Skills to Look for When Hiring a Kotlin Developer

Do you need to hire Kotlin developer? Consistently recognized as one of the top software development companies on Clutch, the Volpis team has spent years providing Kotlin development services to businesses across diverse industries. In this article, they will explore the key skills and expertise required to make the right hiring decision.

Skills to Look for When Hiring a Kotlin Developer

Kotlin has quickly become one of the most popular programming languages for modern Android development, thanks to its concise syntax, interoperability with Java, and powerful features. Whether you’re building a mobile app, backend services, or cross-platform applications, hiring a skilled Kotlin developer is essential to ensure high-quality development. But what exactly should you look for when hiring a Kotlin developer? 

1. Proficiency in Kotlin Programming Language

A solid understanding of Kotlin is the most fundamental requirement. A skilled Kotlin developer should be proficient in:

• Kotlin syntax and features – This includes extension functions, type inference, null safety, and lambda expressions.
• Object-oriented and functional programming – Kotlin supports both paradigms, and developers should be comfortable working with classes, interfaces, and higher-order functions.
• Coroutines and asynchronous programming – Asynchronous tasks are common in Android and backend development, and Kotlin’s coroutines offer an efficient way to handle them.

2. Strong Knowledge of Android Development

If you’re hiring a Kotlin developer for Android app development, they must be well-versed in:

• Android SDK – A deep understanding of Android components such as Activities, Fragments, Services, and Broadcast Receivers.
• Jetpack Libraries – Familiarity with Android Jetpack libraries like ViewModel, LiveData, Room, and Navigation.
• UI/UX Best Practices – Experience in developing responsive and visually appealing user interfaces.
• MVVM Architecture – A preferred architectural pattern in modern Android applications that enhances code maintainability.

3. Experience with Backend Development

Kotlin is also widely used in backend development, especially with frameworks like Ktor and Spring Boot. A Kotlin developer should have:

• Experience in building RESTful APIs – Understanding HTTP methods, authentication, and API documentation.
• Database management – Proficiency in SQL databases like PostgreSQL or NoSQL databases like MongoDB.
• Cloud integration – Knowledge of cloud services such as AWS, Firebase, or Google Cloud.

4. Familiarity with Multiplatform Development

With Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) gaining traction, developers should be familiar with:

• Cross-platform development – Writing shared business logic for Android, iOS, and web applications.
• Code sharing strategies – Understanding how to efficiently share code while maintaining platform-specific functionality.
• Kotlin Native – A deeper knowledge of compiling Kotlin to native code for iOS and desktop applications.

5. Knowledge of Testing and Debugging

A proficient Kotlin developer should be skilled in:

• Unit Testing – Writing test cases using JUnit, Mockito, or Espresso for Android UI testing.
• Debugging tools – Using Android Studio Debugger, Logcat, and crash analytics tools like Firebase Crashlytics.
• CI/CD pipelines – Setting up automated testing and deployment using Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or Bitrise.

6. Strong Problem-Solving and Algorithmic Skills

Kotlin developers should be adept at:

• Data structures and algorithms – Understanding lists, maps, trees, and sorting/searching algorithms.
• Code optimization – Writing efficient and scalable code for high-performance applications.
• Memory management – Preventing memory leaks and optimizing app performance.

7. Familiarity with Version Control Systems

A skilled Kotlin developer should be comfortable using Git and platforms like:

• GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket – For source code collaboration and version control.
• Branching strategies – Understanding Git Flow for structured development.

8. Understanding of Dependency Management

Modern Kotlin development relies on dependencies, and developers should be familiar with:

• Gradle and Maven – Managing dependencies efficiently in Android and backend projects.
• Dependency injection frameworks – Using Dagger, Hilt, or Koin for modular and scalable applications.

9. Strong Communication and Teamwork Skills

Technical expertise is crucial, but so are soft skills:

• Collaboration – Working effectively with designers, testers, and other developers.
• Clear documentation – Writing well-structured and maintainable code with proper documentation.
• Problem-solving mindset – Approaching challenges logically and proactively.

10. Willingness to Learn and Adapt

Kotlin is continuously evolving, and a great developer should:

• Stay updated with new Kotlin features – Following official documentation and industry trends.
• Explore new tools and frameworks – Experimenting with emerging technologies in the Kotlin ecosystem.
• Adapt to different project requirements – Being flexible in working across Android, backend, or multiplatform projects.

Final Thoughts 

Hiring a Kotlin developer requires evaluating both technical and soft skills to ensure they fit your project’s needs. From core Kotlin expertise to Android development, backend experience, and problem-solving abilities, the right candidate should have a mix of hard and soft skills. By focusing on these key areas, you can find a skilled Kotlin developer who will contribute effectively to your project’s success.