Software Engineer

The Software Engineer will support the design, development, testing, and integration of a software plugin capability within an established GitLab-based development environment. The position will contribute to C++ or other object-oriented software development, plugin implementation, automated testing, and integration with project hardware.

The Software Engineer will work under the technical direction of senior software personnel and assist with software builds, debugging, code reviews, documentation, and CI/CD activities. The role will support continued maturation of automated build, test, and deployment processes, including future integration with cloud-based CI/CD infrastructure.

Position Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, testing, and integration of software plugin capabilities.
• Develop and maintain software using C++ or other object-oriented programming languages.
• Implement and modify plugin components within an established software architecture.
• Support integration of software with project hardware and hardware-dependent interfaces.
• Develop and execute automated unit, integration, and regression tests.
• Assist with software builds, debugging, troubleshooting, and defect resolution.
• Participate in peer code reviews and maintain technical documentation.
• Work within established GitLab-based development and configuration-management workflows.
• Support development and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines for automated build, test, and deployment activities.
• Assist with continued maturation of automated development processes, including future integration with cloud-based CI/CD infrastructure.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a TS/SCI DOD Security clearance
• 0-2 years of software development experience; internships, academic projects, or research experience may qualify.
• Working knowledge of C++ or another object-oriented programming language.
• Understanding of object-oriented programming, data structures, software debugging, and basic software design principles.
• Familiarity with Git and GitLab, including source control, branching, commits, and merge requests.
• Ability to develop, test, debug, and document software components within an established development framework.
• Ability to work in Linux-based development environments and use common software development and debugging tools.
• Ability to collaborate with software, systems, hardware, and test engineering personnel., * Experience with C++17 or newer and modern C++ development practices.
• Familiarity with Python for scripting, test automation, or development support.
• Familiarity with GitLab CI/CD and automated build, test, and deployment pipelines.
• Experience with CMake or comparable software build systems.
• Exposure to plugin-based or modular software architectures.
• Ability to communicate well verbally and non-verbally.
• Familiarity with Docker, containerized development, or cloud-based development environments.
• Familiarity with Agile, DevSecOps, defense, aerospace, or modeling and simulation software development environments.

Physical Demands

• Travel required to domestic US sites - up to 10%.
• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment.
• Required to sit and stand for long periods (Frequent).
• Required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent).

Clearance Level

TS/SCI, 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, U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.

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.