Senior Software Engineer

InvestedintheMission; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,500 - 142,275; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a software engineer to contribute to market-released products in an agile environment. The role emphasizes customer-first delivery and hands-on work with CUAS systems in mission-critical applications.

You will cross-train with the lead software developer and collaborate with other engineers to understand system requirements and the capability roadmap. The candidate should bring strong C/C++ skills (and Python), substantial Linux experience, and a track record in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related is required or equivalent
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in C++ application development

Responsibilities

• Designs, modifies, develops, writes, and implements software applications
• Supports maintenance of existing software applications
• Supports debug and diagnostics of deployed software systems
• Participates in the testing process through review, witness and certification of software
• Interacts with business development and customer success teams to support deployed systems and develop new capabilities
• Demonstrates expert programming ability with C/C++ or Python and ability to troubleshoot complex systems
• Proficiency with Linux

Skills

C/C++

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/CE or related

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in market-released products, demonstrating skills in an agile software environment. A customer-first approach is central to this role, directly supporting the ongoing development of complex CUAS systems in mission-critical applications. The candidate will cross-train with our lead software developer, as well as work alongside other software engineers to ensure a deep understanding of system requirements and capability roadmap.

Summary

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in market-released products, demonstrating skills in an agile software environment. A customer-first approach is central to this role, directly supporting the ongoing development of complex CUAS systems in mission-critical applications. The candidate will cross-train with our lead software developer, as well as work alongside other software engineers to ensure a deep understanding of system requirements and capability roadmap.

Position Responsibilities

• Designs, modifies, develops, writes, and implements software applications
• Supports maintenance of existing software applications
• Supports debug and diagnostics of deployed software systems
• Participates in the testing process through test review and analysis, test witnessing and certification of software; tests, analyzes, and debugs software applications
• Frequently interacts business development and customer success teams to support deployed systems and development new capabilities
• Other duties as assigned
• Demonstrated expert programming ability with C/C++ or Python required
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex systems
• Proficiency with Linux

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in C++ application development

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Experience with data acquisition or embedded sensor system is desired
• Experience working with digital RF systems including Software Defined Radio is desired
• Experience working with highly threaded code bases is desired
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared vision
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
• Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity
• Skilled at identifying, communicating, and mitigating technical risks and issues
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results

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) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

No Clearance

$100,500 - $142,275

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

• medical
• dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• a 9/80 work schedule
• a paid holiday shutdown

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.

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.