking. I am adept at identifying critical-path risks, suggesting corresponding course corrections, ensuring CTS/GMS certification readiness, as well as conducting technical-diligence during vendor negotiations. My availability aligns perfectly with your timeline – starting immediately for an initial six months with the option for a further year and a half extension. My hourly rate is reasonable and competitive considering my extensive skillset which spans Android skills along with Linux and Java – enhanced further by my technical SEO and digital marketing proficiency – all aligning seamlessly with the comprehensive demands of the role.
$12 USD in 40 days
5.4
5.4

Hello, I’m not a fit for this role since it requires hands-on AOSP and HAL level experience shipping a full Android skin, and I don’t want to misrepresent that. If you need support on adjacent areas like backend services, dashboards, OTA tooling infrastructure, or developer tooling around your OS program, I can contribute there. Otherwise I recommend focusing on candidates with proven BSP integration, SELinux policy work, and CTS GMS certification experience. Wishing you success with the build, it’s an ambitious and exciting project.
$10 USD in 40 days
4.9
4.9

I can help you design and implement a custom Android OS skin or AOSP fork aligned with your brand vision and hardware roadmap. I’ve worked closely with smartphone teams to shape UX, performance profiles, and system behavior so the software feels uniquely “theirs” while staying stable and maintainable. My background includes customizing AOSP, integrating vendor BSPs, optimizing system UI, and managing OTA update strategies. I understand the tradeoffs between deep framework changes and sustainable release cycles, especially for growing, funded brands preparing for multiple device launches. I’d start by clarifying your UX goals, target hardware, and release timeline, then define a modular customization plan covering launcher, system apps, settings, and key framework hooks. From there, we can outline milestones from prototype ROM to production-ready builds. I would love to chat more about your project! Regards
$11.50 USD in 7 days
4.6
4.6

I am sarita, a technology entrepreneur at Dlite Info Tech Pvt Ltd with a focus on Android and mobile app development. My extensive experience in creating state-of-the-art solutions for various platforms makes me a strong contender for your project. I have a deep understanding of Android OS through my experience in Android framework internals, HAL interfaces, SELinux policies, and Android build system. I have had the privilege to work on major platforms like OnePlus, Realme, OPPO, Xiaomi, Samsung, Vivo and have extensively contributed to their various skins. My technical brilliance allows me to dissect complex technical issues and provide efficient solutions. Moreover, I am well-versed with familiarizing myself with new technologies efficiently. Working with Qualcomm or MediaTek BSP is something I'm comfortable with and capable of delivering quality output. Additionally, my familiarity with CTS/GMS process will help you navigate through common pitfalls effortlessly. The extra mile that I go right from signing an NDA before sharing program details to attending weekly calls religiously ensures smooth collaboration.
$12 USD in 40 days
3.8
3.8

With a vast experience spanning over a decade, I am confident in my ability to not only meet but exceed your expectations for your Android OS project. I have previously contributed to the development of fully-functional Android skins like OnePlus and Xiaomi, taking charge of crucial layers from architecture to build systems. This enabled me to gain an extensive knowledge of AOSP internals, SELinux policies, and the HAL interfaces you require. Beyond the must-haves of the role, my understanding of C++, Kotlin, Java at the framework level is solid, and I'm no stranger to GMS certification either. As someone who takes ownership and pays attention to detail, I can ensure that we identify risks early during the pressure-testing stage of your 18-month roadmap. Also, considering this is an India-first platform, I want to highlight the exposure I have working with Indic input methods and on-device LLM runtimes which are nice-to-haves mentioned in your posting. Thus, given all these qualifications, engaging me for your project would mean not just a mid-level Android engineer but a strategic partner focused on efficiency in delivery while maintaining high quality standards.
$12 USD in 40 days
4.1
4.1

Having followed the rapid evolution of the Indian smartphone landscape, I am eager to help your brand establish a unique digital identity through a high-performance AOSP fork. My background in system-level Android development focuses on optimizing the hardware-software interface to create fluid user experiences. I recently spearheaded a project for a mobile vendor where I refactored the SystemUI and framework-res layers, successfully reducing system-wide memory overhead by implementing efficient resource handling and customized binder services that significantly improved UI responsiveness. My approach begins with architecting a scalable build system using Soong and Blueprint, ensuring your custom skin is modular and maintainable across future updates. I will implement your visual language through Runtime Resource Overlays (RRO), allowing for deep customization of the status bar, lock screen, and notification shade while maintaining core stability. I will also optimize the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) for proprietary sensor integration and refine the ART runtime for enhanced app performance. Finally, I’ll focus on building a lean system-service architecture that provides unique brand-specific features without compromising device battery efficiency. Are you targeting Android 14 or 15 for the initial rollout, and which SoC platforms—MediaTek or Snapdragon—will serve as the foundation? I am also curious if you require a proprietary OTA update infrastructure or deep GMS integration for this phase. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your feature roadmap and performance benchmarks in more detail; feel free to reach out for a brief chat to see how my OS development expertise can accelerate your launch timeline.
$25 USD in 7 days
3.1
3.1

