Mission Systems Software Manager — Autonomy & Flight Software

AeroVironment, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Manager, Mission Systems Software to lead a large, multi-site software engineering team developing onboard mission systems for uncrewed aircraft.

You will shape strategy, manage budgets and programs, and partner with the Software Chief Engineer on technical direction. The role emphasizes scaling teams during rapid growth, hiring and mentoring engineers, and delivering flight-critical software through an integrated lifecycle with modern CI/CD and Linux

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of software engineering experience, with embedded/robotics or mission systems background.
• At least 4+ years in a management or technical lead role leading 15+ engineers.
• Experience delivering flight-critical or mission-critical software through full lifecycle.
• Proficient with modern development and CI/CD tooling (Git/GitLab, CI pipelines, containerization) and Linux environments.
• Willingness to travel within the Continental U.S.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large, multi-site team of software engineers, including budget planning, staffing, training, performance evaluation and career development.
• Attract and retain high-caliber staff and provide mentorship.
• Scale the team through rapid growth, driving hiring and onboarding.
• Shape the mission systems software roadmap and priorities with the Software Chief Engineer.
• Plan and direct software development projects across multiple programs.
• Operate in an Agile environment coordinating scope, scheduling, resourcing, and releases.
• Champion software quality through design reviews, testing, code coverage, and disciplined branching.
• Promote reuse of software across programs to reduce sustainment burden.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, GNC, hardware, test, and program teams to align software with system milestones.
• Interact with senior management and cross-functional peers.
• Establish budgets, schedules and work plans and ensure adherence.

Skills

Leadership

Software leadership

Embedded systems

CI/CD tooling

GitLab

Linux environments

Agile

Staffing

Travel readiness

Education

BS in CS/CE/EE or related

Advanced degree (desirable)

Tools

GitLab

Docker

Containerization

Job description

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Manager, Mission Systems Software to lead a large, multi-site software engineering team developing onboard mission systems for uncrewed aircraft.

You will shape strategy, manage budgets and programs, and partner with the Software Chief Engineer on technical direction. The role emphasizes scaling teams during rapid growth, hiring and mentoring engineers, and delivering flight-critical software through an integrated lifecycle with modern CI/CD and Linux