Sr. Principal Software Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 272,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead a team of developers in a fast-paced, Agile environment. You will oversee software life cycle, architecture, and testing for autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles, delivering high-impact solutions.

You will mentor engineers, drive design reviews, and ensure adherence to standards while collaborating across programs and management. This role requires deep expertise and strong leadership in embedded, real-time systems.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Computer Engineering, CS, EE, Math or Physics.
• 15+ years in Windows or Linux application software development.
• Experience with OO design and SDLC/STLC.
• Proficiency in C#, C++. C, or Python.
• Experience with Agile processes and unit testing.
• Familiarity with Git and CI/CD tooling.

Responsibilities

• Define software life cycle development process.
• Supervise software development for programs.
• Lead design reviews and document design outcomes.
• Ensure coding standards and on-time delivery.
• Mentor engineers and transfer knowledge.
• Work with multiple teams and report to senior management.

Skills

Object Oriented Design

C/C++

C#/.Net

Python

Agile methodologies

Unit testing

Leadership

Math/analysis

Education

Advanced degree in STEM

Master’s degree preferred

PhD preferred

Tools

Git

CI/CD tools

IDEs

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryAs a Principal Software Engineer, leads and mentors a talented group of software developers in a fast moving, collaborative Agile development environment. In this role, one oversees plans, design, development and testing of software systems or applications for software enhancements and new products to support autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles. As an expert in the field, one uses professional concepts in developing resolution to critical issues and broad design matters.Position ResponsibilitiesWorks on defining software life cycle development process and requirementsSupervises and oversees technical software development in support of programsPresents at and leads internal and external software design reviewsOversees creation of software design documentation according to software process requirementsContributes to process improvement efforts and ensures compliance with coding standardsEnsures team delivers work on-time according to agreed completion dates and within project schedule and budgetDerives software architecture and algorithm design from detailed software requirementsWorks closely with multiple teams of software developers and reports updates to senior managementOperates in a continuous learning environment and provides knowledge transfer and mentoring to less experienced engineersActs independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments.May supervise the activities of othersBasic Qualifications (Required Skill s & Experience)Advanced degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceMinimum 15+ years of relevant experience in Windows or Linux application software development. Object Oriented Design experience is requiredExperienced with formal and structured software lifecycle development processFamiliar with software design patterns, SDLC, and STLCExpertise in one of the following: C# .Net, C++, C, and/or PythonExperienced writing unit tests and debugging codeExperienced with Agile Software Development Process ManagementDemonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are requiredDemonstrated familiarity with source code configuration management tools such as Git as well as familiarity with CI/CD tools, IDEs and debuggersWillingness to travel locally (Occasionally)Other Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesM.S. or PhD is preferredExperience with computer vision and machine learning, especially on embedded systemsExperience with UAS, drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other embedded systemsFamiliar with real-time control systems, especially advanced estimation techniquesDemonstrates capacity as an innovator and subject matter in the fieldDemonstrates understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, database, and operating systems. A basic knowledge of networking is preferredDemonstrates leadership skills and sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutionsDemonstrates effective listening, questioning, clarifying and summarizing skills to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group settingsAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyHas effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skillsFocuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical DemandsAbility to work in an office environment (Frequent)Required to stand and sit for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$170,000 - $272,000AeroVironment 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, 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.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.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.ITARU.S. Citizenship required