Dear client, I have reviewed your project requirements and would like to offer you a Android OS consulting service at a reasonable price. I would be honored to work with you and create a solution that meets your requirements and will give you solution better than your expectations. I will provide you service with very good quality work and ensure that you are completely satisfied with the final outcome.
$10 USD in 40 days
1.9
1.9

Hello there, I am excited about the opportunity to work with your funded Indian smartphone brand on the development of a custom Android operating system tailored for the Indian market. With my hands-on experience in shipping HAL-deep AOSP-based skins and guiding technical direction, I am well-equipped to support your team in achieving your goals over the next 6 months. My expertise lies in validating AOSP fork strategies, Qualcomm/MediaTek integration, roadmap planning, engineering reviews, talent acquisition, CTS/GMS certification, and technical vendor negotiations. I look forward to potentially contributing to your project's success. Regards, Rahul Paspola
$8 USD in 31 days
1.7
1.7

Hi, What specific challenges are you facing with your AOSP-based development? I’ve successfully shipped a custom Android skin and have over 7 years of experience in building Android platforms, including HAL-level work and BSP integration for Qualcomm and MediaTek. I can review your AOSP fork strategy and help identify any critical-path risks in your 18-month roadmap. My hands-on experience enables me to pressure-test solutions effectively and provide valuable assessments during engineering reviews. Additionally, I can assist in preparing for CTS/GMS certification and support vendor negotiations from a technical standpoint. I’m ready to contribute my skills in Java, C++, Kotlin, and Android build systems. Looking forward to possibly collaborating over the next six months! Best, Naib.N
$12 USD in 40 days
1.2
1.2

Hi As per your project need, I can build your project more efficient with my knowledge and experience. I'm looking to work with you and I'm very sure that you'll feel great to work with me. Along with your project requirement, I'll provide you clean source code with free bug fixing and maintenance. I Have 8.2 years of work experience in web and mobile Apps development(React native & React JS). I have worked on so many projects. l am fully dedicated to doing my work very efficient and less time-consuming. "Looking forward to your positive response please open your chat window to more details" Thanks. regard, Vivek
$12 USD in 40 days
0.8
0.8

Hi, I’ve worked hands-on with AOSP-based systems, including framework-level changes, HAL integration, and BSP coordination. I can help validate your fork strategy, OTA pipeline, and roadmap while flagging risks early. I’m comfortable across Soong, SELinux, and vendor layers, and can support hiring + certification readiness.
$11 USD in 40 days
0.9
0.9

Hello dear Client, I design and build focused Android OS platform programs with clear architecture, scalable system design and maintainable engineering direction. For your custom India-first Android OS, I’ll help validate your AOSP fork strategy, review HAL and BSP integration, guide OTA and build system design, and support roadmap planning for a stable, production-ready platform. Let’s discuss in chat as I have some queries to ask regarding the project to proceed further.
$8 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

Here is your bid: Shipping a custom Android skin from AOSP fork to retail is exactly the kind of program I've been part of — and advising at the architecture and roadmap level is where I add the most value. My background: 6+ years in Android platform engineering across framework, HAL, and BSP layers Contributed to full retail skin delivery — build system, OTA pipeline, HAL integration, GMS certification Hands-on with Qualcomm BSP, SELinux policy tuning, and Soong build system Reviewed and pressure-tested roadmaps at program gate level Your three questions: Programs shipped — happy to detail specific programs, layers owned, and team size under NDA before the technical call. Architecture call-out — the most common mistake I've seen on custom skins is treating the vendor partition as untouchable too early. Teams accept BSP blobs without establishing a clean HAL boundary, which creates long-term maintenance debt and blocks GMS certification later. I would enforce a strict HIDL/AIDL contract from day one, even when the silicon vendor pushes back. Rate and availability — open to discussion based on scope; available to start within 2 weeks. Ready to sign NDA and join the technical conversation. Ready to start immediately. Let us talk.
$12 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

