Sr. Staff Software Engineer (Applications)

avav; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 224,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in the San Diego area seeks a Sr. Staff Software Engineer (Applications) to lead planning, design, development, and testing of mission systems flight software for uncrewed aircraft.

You will mentor engineers, contribute across the stack from applications to BSP/firmware, and ensure high software quality within an Agile environment. Travel locally may be required.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in Linux application software development.
• Experience with SDLC/STLC and OOP design patterns.
• Proficient in Python, C, C++11/17 and STL.
• Familiar with VS Code and defect tracking tools.
• Unit tests, debugging, and formal lifecycle processes.
• Experience with Agile software development.
• Proficient in Git and cloud CI/CD tools.
• Willingness to travel locally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test onboard Linux application software for robotics and aircraft.
• Lead software design reviews and create documentation.
• Contribute across applications, BSP, and firmware as needed.
• Mentor engineers and drive technical excellence.
• Deliver work on time within schedule and budget.

Skills

Linux development

OOP patterns

Python

C

C++11/17

STL

VS Code

Git

CI/CD

Agile

Mathematics

Testing

ROS2

Education

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

Tools

ROS2

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

As a Sr. Staff Software Engineer (Applications), you will be a senior technical leader and mentor in a stable, collaborative Agile development environment with a strong emphasis on software quality and engineering excellence. In this role, you will lead the planning, design, development, and testing of mission systems flight software for uncrewed aircraft.

Position Responsibilities

• Software development in support of AV's vision‑based navigation, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, and mission systems technology roadmap. Opportunity to contribute across the full software stack from applications to BSP/firmware based on technical needs and interest.
• Work within a mature, quality‑focused software development organization with established processes, comprehensive testing frameworks, and emphasis on technical excellence.
• Write and test onboard Linux application software to support integration of sensors, processors, or other robotics systems into aircraft.
• Understand the requirements and process. Participate in and lead software design reviews.
• Create software design documentation according to software process requirements.
• Implement coding according to coding standards, write tests, and validate software according to the process. Contribute to process improvement efforts.
• Deliver work on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budget.
• Support and derive algorithm design from detailed software requirements.
• Work closely with multiple teams of software developers, reusing developed software to support different programs.
• Operate in a continuous learning environment and provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
• Work on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles.
• Act independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments. Serve as a technical authority and contributor across multiple areas of the software stack (applications, BSP, firmware) based on project needs.
• 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 an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum 12+ years of relevant experience in Linux application software development.
• Familiar with OOP software design patterns, SDLC, and STLC.
• Expertise in one of the following: Python, C, C++11/17, and STL.
• Demonstrated knowledge of VS Code or similar IDE as well as defect tracking tools.
• Experienced writing unit tests and debugging code; experienced with formal and structured lifecycle development process.
• Experienced with Agile Software Development Process Management.
• Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are required.
• Demonstrated familiarity with source control tools such as Git and cloud‑based CI/CD tools.
• Willingness to travel locally (occasionally).

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Experience with computer vision and machine learning on embedded systems.
• Experience with UAS, drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other embedded systems.
• Familiar with real‑time controls, especially advanced estimation techniques.
• Experience developing within the Robot Operating System (ROS2) framework on Linux/ARM.
• Familiar with the FACE technical standard and UoC development.
• Demonstrates leadership skills and sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Demonstrates effective listening, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing skills to effectively communicate in one‑on‑one and small group settings.
• Demonstrates understanding of system design one is working 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. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary

$147,000 - $224,250

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). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and/or the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license. In order to comply, 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 timeframe consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

EEO Statement

AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity 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.

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.