Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer at AV, you’ll develop software to control advanced robotic platforms from AV and industry leaders including Boston Dynamics, Red Cat, FLIR, Skydio, QinetiQ, Parrot, and more. You’ll play a key role in developing Kinesis, our flagship software ecosystem that enables users to collaboratively control a diverse set of robots.

This role is ideal for engineers who take ownership, enjoy working hands-on with hardware, and bring structure and clarity to complex systems. You’ll be trusted to move quickly, make sound decisions, and continuously improve our product and execution.

Position Responsibilities:

• Software development in support of AV’s vision-based navigation, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, and mission systems technology roadmap.
• Design, implement, and integrate systems in C++ and Kotlin.
• Develop cross-platform applications for Android, Linux, and Windows to control robotic platforms.
• Design SDK interfaces for internal and external integration with AV systems.
• Perform hands-on field testing with robots to validate new features.
• Delivers work on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budget.
• Supports and derives algorithm design from detailed software requirements.
• Works closely with multiple teams of software developers reusing developed software to support different programs.
• Operates in a continuous learning environment and provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
• Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles.
• Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments.
• Occasional travel for customer or testing events.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong fluency in modern C++, maintainable software architecture, and modular system design
• Experience evaluating product design tradeoffs and translating them into clear system requirements
• Hands-on knowledge of CMake or similar build systems
• Experience developing software for mechatronic or hardware-integrated systems
• Knowledge of computer networking topologies, protocols, and principles
• Self-directed engineer who takes ownership and brings structure to complex systems
• Ability to engage directly with technical and non-technical customers
• Ability to leverage AI tooling to improve engineering productivity and code quality
• Ability to obtain a US DoD Secret clearance if required
• Willingness to travel locally (Occasionally), * Advanced degree is preferred
• Familiarity with safety critical software concepts such as determinism and real-time systems
• Experience with UAS, drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other embedded systems
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Gitlab or similar)
• Android/Linux application development experience
• Experience with Docker
• Experience with FastDDS, gRPC, MQTT, or similar networking protocols
• Experience designing and delivering APIs and SDKs to third-party developers
• Demonstrates leadership skills and sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions
• Demonstrates effective listening, questioning, clarifying and summarizing skills to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group settings
• Demonstrates understanding of system design that one is working on and understands the role that assigned tasks play in the system
• 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 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. Citizenship is required.
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

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.