Embedded Software Engineer III

avav; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 102,708 - 156,546; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking an experienced Software Engineer III (Embedded) in Huntsville, AL to develop software for unmanned systems and defense applications.

You will write, test, and extend embedded software for aircraft and payloads, supporting hardware, flight tests, and full lifecycle development. You will work with STM32 processors and RTOS, participate in design reviews, and help optimize performance across devices, sensors, and embedded processors.

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in a technical field; equivalent combinations accepted.
• 5–8 years of relevant embedded software experience.
• Proficiency in Python, C, C++11, C++ STL, and/or OpenCL.

Responsibilities

• Write and test software for integration of sensors and embedded processors in aircraft and robotic systems.
• Develop software for prototypes and products with established tools, ensuring configuration control.
• Support hardware selection and validate software through tests and flight environments.
• Provide development updates and milestone estimates to track progress on schedule.
• Collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams and transition software to production and certification.

Skills

Python

C

C++11

C++ STL

OpenCL

Troubleshooting complex systems

Education

B.S. degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

STM32 family processors

RTOS (FreeRTOS, µC/OS)

Video4Linux

Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Linux drivers (ARM)

ROS

ArduPilot/PX4 autopilots

Job description

Job Description

Software Engineer III (Embedded)

The Software Engineer III (Embedded) develops innovative unmanned and robotic systems for defense and commercial applications. The embedded software engineer writes functional software for deployment on embedded devices and systems such as aircraft and payloads, tests these devices in flight test environments, and designs, develops, codes, tests, and debugs system software. The role includes analyzing and enhancing the efficiency, stability, and scalability of software on specific devices, and it incorporates full lifecycle development while extending existing code to meet program requirements.

Position Responsibilities

• Writes and tests software to support integration of sensors and embedded processors into aircraft (such as autopilots, payloads, software‑defined radios, or other functional components) or other robotic systems.
• Designs and implements software for prototypes and products using established AeroVironment and industry–developed tools and practices, ensuring good configuration control and management of software.
• Assists in writing system requirements, system test plans, diagnostic tools, and in validation testing of software; assists with hardware selection and recommends processing, memory, and storage needs of systems.
• Supports rapid prototyping and conceptual level testing, estimating development time and scoping depth with project and program management to fit timelines and budget constraints.
• Provides development updates and milestone estimates to track progress and ensure project requirements are met on schedule.
• Troubleshoots complex systems from a software perspective with hardware diagnostics; supports flight test operations.
• Supports transition of development software to production environments and certification; participates in multi‑disciplinary development teams.
• Develops proof‑of‑concept capability demonstrations and conducts and supports design reviews.
• Works on complex issues requiring in‑depth knowledge of variable factors, exercising judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• A B.S. degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field is required, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 5 to 8 years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in troubleshooting complex systems and proficiency with Python, C, C++11, C++ STL, and/or OpenCL.
• Knowledge of Visual Studio, Eclipse, or similar IDEs and defect‑tracking tools.
• Experience with common protocols such as RS‑485, RS‑232, CAN, I²C, SPI, and USB.
• Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are required.
• Travel will likely be required in support of testing equipment and customer field support at approved flying locations.
• Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends, and some holidays, and may involve field test environments.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Experience with STM32 family processors and RTOS systems (µC/OS, FreeRTOS) on those processors is desired.
• Experience using Video4Linux, modifying, and compiling Ubuntu Linux Kernels is desired.
• Experience developing drivers for Linux/ARM and ROS is desired.
• Experience working with ArduPilot or PX4 open‑source autopilots is desired.
• Hands‑on design/build experience is desired; UAV or R/C aircraft or other lightweight miniature robotic systems.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrates strong listening, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing skills for effective communication in one‑on‑one and small group settings.
• Can 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 performance of oneself, others, and the company.
• Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one’s own interests.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and R&D 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).

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary

$102,708 - $156,546

Benefits

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

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 approved for an export license. Some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Employment Conditions

U.S. citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and obtain a security clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.