Lead Software Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Centreville (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision

401K with company match

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to lead development of vision and perception software for UAS, USV, and defense applications. You will mentor peers, drive architecture decisions, and deliver robust algorithms for Nvidia Xavier/Orin platforms.

Work in AV’s LEAP group within MacCready Works, focusing on image/video processing and CI pipelines, with opportunities for field testing and customer-facing demonstrations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/CE/EE/Math/Physics or equivalent
• 8–12 years of software engineering experience
• Strong C/C++ skills and knowledge of data structures and OOP
• Experience with CMake and modern C++ build systems
• Python for tooling, scripting and prototyping
• Experience with Linux (Ubuntu/CentOS)
• Experience with unit testing and debugging
• Familiarity with Git and IDEs/debuggers
• Experience driving technical changes and collaborating with external developers/customers

Responsibilities

• Implement and optimize computer vision and perception algorithms in C++ for low-SWaP embedded processors
• Support testing and demonstrations of components and systems
• Develop documentation and technical reports for customers and stakeholders
• Create software design documentation per software process requirements
• Write and validate tests; adhere to coding standards
• Contribute to process improvements and project schedules
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance
• Collaborate with other software developers across programs

Skills

C++

CMake

Python

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics

Tools

Git

DDS

gRPC

Rust

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description NOTE: to qualify for this role, you must be a U.S. Citizen

Summary The Lead Software Engineer will be a strong individual contributor and technical leader in the Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group in AV’s MacCready Works division and oversee the development of a variety of innovative computer vision and related analytics for defense and commercial applications. As an experienced Software Engineer, they will also mentor more junior engineers. LEAP focuses on the development of innovative image/video processing and computer vision technologies for both user applications (to accelerate and automate tasks, reduce analyst cognitive load) and robotic systems (to provide perception capabilities, enable autonomy and complex behavior, etc.). This role is specifically centered around implementation of video processing and perception pipelines for low-SWaP processors (e.g., Nvidia Xavier/Orin) and integration into unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and maritime surface vessels (USV), including test and evaluation via benchtop testing and operationally relevant field experimentation.

Position Responsibilities

• Implements and optimizes computer vision and perception algorithms using C++, including build system configuration with CMake and targeting low-SWaP embedded processors
• Supports testing and demonstration of components and integrated systems
• Develops documentation, technical reports, and provides report inputs for presentation to customers and other stakeholders
• Creates software design documentation according to software process requirements and guidance from Senior Engineers
• Implements coding according to coding standards.
• Writes a unique test, and validates software according to the process.
• Contributes to process improvement efforts.
• Delivers work on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budget
• Supports and derives algorithm design from detailed software requirements
• Works closely with other software developers to design and reuse developed software to support different programs
• Operates in a continuous learning environment under moderate supervision.
• Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
• Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Builds productive internal/external working relationships
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 8-12 years of relevant experience in software engineering or related field
• Strong software engineering skills with proficiency in C/C++ (primary), including a sound understanding of common data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming, and development workflows
• Experience with CMake and modern C++ build systems
• Experience with Python for tooling, scripting, and prototyping (secondary)
• Experience with Ubuntu and/or CentOS Linux operating systems
• Experience with writing unit tests and debugging code
• Experience with DDS, gRPC, and Rust is preferred
• Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are required
• Demonstrated familiarity with source code configuration management tools, such as Git, as well as familiarity with IDEs and debuggers
• Experience driving technical changes and collaborating with external developers and customers

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Lead the design, implementation, documentation, and testing software using the Scrum Framework or other software engineering processes
• Demonstrates effective listening, questioning, clarifying and summarizing skills to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group settings
• Demonstrates understanding of system design that one is working on and understands the role that assigned tasks play in the system
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Understands or has familiarity with Machine Learning and Computer Vision concepts
• 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
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office environment (Constant). Required to stand and sit for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Must be willing to work on government contracts and be able to obtain a DoD security clearance; an active clearance is a plus
• Willingness to travel within the continental U.S. (Regularly / up to 40%)
• Willingness to obtain or already have an FAA Part 107 certification to operate small UAS
• Clearance Level No Clearance

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.

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. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

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.

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.

Careers at AeroVironment