Software System Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 102,000 - 255,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Software Systems Engineer to blend software development, Linux systems administration, and RF-focused integration for mission-critical environments.

The role combines independent work and technical leadership, guiding junior developers and supporting RF systems and infrastructure. The position emphasizes reliability, security, and end-to-end solution operations, with strong emphasis on C/C++, Python and systemd‑based Linux environments.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• 10+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience applying DevOps concepts and tools to automate repetitive tasks, manage infrastructure as code, and ensure baseline consistency across multiple environments.
• Strong hands‑on experience installing, configuring, securing, deploying, managing, monitoring, and maintaining complex hardware and software products across multiple environments (development, test, production).
• Strong Linux skills, especially on Debian or other systemd‑based distributions, in both GUI-less and constrained environments.
• Thorough knowledge of TCP/IP networking, routing, and common network services.
• Experience supporting, installing, and configuring enclave Ethernet switches, SAN, and NAS.
• Experience with virtualization and hypervisors such as VMware ESXi and vCenter.
• Experience with KVM and related Linux virtualization technologies.
• Experience with Docker or equivalent containerization platforms.
• Experience managing and monitoring systems using tools such as Nagios.
• Experience with VPN technologies, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and/or Openswan, including secure configuration and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with cellular modems on Linux platforms (configuration, troubleshooting, and integration into broader networking architectures).
• Proven ability to work independently and effectively in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven, and security‑conscious environment.
• Strong documentation skills and ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction and guidance to junior developers across multiple projects.
• Reverse engineer existing software to enable modification, enhancement, and integration of new functionality.
• Perform modeling and design activities using CASE tools.
• Develop and maintain complex, non-trivial applications using C, C++, Rust, Python, Bash.
• Develop software applications and automation for Debian or other systemd‑based Linux distributions, including advanced automation programs, system drivers, data processing scripts, and RF‑related utilities.
• Perform rapid software design and development in a Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) environment to meet operational needs on short timelines.
• Solve varied software‑related problems; design, develop, test, and deploy software on security‑sensitive / air‑gapped / cautious systems.
• Review software designs and implementations for accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness with respect to objectives, budget, schedule, and security best practices.

Skills

DevOps concepts

Linux administration

Networking TCP/IP

Python

C/C++

Docker

VMware ESXi/vCenter

KVM virtualization

Security best practices

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant technical field

Tools

Nagios

Docker

KVM

VMware ESXi

OpenVPN

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description We are seeking a Software Systems Engineer (SSE) for a unique, multi-disciplinary role that blends software development, Linux systems administration, systems engineering, and heavy RF-focused integration. The ideal candidate is a senior-level engineer who can design and develop complex software, administer and secure Linux-based systems, and support end‑to‑end solution operations in demanding, mission‑focused environments. You will work independently and as a technical leader, providing direction to junior developers, supporting critical RF systems and associated infrastructure, and ensuring the reliability, availability, and security of operational solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Software Engineering Provide technical direction and guidance to junior developers across multiple projects.
• Reverse engineer existing software to enable modification, enhancement, and integration of new functionality.
• Perform modeling and design activities using Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools.
• Develop and maintain complex, non-trivial applications using one or more of the following languages: C, C++, Rust, Python, Bash.
• Develop software applications and automation for Debian or other systemd‑based Linux distributions, including advanced automation programs, system drivers, data processing scripts, and RF‑related utilities.
• Perform rapid software design and development in a Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) environment to meet operational needs on short timelines.
• Solve varied software-related problems; design, develop, test, and deploy software on security‑sensitive / air‑gapped / cautious systems.
• Review software designs and implementations for accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness with respect to objectives, budget, schedule, and security best practices.

Systems Engineering & Linux Systems Administration

Work independently to ensure reliability, availability, and security of the overall solution by proactively monitoring systems, troubleshooting, and resolving issues to maintain high availability and continuity of operations. Oversee, maintain, and administer day‑to‑day operation of Linux-based compute and network environments, including hardware, OS, and application stacks. Diagnose hardware and software problems, replace/repair defective components, and coordinate with vendors when needed. Provide first-level and advanced computer/network support to the team, ensuring maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Maintain configuration management and baseline control for development, test, pre‑production, and production environments. Operate and maintain the solution, including patching operating systems and COTS/FOSS/GOTS applications. Configure, manage, and maintain key solution components, including application servers, load balancers, databases, hypervisors, operating systems, RF‑related appliances, and support infrastructure. Deploy systems in lab environments; integrate with other systems, perform testing, validation, and support transition to production. Manage, track, and maintain configuration items, including licenses, SSL certificates, and hardware/software baselines. Support baseline deployments, upgrades, and updates to production, including installation and configuration of new software and hardware. Conduct regular security scans, analyze results, implement remediations, and validate fixes. Create, maintain, and implement detailed documentation (system designs, runbooks, SOPs, build/patch guides).

Monitoring, Networking & RF-Focused Support

Perform trend analysis on component failures, network/node outages, and system performance parameters; recommend and implement corrective actions. Implement and maintain monitoring and alerting (e.g., Nagios or similar) to ensure system health and performance. Support RF‑centric systems and applications, collaborating with RF engineers to integrate software, hardware, and network components into end‑to‑end solutions. Interact with software and hardware vendors to evaluate products and provide recommendations for hardware, software, and tooling purchases.

Required Qualifications

• An active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• 10+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered).
• Demonstrated experience applying DevOps concepts and tools to automate repetitive tasks, manage infrastructure as code, and ensure baseline consistency across multiple environments.
• Strong hands‑on experience installing, configuring, securing, deploying, managing, monitoring, and maintaining complex hardware and software products across multiple environments (development, test, production).
• Strong Linux skills, especially on Debian or other systemd‑based distributions, in both GUI‑less and constrained environments.
• Thorough knowledge of TCP/IP networking, routing, and common network services.
• Experience supporting, installing, and configuring enclave Ethernet switches, SAN, and NAS.
• Experience with virtualization and hypervisors such as VMware ESXi and vCenter.
• Experience with KVM and related Linux virtualization technologies.
• Experience with Docker or equivalent containerization platforms.
• Experience managing and monitoring systems using tools such as Nagios.
• Experience with VPN technologies, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and/or Openswan, including secure configuration and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with cellular modems on Linux platforms (configuration, troubleshooting, and integration into broader networking architectures).
• Proven ability to work independently and effectively in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven, and security‑conscious environment.
• Strong documentation skills and ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Desired / Preferred Qualifications

• Windows application or kernel programming experience (useful but not required).
• Experience working with RF systems, RF test equipment, and/or integrating software with RF hardware (radios, modems, SDRs, or EW/COMMS systems).
• Experience with infrastructure as code and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or similar).
• Experience in air‑gapped, tactical, or DoD/IC environments and with related cybersecurity controls and compliance requirements.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and modern software development practices.
• Prior experience providing technical leadership or mentoring junior engineers.

Salary Range

$102,000 - $255,000

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.

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.

ITAR 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. Careers at AeroVironment