Sr. Software Engineer (Embedded)

Job description

**Worker Type**

Regular

**Job Description**

**Summary**

The Sr. Software Engineer (Embedded) has the opportunity to develop a variety of innovative unmanned and robotic systems for multiple defense and commercial applications.

The Embedded Software Engineer writes functional software for deployment on embedded devices and systems like aircraft and payloads and have the opportunity to test out those devices in flight test environments.

This requires the engineer to design, develop, code, test and debug system software as well as analyze and enhance efficiency, stability and scalability of the software on particular devices.

There is a mix of full lifecycle development as well as a need to use existing software code base to expand the capabilities to match specific program requirements.

**Position Responsibilities:**

+ Software development in support of AV’s vision-based navigation, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, and mission systems technology roadmap
+ Writes and tests onboard embedded Linux application software to support integration of sensors, processors, or other robotics systems into aircraft
+ Designs and implements software for prototypes and products using established AeroVironment and industry developed tools and practices.

Ensure good configuration control and management of software
+ Leads in writing of system requirements, system test plans, diagnostic tools, and in validation testing of software.

Assist with hardware selection and recommend processing, memory and storage needs of systems
+ Leads development of rapid prototyping and conceptual level testing and will require estimating time to develop software and scoping the depth of the development with project/program management to fit timeline and budget constraints
+ Works closely with other engineering disciplines to ensure completion of tasks and projects in a timely manner
+ Supports transition of development software to production environments and to certification.

Participates in multi-disciplinary development teams
+ Develops proof of concept capability demonstrations.

Conducts and supports design reviews
+ Follows AV's software development process to develop quality code
+ Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of identifiable factors.
+ Other duties as assigned

**Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):**

+ A BS degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
+ Minimum 8 - 12 years of experience years of relevant experience in embedded Linux systems or GPUs
+ Familiar with OOP software design patterns, SDLC, and STLC
+ Experienced trouble-shooting systems is required and is proficient with Python, C, C++11/17, and STL
+ Demonstrated knowledge of VS Code or similar IDE as well as defect tracking tools
+ Experienced working with common protocols such as TCP, UDP, RS-485, RS-232, CAN, I2C, SPI, USB
+ Experienced writing unit tests and automated testing frameworks
+ Experienced with Agile software development methodologies and tools
+ Demonstrated familiarity with source control tools such as Git and cloud-based CI/CD tools
+ Experienced in configuring, developing, and deploying software within containerized environments
+ Periodic travel will likely be required in support of testing equipment at approved flying locations
+ Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays and in field test environments

**Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:**

+ Demonstrates competency in contributing to the design, coding, documenting and testing software
+ Experience with computer vision and machine learning on embedded systems
+ Experience with UAS, drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other embedded systems
+ Familiar with real-time controls, especially advanced estimations techniques
+ Experience developing within the Robot Operating System (ROS2) framework on Linux/ARM
+ Familiar with the FACE technical standard and UoC development
+ Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills
+ Understanding of the design of the system that one is working on and understand the role that assigned tasks play in the system
+ Demonstrates competency in researching and re-engineering to propose alternate solutions to issues
+ Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
+ 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 driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
+ Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
+ Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

**Physical Demands:**

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

**Special Requirements:**

+ **_U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or_** _asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required._
+ **O** ccasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

The salary range for this role is:

$118,107 - $167,475

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:**

_T_ _his 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.

**Who We Are**

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.

Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years.

Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

**What We Do**

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.

Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

_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.

Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

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

**Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)**

Required Skill Profession

Other General