Computer Scientist

AeroVironment, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 125,000 - 219,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in the United States seeks a Computer Scientist to lead and execute advanced testing for mission-critical software and hardware systems. You will oversee deployment, validate configurations, and provide backup system administration to sustain operations.

The role requires a strong background in hardware/software testing, firmware updates, scripting, and clear communication with cross-functional teams. TS/SCI with polygraph is required for this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of relevant, progressive experience in hardware and software testing; or 2 years of experience with a Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated experience with updating firmware, validating configuration data, and analyzing complex systems.
• Experience in system and network administration and ability to serve in a backup support capacity.
• Proven track record automating tasks with scripting languages (JavaScript, Python, C#).
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Experience working in and supporting secure, networked environments.
• An active TS/SCI with polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Test hardware capabilities and document performance for networked systems; identify and report hardware restrictions.
• Assist with updating and maintaining firmware for fielded and developmental hardware platforms.
• Validate configuration information and ensure accurate integration across software, hardware, and networked systems.
• Serve as a backup to system administrators, supporting basic administration and troubleshooting needs.
• Analyze and advise on hardware and software restrictions to optimize network integration and operational effectiveness.
• Conduct thorough software testing, replicate field issues in lab settings, and document results.
• Report identified software bugs to development teams, and support bug resolution efforts.
• Use operational support tools such as PROTOSS for diagnostics and reporting.
• Perform installations and troubleshooting on various HW platforms and across multiple projects.
• Automate repetitive or time-consuming testing and configuration tasks through scripting (JavaScript, Python, C#).
• Create and maintain robust documentation of testing practices, procedures, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Hardware testing

Software testing

Backup system administration

Scripting (JavaScript, Python, C#)

Firmware updates

Networking knowledge

Documentation

Analytical skills

Security clearance TS/SCI with polylog

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

10+ years hardware/software testing experience or 2 years with Master

Tools

PROTOSS

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description

The Computer Scientist plays a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and advancement of mission‑critical software and hardware systems. This position is responsible for leading and executing sophisticated testing protocols, overseeing seamless deployment activities, and driving the operational sustainment of complex technical assets. In this role, you will provide expert support across both hardware and software initiatives, conduct rigorous configuration validation to ensure system integrity, and deliver essential backup system administration to maintain continuous operational capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Test hardware capabilities and document performance for networked systems; identify and report hardware restrictions impacting system operations.
• Assist with updating and maintaining firmware for fielded and developmental hardware platforms.
• Validate configuration information and ensure accurate integration across software, hardware, and networked systems.
• Serve as a backup to system administrators, supporting basic administration and troubleshooting needs.
• Analyze and advise on hardware and software restrictions to optimize network integration and operational effectiveness.
• Conduct thorough software testing, replicate field issues in lab settings, and document results.
• Report identified software bugs to development teams, and support bug resolution efforts.
• Use operational support tools such as PROTOSS for diagnostics and reporting.
• Perform installations and troubleshooting on various HW platforms and across multiple projects.
• Automate repetitive or time‑consuming testing and configuration tasks through scripting (JavaScript, Python, C#).
• Create and maintain robust documentation of testing practices, procedures, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant, progressive experience in hardware and software testing; or 2 years of experience with a Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated experience with updating firmware, validating configuration data, and analyzing complex systems.
• Experience in system and network administration and ability to serve in a backup support capacity.
• Proven track record automating tasks with scripting languages (JavaScript, Python, C#).
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Experience working in and supporting secure, networked environments.
• An active TS/SCI with polygraph.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $125,000 - $219,000

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.

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.

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.

Employment Equality

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 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.