Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 230,000; 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. seeks a Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer to advance robust autonomous execution across its unmanned platforms. You will build algorithms and tools for autonomous planning and control in challenging environments and multi-vehicle scenarios.

You will also contribute to sensors, embedded architecture, and simulation while mentoring junior engineers and guiding project milestones in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree in Mathematics, CS/Engineering or related field.
• 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience implementing state-of-the-art algorithms on real hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust autonomous algorithms for planning/control in dynamic environments.
• Contribute to sensor integration and embedded architecture.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead project efforts.

Skills

C/C++

Robotics autonomy algorithms

System design

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering or related field

MS or PhD in related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer has the opportunity to work with a highly collaborative team of engineers as they add robust autonomous execution to AeroVironment's diverse portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles. Robust autonomous execution is crucial to AV's continued success in the UAS marketplace. As a Senior Autonomy & Robotics engineer, one builds the algorithms and tools necessary to achieve this.Position ResponsibilitiesFocuses on delivering well architected, functionally complete, and rigorously tested research products.Contributes to core technology including:Development of robotic autonomy algorithms capable of making robust decisions for planning and control in uncertain, dynamic environments for single or multi-vehicle operations using state-of-the-art techniques from academia and industryGPS Denied technologiesTarget detection, classification, localization, and tracking (DCLT)Embedded systems architectureSensor characterization and integration – EO, Camera, Radar, Acoustic, and/or LidarUI/UX design for mobile operator platformsModeling and simulationSoftware development and testingMentors junior employees, as this provides personal fulfillment and growth for the parties involved, as well as providing cultural benefit for the company as a wholeWorks on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of variable factors.Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead)Other duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor's degree in Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceMinimum of 8 - 12 years' relevant engineering experienceExperienced implementing state-of-the-art (SOTA) algorithms on real hardware. Bonus: implementation on low size, weight, and power (SWAP) devicesDemonstrated ability to get all the pieces of a complex system functioning together towards a common purpose; e.g. strong system design and test backgroundSolid software engineering skills with focus on modularity, portability, and testabilityExperienced with C/C++ required. Modern standards (11, 14, 17+) preferredDeep familiarity with one or more of the following technology areas (bonus points for UAS applications):GPS denied systems and requirementsPath planning and trajectory generationMulti-vehicle coordinationUncertainty quantification/estimationComputer vision: scene segmentation, feature extraction, template matching, image descriptors, object detection and localizationAdvanced control methodologies: robust adaptive control, optimal control with dynamic programming, model predictive control (MPC)Experimental design and interpretation of resultsSome intrastate travel and other travel within the Continental U.S. may be required (up to 30%)Other Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesMS or PhD in related field is highly preferredExperienced with Matlab and/or Python preferredProficiency with office software and computer-based productivity toolsDemonstrates strong verbal and written communication skillsDemonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and leadership skillsIs a team player and collaborates effectivelyAble 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 companyPhysical DemandsAbility to work in an office 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)Special RequirementsU.S. Citizenship required. Presently holds or capable of obtaining a U.S. Security ClearanceOccasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$151,000 - $230,250AeroVironment 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. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.