Technical Lead - NFC & Android Security (Transit / Payments)

At Quest Global, it's not just what we do but how and why we do it that makes us different. With over 25 years as an engineering services provider, we believe in the power of doing things differently to make the impossible possible. Our people are driven by the desire to make the world a better place-to make a positive difference that contributes to a brighter future. We bring together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals who are empowered by an intentional workplace culture, to solve problems better and faster.

Role Summary

We are looking for a hands-on Technical Lead to drive end-to-end NFC solutions for Android (Pixel 8a and above) focused on Transit and Contactless Payments.

The ideal candidate should combine:

• Deep Android system expertise (HAL / framework / kernel)
• NFC stack & Secure Element (eSE/UICC/HCE) knowledge
• Strong security background (Android security, cryptography, GlobalPlatform)
• Leadership capability (design ownership, mentoring engineers)

Key Responsibilities

NFC & Payment Systems

• Lead design & implementation of NFC-based transit and contactless payment solutions
• Work on NFC stack (NCI, vendor HAL, libnfc) and integration with Android framework
• Implement HCE (Host Card Emulation) and Secure Element-based solutions
• Integrate Transit ticketing, EMVCo/contactless payments, closed-loop systems

Android Low-Level Development

• Work across Android stack: HAL Framework System services
• Bring-up and optimize NFC for Pixel devices (8a and above) / Qualcomm chipsets
• Debug issues using logcat, kernel logs, trace tools

Security & Secure Element

• Implement and integrate:
  • Secure Element (eSE/UICC)
  • GlobalPlatform (SCP03, SCP11, applets lifecycle)
  • JavaCard / SE applets
• Work on Android Keystore / StrongBox / Identity credentials
• Ensure compliance with payment and transit security standards

Architecture & Leadership

• Own solution architecture for NFC + payments stack
• Work with cross-functional teams (OEM, chipset vendors, backend)
• Mentor team members and review designs/code
• Drive technical decisions, debugging strategies, and delivery timelines

Required Skills

Core Technical

• Strong experience in:
  • Android internals (HAL, Binder, system services)
  • Embedded Linux & device drivers
• Programming:
  • C/C++ (must), Java (Android)
  • Exposure to JavaCard is a big plus
• Experience with:
  • NFC technologies (ISO14443, ISO7816, NCI, APDU flows)
  • Secure Element / eSE / UICC integration
  • Android security architecture

NFC & Payments Expertise

• Hands-on experience in:
  • Transit systems (closed loop / open loop AFC)
  • EMVCo/contactless payments
• Understanding of:
  • Tokenization, cryptography, secure storage
  • PCI/EMV or similar standards (good to have)

Security Expertise

• Knowledge of:
  • Cryptography (AES, ECC, key derivation)
  • Secure provisioning / key management
• Experience with:
  • GlobalPlatform specifications
  • TEE / StrongBox / hardware-backed security

Tools & Platform Experience

• Qualcomm / Pixel device ecosystem
• Debug tools:
  • ADB, logcat, trace32, kernel debugging
• Version control:
  • Git, Gerrit

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Experience working with:
  • Google Android Ready SE / AOSP contributions
  • FiRa / UWB / identity credentials
• Exposure to:
  • OEM ecosystem (Google, Samsung, Qualcomm)
• Previous experience in:
  • Payments / fintech / transit ticketing systems

We are known for our extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day. Questians are driven by hunger, humility, and aspiration. We believe that our company culture is the key to our ability to make a true difference in every industry we reach. Our teams regularly invest time and dedicated effort into internal culture work, ensuring that all voices are heard.

We wholeheartedly believe in the diversity of thought that comes with fostering a culture rooted in respect, where everyone belongs, is valued, and feels inspired to share their ideas. We know embracing our unique differences makes us better, and that solving the worlds hardest engineering problems requires diverse ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds. We shine the brightest when we tap into the many dimensions that thrive across over 21,000 difference-makers in our workplace.