Senior CNO Developer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Jessup (MD); On-site; USD 112,400 - 186,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company matching

Paid holiday shutdown

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

A top defense contractor is seeking a Senior CNO Developer to design and build critical software tools for computer network operations. This role involves extensive collaboration with engineering teams and a focus on developing secure, mission-critical capabilities. Candidates must have a strong background in low-level software development, experience with Python or C/C++, and an active TS/SCI clearance. The position offers a competitive salary range of $112,400 to $186,500 and excellent benefits including healthcare and a 401K plan.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of software engineering experience or 16+ years with a high school diploma.
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance required.
• Experience in developing CNO capabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop CNO capabilities, tools, and applications.
• Contribute across the software development lifecycle, including testing and debugging.
• Collaborate with engineers and mission partners to ensure performance and security.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Network programming

Socket-level development

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

High School diploma with relevant experience

Tools

Atlassian tools (JIRA, Confluence, Crucible)

Job description

**Worker Type**Regular**Job Description****Job Summary**The primary role of the **Senior CNO Developer** is to design and develop low-level software tools and capabilities in support of Computer Network Operations (CNO) missions. This role focuses on building, debugging, and maintaining mission-critical cyber capabilities through hands-on software development and reverse engineering. You’ll collaborate closely with engineers and analysts to deliver secure, high-impact solutions that directly support national security operations.**Position Responsibilities:*** Design and develop CNO capabilities, tools, and applications* Contribute independently across the full software development lifecycle, including design, documentation, testing, and debugging* Troubleshoot and debug complex, low-level software systems* Apply networking fundamentals including TCP/IP and socket-level programming* Collaborate with engineers, analysts, and mission partners to ensure system performance and security* Maintain high standards for software quality, testing, and documentation* Support secure coding practices across development efforts**Basic Qualifications:*** Bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as Computer Science or Computer Engineering with a minimum of 12 years of software engineering experience* OR High School diploma with a minimum of 16 years of relevant technical experience* Strong proficiency in Python or C/C++* Hands-on experience with network programming and socket-level development* Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and debug complex systems* An active TS/SCI with Polygraph**Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:*** Experience developing CNO capabilities or performing software reverse engineering* Familiarity with assembly-level concepts and low-level system behavior* Experience working with system internals across platforms such as Windows, Unix, mobile, or network devices* Understanding of unit testing practices and test automation* Familiarity with Atlassian tools such as JIRA, Confluence, or Crucible**Salary Range:** $112,400 – $186,500**Compensation & Benefits Notice**The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity, as well as alignment with market data.**Clearance Level**Top Secret with Poly**ITAR Requirement:***T**his 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: .We also encourage you to review our company website atPrincipals only need apply. NO agencies please.**Who We Are**Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.**What We Do**Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.*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**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.**