Software Engineer

AV; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company match

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment seeks a Software Engineer to develop software for autonomous robotic platforms, collaborating with teams to deliver features across vision, navigation, and control systems. You will design and implement cross‑platform applications, integrate SDKs, and perform on‑robot field testing while moving quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have strong C++ expertise, experience with hardware‑integrated systems, and a willingness to travel locally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong fluency in modern C++, maintainable software architecture and modular design.
• Hands-on experience with CMake or similar build systems.
• Experience developing software for mechatronic or hardware-integrated systems.
• Knowledge of computer networking topologies, protocols, and principles.
• Self-directed engineer who can own and structure complex systems.
• Ability to engage with technical and non-technical customers.
• Willingness to travel locally (Occasionally).
• Ability to obtain US DoD Secret clearance if required.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for AV’s vision-based navigation, autonomy, cooperation, and mission systems roadmap.
• Design, implement, and integrate systems in C++ and Kotlin.
• Develop cross-platform apps for Android, Linux, and Windows to control robotic platforms.
• Design SDK interfaces for internal and external integration.
• Perform hands-on field testing with robots to validate features.
• Deliver work on time per project schedule and budget.
• Support AI-driven tooling to improve engineering productivity.

Skills

Modern C++

Software architecture

Modular design

Build systems (CMake)

Mechatronics software

Networking concepts

Customer engagement

AI tooling for dev

DoD clearance ability

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering/computer science/electrical engineering/math/physics

Tools

CMake

Docker

CI/CD (GitLab)

Android/Linux app development

FastDDS/gRPC/MQTT networking

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

As aSoftwareEngineer 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.
• 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.
• 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 5+ 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
• 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
• Ability to obtain a US DoD Secret clearance if required
• Willingness to travel locally (Occasionally)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:

• Advanced degree is preferred
• Familiarity with safety critical software concepts such as determinism and real‑time systems
• 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. Citizenship is required.
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

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.