Software Engineer

short-duration (one-week) fail-fast experiments to validate feasibility + Lead development of proof-of-concept solutions within six-week timelines, ensuring weekly demonstrable milestones + Provide accurate time, scope, and resource estimates to maintain mission schedules + Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate successful prototypes into operational environments + Plan and support replatforming, rearchitecting, and refactoring of monolithic applications into cloud-native solutions + Apply secure authentication, authorization, and PKI principles within modernized architectures + Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and propose innovative mission-aligned solutions Basic Qualifications + Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience + Minimum 14 years of relevant experience in software engineering, modernization, or solution architecture + Strong proficiency in Java, Python, and JavaScript (ReactJS) + Experience with AWS services including EC2 and S3 + Hands-on experience with REST-based services and modern API development + Experience with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes + Strong understanding of authentication and authorization frameworks including OAuth2 and OpenID Connect + Experience working with PKI and certificate management + Experience working in Agile development environments + Active TS/SCI with Polygraph Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies + Experience conducting modernization trade studies and architectural assessments + Experience with graph databases such as Amazon Neptune or Neo4j + Familiarity with AI/ML tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Hugging Face + Experience with identity and access management platforms such as Keycloak + Experience with CI/CD tools including Jenkins, GitLab CI, or GitHub Actions + Familiarity with build tools such as Maven + Experience designing scalable, cloud-native architectures for mission systems + Ability to interpret ambiguity and translate high-level needs into technical solutions + Comfortable guiding junior developers and organizing tasking within collaborative teams + Experience working in fast-paced, evolving mission environments Salary Range: $185,000 - $215,000 The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data. This is a pipeline requisition posted in advance of approved headcount for future hiring needs. Note

Our team is always interested in speaking with exceptional candidates though please note this is a Pipeline posting with more of an eye towards our future needs rather than necessarily being an immediate hire. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. **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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A "U.S. person" according to their 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 **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)**