Senior Principal Software Engineer

AV; Virginia; On-site; USD 155,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

AV is seeking a Sr. Principal Software Engineer to develop software for advanced robotic platforms and to drive the Kinesis software ecosystem. You will lead technical direction, design SDKs, and work across Android, Linux, and Windows environments.

The role demands hands-on hardware experience, ownership, and the ability to mentor engineers while delivering high-quality, on-time features for challenging robotic applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience with 15+ years in relevant roles.
• Strong fluency in modern C++, maintainable software architecture and modular design.
• Experience evaluating design tradeoffs and translating to system requirements.
• Hands-on knowledge of build systems (CMake or equivalent).
• Experience developing software for mechatronic or hardware-integrated systems.
• Ability to engage with technical and non-technical customers.
• Willingness to travel locally (Occasionally).

Responsibilities

• Software development supporting vision-based navigation and autonomy.
• Drive technical direction and architectural decisions across the Kinesis ecosystem.
• Design, implement, and integrate systems in C++ and Kotlin.
• Develop cross-platform applications for Android, Linux, and Windows.
• Design SDK interfaces for internal/external integration.
• Lead customer programs technically.
• Perform hands-on field testing with robots.
• Deliver work on time per project schedule and budget.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

Modern C++

Software architecture

Modular design

Customer engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, CS, EE, Math, or Physics

Tools

CMake

Docker

GitLab

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

As aSr. PrincipalSoftwareEngineer at AV, you’ll developsoftware to controladvancedrobotic platforms from AVandindustry leadersincludingBoston Dynamics, Red Cat, FLIR,Skydio, QinetiQ, Parrot, and more. You’ll play a key role in developing Kinesis, our flagship software ecosystem that enablesusers tocollaborativelycontrola diverse set ofrobots.

This role is ideal for engineers who take ownership, enjoy working hands-on with hardware, and bring structure and clarity to complex systems.You’ll betrustedto move quickly, make sound decisions, and continuously improveour product and execution.

Position Responsibilities

• Software development in support of AV’s vision-based navigation, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, and mission systems technology roadmap.
• Drive technical direction and architectural decisions across the Kinesis ecosystem.
• Design,implement, and integratesystemsin C++ and Kotlin.
• Developcross-platformapplicationsforAndroid, Linux, and Windowsto control robotic platforms.
• DesignSDK interfaces for internal and external integration with AV systems.
• Serve as a technical lead for customer programs.
• Performhands-onfieldtestingwith robots to validate new features.
• 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 multiple teams of software developers reusing developed software to support different programs.
• Operates in a continuous learning environment and provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
• Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles.
• Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments.
• Occasional travelforcustomer or testing events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience with 15+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong fluency in modern C++, maintainable software architecture, and modular system design
• Experience evaluating product design tradeoffs and translating them into clear system requirements
• Hands‑on knowledge of CMake or similar build systems
• Experience developing software for mechatronic or hardware‑integrated systems
• Knowledge of computer networking topologies, protocols, and principles
• Familiarity with safety critical software concepts such as determinism and real‑time systems
• Self‑directed engineer who takes ownership and brings structure to complex systems
• Ability to engage directly with technical and non‑technical customers
• Ability to leverage AI tooling to improve engineering productivity and code quality
• Experience tasking and mentoring small engineering teams
• Ability to obtain a US DoD Secret clearance if required
• Willingness to travel locally (Occasionally)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree is preferred
• Experience with UAS, drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other embedded systems
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Gitlab or similar)
• Android/Linux application development experience
• Experience with Docker
• Experience with FastDDS, gRPC, MQTT, or similar networking protocols
• Experience designing and delivering APIs and SDKs to third‑party developers
• Demonstrates leadership skills andsound judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions
• Demonstrateseffective listening, questioning, clarifying and summarizing skills to effectively communicate in one‑on‑one and small group settings
• Demonstrates understanding of system designthat one isworking 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
• 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 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. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) orasylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$154,500 - $278,000

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, and flexible work schedule options. Depending on your business unit, role, and customer contract requirements, select programs may offer a 9/80 work schedule and 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.

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.

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. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.