Sr. Staff Software Engineer (Embedded)

AeroVironment, Inc.; Virginia Colony (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) with company matching

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in the United States seeks a Sr. Staff Software Engineer (Embedded) to lead development of unmanned and robotic systems, writing functional software for embedded devices and flight-test platforms.

You will design, code, test and debug system software, guide validation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure performance, stability and safe production deployment. The role requires deep experience in C/C++, Python, real-time embedded systems, and hands-on hardware

Qualifications

• BS degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 12–15 years of relevant experience.
• Proficient with Python, C, C++, and object-oriented development.
• Experience with Visual Studio or Eclipse and defect tracking tools.
• Familiar with RS-485, RS-232, CAN, I2C, SPI, USB protocols.
• Embedded development and real-time systems experience.

Responsibilities

• Writes and tests software to support integration of sensors and embedded processors into aircraft or robotic systems.
• Designs and implements software for prototypes and products using AeroVironment practices.
• Leads software validation, diagnostics tools, and system tests.
• Assists with hardware selection and memory/storage needs.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Object-oriented development

Troubleshooting complex real-time

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS degree in Computer Science/Engineering / related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Visual Studio

Eclipse IDE

Defect tracking tools

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Sr. Staff Software Engineer (Embedded) has the opportunity to lead and develop a variety of innovative unmanned and robotic systems for multiple defense and commercial applications. The Embedded Software Engineer writes functional software for deployment on embedded devices and systems like aircraft and payloads and have the opportunity to test out those devices in flight test environments. This requires the engineer to design, develop, code, test and debug system software as well as analyze and enhance efficiency, stability and scalability of the software on particular devices.

Position Responsibilities

• Writes and tests software to support integration of sensors and embedded processors into aircraft (such as autopilots, payloads, software defined radios or other functional components) or other robotic systems
• Designs and implements software for prototypes and products using established AeroVironment and industry developed tools and practices.
• Ensures good configuration control and management of software
• Leads in writing of system requirements, system test plans, diagnostic tools, and in validation testing of software.
• Assists with hardware selection and recommend processing, memory and storage needs of systems
• Leads development of rapid prototyping and conceptual level testing and will require estimating time to develop software and scoping the depth of the development with project/program management to fit timeline and budget constraints
• Works closely with other engineering disciplines.
• Focuses on getting the job done
• Leads and supports transition of development software to production environments and to certification.
• Participates in multi-disciplinary development teams
• Develops proof of concept capability demonstrations.
• Conducts and supports design reviews
• Contributes to AV's software development process in developing quality code
• Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of intangibles
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• A BS degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum 12 - 15 years of experience years of relevant experience
• Experienced trouble-shooting systems is required and is proficient with Python, C, C++, and object-oriented development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Visual Studio, Eclipse or similar IDE as well as defect tracking tools
• Experienced working with common protocols such as RS-485, RS-232, CAN, I2C, SPI, USB
• Experience troubleshooting complex real-time systems from application layer down to comms, drivers, and board support layers.
• Willingness to pursue troubleshooting trails wherever they lead, including beyond nominal domain of expertise.
• Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are required
• Strong product focus: Driven to understand the product and all its subsystems as a cohesive whole the role that assigned tasks play in.
• undefined Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products undefined Demonstrates competency in researching and re‑engineering to propose alternate solutions to issues undefined Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills Leadership experience for technical teams of 3-6 people and cross-functional collaboration.
• Periodic travel will likely be required in support of testing equipment at approved flying locations.
• Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays and in field test environments

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree is preferred
• Expertise in C and Python.
• Experience with unit testing and test-driven development.
• Experience working with and development for Comms bus drivers using common protocols such as Ethernet, RS-485, RS-232, CAN, I2C, SPI, USB, “bit banging”.
• Sensor driver integration (pressure sensors, thermistors, GPS, IMU) Radio, servo, actuator integration
• Demonstrated professional and/or hobby experience with LLM-assisted software development.
• Experience with updating build pipelines, especially CI/CD.
• Proficiency in Verilog and VHDL.
• Prior experience with embedded development (e.g. robotics, drones, vehicle systems, medical systems)
• Prior experience with professional coding standards and linters (MISRA, JSF, PClint, Understand)
• Prior experience working with or developing autopilot code (e.g. Ardupilot, PX4, INAV)
• Prior experience in aerospace or defense sectors.
• Prior experience with board bring-up / developing board support packages.
• Experience with ARM architecture processors, particularly STM32 product family.
• Proficiency working with microcontroller RTOS systems (such as μC/OS, freeRTOS).
• Expertise with common aerospace RTOSs such as Integrity or VxWorks.
• Demonstrated electronics knowledge and experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, network analyzers.
• Prior experience as a system engineer and/or test engineer.
• Prior experience developing formal peer-reviewed software requirements (DOORS, Jira, Xray preferred).
• Piloting experience in general aviation and/or remote-control fixed wing aircraft (Part 91 and Part 107 licenses a plus).
• 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

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, and flexible work schedule options. Depending on your business unit, role, and customer contract requirements, select programs may offer a 9/80 work schedule and paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift up to 10 lbs., bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer, work in an office and R&D environment (Constant). May require travel to sites/program and special functions.

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. Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required. Clearance Level No Clearance

The salary range for this role is: $147,000 - $250,000 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.

EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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.

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