Sr. Principal Software Engineer (Embedded)

AV; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 208,425; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AV in Moorpark, California, is hiring a Principal Software Engineer (Embedded) to lead the development of innovative unmanned and robotic systems. This role involves writing and testing software for integration into systems like aircraft and requires a minimum of 12-15 years of experience, strong proficiency in multiple languages, and leadership in software development projects. A competitive salary range of $147,000 to $208,425 is offered along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12–15 years of relevant experience.
• Experienced troubleshooting systems and proficient with several programming languages.
• Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Writes and tests software for aircraft integration.
• Designs software using industry tools.
• Leads system requirements and test plan writing.

Skills

Python

C

C++11

C++ STL

OpenCL

Visual Studio

Eclipse

RS-485

RS-232

CAN

I2C

SPI

USB

Education

BS in Computer Science/Engineering or related field

Advanced degree

Tools

JIRA

SVN

Bitbucket

GitLab

Job description

Job Description

The Principal Software Engineer (Embedded) has the opportunity to lead and develop a variety of innovative unmanned and robotic systems for multiple defense and commercial applications. The Embedded Software Engineer writes functional software for deployment on embedded devices and systems like aircraft and payloads and has the opportunity to test those devices in flight test environments. This role requires designing, developing, coding, testing and debugging system software as well as analyzing and enhancing efficiency, stability and scalability on particular devices. The work includes full life‑cycle development as well as expanding existing software code bases to meet specific 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 tools and practices. Ensures good configuration control and management of software.
• Leads the writing of system requirements, system test plans, diagnostic tools, and validation testing of software. Assists with hardware selection and recommends processing, memory and storage needs of systems.
• Leads development of rapid prototyping and conceptual level testing and estimates time to develop software and scopes the depth of development with project/program management to fit timeline and budget constraints.
• Works closely with other engineering disciplines. Focuses on getting the job done.
• Leads and supports transition of development software to production environments and to certification. Participates in multidisciplinary development teams.
• Develops proof‑of‑concept capability demonstrations and conducts and supports design reviews.
• Contributes to AV's software development process in producing quality code.
• Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of intangibles.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• A BS 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 12–15 years of relevant experience.
• Experienced troubleshooting systems and proficient with Python, C, C++11, C++ STL and/or OpenCL.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Visual Studio, Eclipse or similar IDE as well as defect‑tracking tools.
• Experienced working with common protocols such as RS‑485, RS‑232, CAN, I2C, SPI, USB.
• Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are required.
• Periodic travel likely required to support testing equipment at approved flying locations.
• Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays in field‑test environments.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Demonstrates competency in contributing to the design, coding, documenting and testing software.
• Experience with Test‑Driven Development (TDD) and unit testing.
• Understanding of automated build environments and automated test and deployment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of object‑oriented programming and multi‑threaded design; familiarity with JIRA and source‑code control tools such as SVN, Bitbucket or GitLab.
• Experience with STM32 family of processors and working with RTOS systems such as µC/OS, FreeRTOS on those processors.
• Experience using Video 4 Linux and modifying and compiling Embedded Linux systems.
• Experience developing drivers for Linux/ARM; familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS) is a plus.
• Demonstrates electronics knowledge and use of lab equipment.
• Demonstrates strong leadership, interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Understanding of the design of the system one is working on and the role that assigned tasks play in the system.
• Demonstrates competency in researching and re‑engineering to propose alternate solutions to issues.
• Excels 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.
• 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

• Work in an office and R&D environment (constant).
• Stand and sit for long periods; talk, hear and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent).

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary Range

$147,000 - $208,425

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 Requirement

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and has the ability to obtain a security clearance. Some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements (Section 120.15).