Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Virginia Colony (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. is seeking a Lead Autonomy Robotics Engineer to join a collaborative engineering team advancing autonomous execution for AVs.

You will build algorithms and tools to enable robust autonomy across multiple UAV platforms, combining theory with real-world hardware validation. The role requires expertise in C/C++, Matlab/Python, and modern software practices, with occasional travel and ITAR considerations.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in a related field preferred, or equivalent.
• Strong background in robotics autonomy, planning, and control.
• Experience implementing state-of-the-art algorithms on real hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust autonomy algorithms for planning and control in dynamic environments.
• Lead design, testing and integration of automated robotics solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and coordinate team activities.
• Work on complex problems requiring deep systems knowledge.
• Engage in model-based design and simulation.

Skills

C/C++

Autonomy algorithms

System design

Leadership

Matlab/Python

UAS domain know-how

Education

MS or PhD in related field

Bachelor's in Math/CS/Engineering

Tools

Matlab

Python

Embedded systems toolchain

Linux

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The 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 Responsibilities

Focuses on delivering well architected, functionally complete, and rigorously tested research products.

• 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 industry
• GPS Denied technologies
• Target detection, classification, localization, and tracking (DCLT)
• Embedded systems architecture
• Sensor characterization and integration – EO, Camera, Radar, Acoustic, and/or Lidar
• UI/UX design for mobile operator platforms
• Modeling and simulation
• Software development and testing
• Mentors junior employees, as this provides personal fulfillment and growth for the parties involved, as well as providing cultural benefit for the company as a whole
• Works 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 assigned

Basic 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 experience
• Minimum of 8 - 12 years' relevant engineering experience
• Experienced implementing state-of-the-art (SOTA) algorithms on real hardware.
• Bonus: implementation on low size, weight, and power (SWAP) devices
• Demonstrated ability to get all the pieces of a complex system functioning together towards a common purpose; e.g. strong system design and test background
• Solid software engineering skills with focus on modularity, portability, and testability
• Experienced with C/C++ required.
• Modern standards (11, 14, 17+) preferred
• Deep familiarity with one or more of the following technology areas (bonus points for UAS applications): GPS denied systems and requirements
• Path planning and trajectory generation
• Multi-vehicle coordination
• Uncertainty quantification/estimation
• Computer vision: scene segmentation, feature extraction, template matching, image descriptors, object detection and localization
• Advanced control methodologies: robust adaptive control, optimal control with dynamic programming, model predictive control (MPC)
• Experimental design and interpretation of results
• Some intrastate travel and other travel within the Continental U.S. may be required (up to 30%)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• MS or PhD in related field is highly preferred
• Experienced with Matlab and/or Python preferred
• Proficiency with office software and computer-based productivity tools
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Is a team player and collaborates effectively
• Able to 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 and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

Physical Demands

Ability 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 Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required. Presently holds or capable of obtaining a U.S. Security Clearance Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $151,000 - $230,250

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

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K with company matching
• 9/80 work schedule
• Paid holiday shutdown

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.

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.