Position Responsibilities

• Works within a defined software life cycle development process
• Understands system-level requirements and autonomy concepts; participates in software and algorithm design reviews
• Creates software and algorithm design documentation in accordance with software process requirements and guidance from Senior Engineers
• Implements autonomy-related software components according to coding standards; writes unit tests and validates software according to the defined process
• Contributes to process improvement efforts related to autonomy software development and testing
• Delivers work on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budget
• Supports the development of autonomy algorithms derived from detailed software and system requirements (e.g., control, decision logic, state machines, planning, or perception-adjacent logic)
• Works closely with cross-functional teams—including systems, controls, perception, and UI engineers—to integrate autonomy software across multiple programs
• Supports reuse of autonomy-related software components across different platforms and products
• Operates in a continuous learning environment under moderate supervision; provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable technical and operational factors
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum 5 - 8 years of relevant experience in Linux application software development. Object Oriented Design experience is required.
• Expertise in C, and Matlab or other robotic simulation environments.
• Experience with Git or similar source control system.
• Experienced writing unit tests and debugging code.
• Experience developing or integrating autonomy-related algorithms, such as control logic, state machines, behavior trees, and/or decision management techniques.
• Works well in a small team.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Experience with RTI or other DDS based middlewares.
• Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are required.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN) in production environments, including professional practices such as commit hygiene, branch management, and collaborative workflows.
• Experience with underwater robotics, autonomous systems, UAS, or related domains is strongly preferred.
• Experience with, or use of, AI in autonomous system mission management and execution.
• Experience in/exposure to underwater perception, or perception in general.
• Experience with simulation, testing, or validation of autonomous behaviors.
• Experienced with formal and structured lifecycle development process.
• Experienced with Agile Software Development Process Management.
• Demonstrates understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, databases, and operating systems; basic knowledge of networking is preferred.
• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for solving autonomy-related software problems.
• Demonstrates effective listening, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing skills to communicate effectively in one-on-one and small group settings.
• Demonstrates understanding of the overall system design and how assigned autonomy-related tasks contribute to system behavior.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of responsibilities.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and continuously improving individual and team performance.
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above ones own interests.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
• Required to stand and sit for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

 

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If youre ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required