Chief Engineer, Software

AeroVironment, Inc.; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 155,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Chief Engineer, Software to lead a team developing real-time, high-reliability software for uncrewed systems.

You will architect, design, and implement software for complex robotic platforms and aerospace systems, while guiding technical direction and software processes. With a strong background in C/C++, Java, Golang, or Python, you will mentor engineers, manage schedules, and drive software product roadmaps in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a technical field.
• 10+ years of software engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++, Java, Golang, and/or Python.
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL/MySQL).
• Experience with Linux (Ubuntu/CentOS) and software development workflows.

Responsibilities

• Designs, architectures, and implements software for complex robotic and aerospace systems.
• Leads technical development of software products, ensuring on-time delivery within schedule and budget.
• Develops software process documentation and coding standards; writes unit tests and debugging.
• Mentors engineers and collaborates with cross-functional teams to reuse software components.

Skills

C/C++

Java

Golang

Python

Data structures

Algorithms

OOP

Development workflows

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering/CS/EE/Math/Physics

Tools

SVN

Git

IDEs & debuggers

PostgreSQL

MySQL

Ubuntu/CentOS Linux

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Chief Engineer, Software uses one's expertise and experience to lead in the development of complex Software solutions. In this role, the Chief Software Engineer mentors, leads and manages a small team of dedicated engineers developing real-time, high-reliable software and networking solutions for uncrewed systems.Duties and ResponsibilitiesDesigns, architects, and implements software for complex robotic and aerospace systems.Leads the technical development of software products to ensure work is delivered on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budgetSupports the development of software product roadmapsSupports testing and demonstration of components and integrated systemsDevelops documentation, technical reports, and provides report inputs for presentation to customers and other stakeholdersCreates software design documentation according to software process requirementsSupports the development and improvement of software processes and coding standardsDevelops basis-of-estimates for software projects to support proposal effortsDelivers work on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budgetWorks closely with other software developers to design and reuse developed software to support different programsOperates in a continuous learning environment under minimal supervision. Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.Works on problems of complex scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factorsExercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Builds productive internal/external working relationshipsOther duties as assignedExperienceBachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceMinimum 10 years of relevant experience in software engineering or related field Strong software engineering skills with proficiency in C/C++, Java, Golang, and/or Python languages, including a sound understanding of common data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming, and development workflowsExperience with relational database systems such as PostgreSQL or MySQL a plusExperience with Ubuntu and/or CentOS Linux operating systemsExperienced writing unit tests and debugging codeAdditional RequirementsWith guidance from senior engineers, be able to contribute in the design, coding, documenting and testing software using the Scrum FrameworkDemonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are requiredDemonstrated familiarity with source code configuration management tools such as SVN and Git as well as familiarity with IDEs and debuggersDemonstrates effective listening, questioning, clarifying and summarizing skills to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group settingsDemonstrates understanding of system design that one is working on and understands the role that assigned tasks play in the systemAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyHas effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skillsFocuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical DemandsAbility 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)Special RequirementsU.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) required, per ITAR definitionWillingness to travel (Occasionally)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$154,500 - $247,250AeroVironment 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 you're 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.ITARU.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.