Senior Robotics Software Architect

AeroVironment; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to advance the Kinesis software ecosystem that powers vision-based navigation, autonomy, and robotics across multiple platforms. You will own software architecture, mentor engineers, and work hands-on with hardware to deliver robust, scalable solutions.

The role requires deep C++ and Kotlin expertise, cross‑platform development for Android/Linux/Windows, and a track record of leading complex projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, CS, EE, Math or Physics with 12+ years experience.
• Strong fluency in modern C++, maintainable software architecture and modular design.
• Experience translating design tradeoffs into system requirements.
• Hands-on with CMake or similar build systems.
• Experience with hardware-integrated software and mechatronics.
• Knowledge of networking topologies, protocols and safety-critical software concepts.
• Self-directed engineer who mentors others and engages with customers.
• Ability to obtain US DoD Secret clearance if required.
• Willingness to travel locally occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Software development for vision-based navigation, autonomy, and mission systems.
• Drive technical direction and architectural decisions across Kinesis.
• Design, implement and integrate systems in C++ and Kotlin.
• Develop cross-platform apps for Android, Linux, and Windows.
• Create SDK interfaces for AV integrations with internal and external developers.
• Serve as a technical lead for customer programs.
• Hands-on field testing with robots to validate new features.
• Deliver on time per project schedule and budget.
• Support algorithm design from detailed software requirements.
• Collaborate with multiple software teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Operate in a learning environment and provide guidance.
• Travel locally for customer or testing events.

Skills

Modern C++

Software architecture

Modular design

AI tooling usage

Team mentoring

Kotlin

CMake

Docker

CI/CD (GitLab)

Android

Linux

gRPC

FastDDS

Education

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

12+ years of relevant experience

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

CMake

GitLab / CI/CD

Docker

Kotlin

Android

Linux

gRPC

FastDDS

Job description

AeroVironment is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to advance the Kinesis software ecosystem that powers vision-based navigation, autonomy, and robotics across multiple platforms. You will own software architecture, mentor engineers, and work hands-on with hardware to deliver robust, scalable solutions.

The role requires deep C++ and Kotlin expertise, cross‑platform development for Android/Linux/Windows, and a track record of leading complex projects.