Hi, I am a Lead Systems Architect based in Anand, Gujarat. I specialize in 0-to-1 deep tech and am architecting a custom hardware/software ecosystem, perfectly aligning with your India-first OS vision. 1. OS Programs & Role I am the Lead Architect for "Sovereign OS," a 0-to-1 privacy-first mobile OS ecosystem. My ownership spans high-level architecture—validating OS strategy, build infrastructure, and enforcing system-level privacy. I can critically evaluate your AOSP fork strategy, pressure-test the 18-month roadmap, and lead vendor diligence. My AI architecture expertise perfectly covers your requirement for on-device LLM runtimes at the platform level. 2. Architecture Decision & Correction A critical anti-pattern in custom skins is tightly coupling proprietary vendor services (analytics, ad-engines) directly into the core AOSP framework layer. This creates massive technical debt, breaks upstream compatibility, and cripples the OTA pipeline. My Approach: Enforce strict modularity. Vendor integrations must be decoupled using APEX modules or heavily sandboxed system apps. This maintains a clean AOSP core, ensures rapid OTA rollouts, and guarantees system sovereignty. 3. Availability & Rate I am available immediately and can commit to the 15–20 hours/week, including quarterly travel. My hourly rate is open to discussion and alignment during our call. I look forward to our 60-minute technical conversation.
$12 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

I can help you design and implement a custom Android OS skin or AOSP fork tailored to your smartphone brand’s positioning and user needs. I’ve worked on Android customizations where stability, performance, and a distinctive UX were equally important to brand differentiation. My experience includes modifying AOSP, integrating OEM-specific features, optimizing system performance, and ensuring compatibility with popular apps and Google Mobile Services (where required). I’m comfortable collaborating with product and design teams to translate brand identity into coherent system-level UX patterns. My approach would be to first clarify your device roadmap, target user profile, and key differentiating features, then define a minimal, stable core build. From there, we’d incrementally layer custom UI, system apps, and optimizations, with regular test cycles and clear documentation. I would love to chat more about your project! Regards
$11.50 USD in 7 days
0.0
0.0

I can help you design and implement a custom Android OS skin or AOSP fork tailored to your smartphone brand’s identity and hardware. My focus would be on delivering a smooth, stable, and distinctly branded user experience that is practical to maintain over future Android releases. I have hands-on experience working with AOSP, device trees, vendor blobs, and custom UI layers, including optimizing system performance, managing OEM apps, and aligning UX with hardware capabilities. I understand the trade-offs between deep system changes and long-term updateability. My approach would be to define your UX and feature priorities, map them onto AOSP components, then iterate on a custom launcher, system UI, and core apps, ensuring performance, security, and clear documentation for your internal team. I would love to chat more about your project! Regards
$11.50 USD in 7 days
0.0
0.0

This is exactly the kind of work I love doing, and I'm currently offering premium quality at a reduced rate while building my reputation — meaning you get full dedication without the full price tag. You are building a culturally native, India-first Android OS to compete with major platforms. Your need for a hands-on, experienced mid-level Android OS engineer to guide technical direction and enhance your internal team in progressing with the roadmap, vendor management, and HAL-deep skin development is very clear and exciting. I have extensive experience in mobile app development and Android. My skills align perfectly with your requirements for a skilled practitioner in guiding AOSP utility, CTS, and GMS certification onboarding. I guarantee high-quality results and I'm happy to provide insights even if I'm not selected. Looking forward to potentially collaborating. Regards, Jason McLachlan
$10 USD in 3 days
0.0
0.0

With over 5 years of Android platform experience, I am confident in my ability to navigate the unique challenges associated with developing a custom operating system like the one you require. Having been part of leading smartphone brands myself, I understand the importance of creating a culturally native platform that resonates with your target audience. In addition to my technical skills, I bring extensive experience in vendor management, roadmap execution, and integrating Qualcomm/MediaTek BSPs to ensure a smooth development process. My previous projects include not just working on mature skins but also uncharted programs that involved building a new OS from scratch. Finally, my hourly rate is competitive and aligns well with industry standards for someone with my level of expertise. I expect an early available start date which means we can embark on this critical project without delay. I assure you that if selected, I will provide dedicated support, attending weekly calls, delivering timely written assessments and sliding seamlessly yet decisively into your project's trusted collective decision-making process.
$15 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

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