CNO Developer

AV; Jessup (MD); On-site; USD 125,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) with company matching

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AV in Jessup, Maryland, is seeking a CNO Developer who will design and develop low-level software tools supporting Computer Network Operations missions. Responsibilities include collaborating with teams to deliver secure, high-impact solutions that support national security.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or relevant experience, proficiency in Python or C/C++, and active TS/SCI clearance. AV offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, 401(k) matching, and flexible work schedules.

Qualifications

• 0+ years of software engineering experience required.
• Experience with network programming and socket-level development.
• An active TS/SCI with Polygraph is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop CNO capabilities, tools, and applications.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex low-level software systems.
• Collaborate with engineers and analysts for performance and security.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Network programming (TCP/IP)

Troubleshooting and debugging

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

High School diploma with relevant experience

Tools

Assembly-level concepts

Atlassian tools (JIRA, Confluence, Crucible)

Job description

Job Summary

The primary role of the CNO Developer is to design and develop low-level software tools and capabilities in support of Computer Network Operations (CNO) missions. This role focuses on building, debugging, and maintaining mission‑critical cyber capabilities through hands‑on software development and reverse engineering. You’ll collaborate closely with engineers and analysts to deliver secure, high‑impact solutions that directly support national security operations.

Worker Type

Regular

Position Responsibilities

• Design and develop CNO capabilities, tools, and applications.
• Contribute independently across the full software development lifecycle, including design, documentation, testing, and debugging.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex, low‑level software systems.
• Apply networking fundamentals including TCP/IP and socket‑level programming.
• Collaborate with engineers, analysts, and mission partners to ensure system performance and security.
• Maintain high standards for software quality, testing, and documentation.
• Support secure coding practices across development efforts.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as Computer Science or Computer Engineering with a minimum of 0 years of software engineering experience.
• OR High School diploma with a minimum of 4 years of relevant technical experience.
• Experience in Python or C/C++.
• Experience with network programming (TCP/IP) and socket‑level development.
• Experience troubleshooting and debugging complex systems.
• An active TS/SCI with Polygraph.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Experience developing CNO capabilities or performing software reverse engineering.
• Familiarity with assembly‑level concepts and low‑level system behavior.
• Experience working with system internals across platforms such as Windows, Unix, mobile, or network devices.
• Understanding of unit testing practices and test automation.
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools such as JIRA, Confluence, or Crucible.

Salary Range

$125,000 – $137,000. 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, and market data.

Clearance Level

Top Secret with Polygraph.

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”). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or be a person approved for an export license by the governing agency. Conditions for approval include the company’s ability to obtain an export license within a time frame consistent with business requirements. A U.S. person is defined as a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or a protected individual such as a refugee or asylee.

• Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown.

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. We have developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine‑launched reconnaissance drone, among other innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of UAS and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use our 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 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcome 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.