Full-Time

Senior Software Engineer

Embedded

Posted on 10/31/2025

AeroVironment

AeroVironment

1,001-5,000 employees

Designs and manufactures unmanned defense drones

Compensation Overview

$118.1k - $167.5k/yr

San Diego, CA, USA

Hybrid

Category
Software Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Agile
Python
Git
Docker
C/C++
Linux/Unix
Requirements
  • 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 8 - 12 years of experience in embedded Linux systems or GPUs
  • Familiar with object-oriented programming software design patterns, software development life cycle, and software test life cycle
  • Experienced trouble-shooting systems and proficient with Python, C, C++11/17, and the Standard Template Library
  • Demonstrated knowledge of VS Code or similar IDE as well as defect tracking tools
  • Experienced working with common protocols such as TCP, UDP, RS-485, RS-232, CAN, I2C, SPI, USB
  • Experienced writing unit tests and automated testing frameworks
  • Experienced with Agile software development methodologies and tools
  • Demonstrated familiarity with source control tools such as Git and cloud-based continuous integration/continuous delivery tools
  • Experienced in configuring, developing, and deploying software within containerized environments
  • 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
  • U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required
  • Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.
Responsibilities
  • Software development in support of AV’s vision-based navigation, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, and mission systems technology roadmap
  • Writes and tests onboard embedded Linux application software to support integration of sensors, processors, or other robotics systems into aircraft
  • Designs and implements software for prototypes and products using established AeroVironment and industry developed tools and practices. Ensure good configuration control and management of software
  • Leads in writing of system requirements, system test plans, diagnostic tools, and in validation testing of software. Assist 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 to ensure completion of tasks and projects in a timely manner
  • 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
  • Follows AV's software development process to develop quality code
  • Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of identifiable factors
  • Other duties as assigned
Desired Qualifications
  • Demonstrates competency in contributing to the design, coding, documenting and testing software
  • 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 strong interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills
  • Understanding of the design of the system that one is working on and understand the role that assigned tasks play in the system
  • Demonstrates competency in researching and re-engineering to propose alternate solutions to issues
  • 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

AeroVironment designs and builds unmanned aerial systems for defense, ranging from small drones to high-altitude aircraft. Its products include reconnaissance drones and loitering munitions, which can fly autonomously or with minimal human input to gather intelligence or deliver payloads. The company differentiates itself through a long history in aerospace, a broad product portfolio, and strategic acquisitions that expand capabilities in AI, robotics, and space systems, such as Tomahawk Robotics and BlueHalo, plus its contribution to NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter. Its goal is to advance autonomous systems across air, ground, and space to keep military personnel out of harm’s way and to shape the future of unmanned tech.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Monrovia, California

Founded

1971

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • US Army awards $14.6M VAPOR CLE contract for Medium Range Reconnaissance in 2026.
  • LOCUST laser gains FAA validation at White Sands for domestic counter-drone use.
  • Halo_Shield modular architecture integrates Switchblade, LOCUST via AV_Halo software.

What critics are saying

  • Anduril displaces VAPOR CLE in Army MRR Tranche 2 within 12 months.
  • ITAR restrictions block LOCUST, Halo_Shield exports to NATO allies by 2027.
  • Supply chain failures delay Switchblade production, incurring Army penalties in 18 months.

What makes AeroVironment unique

  • Pioneered loitering munitions with Switchblade drones for US Army since 2007.
  • Developed Raven, Wasp, Puma UAS as standard for DoD tactical reconnaissance.
  • Founded in 1971 by Paul MacCready, leader in lightweight autonomous systems.

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Benefits

Health, Dental, & Vision

Health Savings Account

401(k) Account

Alternative Work Schedule

Educational and Tuition Assistance Programs

Employee Assistance Program

Sick Leave Donation

Time Off

Travel Assistance

Company Sponsored Events

Company News

Business Wire
Apr 9th, 2026
AeroVironment appoints Dr Robert Smith as chief operating officer to scale manufacturing

AeroVironment has appointed Dr Robert Smith as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective 13 April 2026. Smith will oversee the company's Autonomous Systems and Space, Cyber and Directed Energy business units, as well as global operations and manufacturing. Smith joins from Raytheon, where he served as Vice President of Radio Frequency Solutions, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar radar and electronic warfare business. He previously held executive roles at Lockheed Martin, BWXT and CAES. The appointment reflects AeroVironment's focus on scaling manufacturing to meet rising customer demand and strengthening operational execution. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, a PhD from Auburn University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.

Yahoo Finance
Apr 7th, 2026
US Navy selects AeroVironment to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services

AeroVironment has been selected by the US Navy to provide Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance services. The company will compete with other industry partners to deliver turnkey ISR capabilities as part of the Navy's initiative to modernise its operations. AeroVironment will deploy its JUMP 20-X Group 3 Vertical Take Off and Landing unmanned aerial system to support various land and marine missions. The company also recently launched LOCUST X3, a third-generation high-energy laser weapon system designed to neutralise unmanned aerial system threats. AeroVironment develops and manufactures drones, unmanned systems and AI-powered technologies for defence applications, serving government organisations and business companies.

Yahoo Finance
Apr 6th, 2026
Ondas secures $50M+ border demining deal after $175M Mistral merger and Palantir AI partnership

Ondas Holdings has secured a border demining contract with initial orders of $15.8 million and follow-on work expected to exceed $50 million. The project forms part of Israel's $1.7 billion Eastern Border Security Barrier Initiative, a 500-kilometre national effort to upgrade the eastern frontier. The contract follows Ondas' recent $175 million merger with Mistral, a defence prime contractor with access to over $1 billion in US Army and Special Operations Command contracts. Days earlier, Ondas announced a strategic partnership with Palantir Technologies to integrate AI across its drone and robot platforms. Ondas raised its 2026 revenue guidance to at least $375 million, nearly sevenfold from 2025's $50.7 million. The company's subsidiary 4M Defence will deploy AI-powered robotics and autonomous systems for mine clearance operations beginning in the coming weeks.

Yahoo Finance
Apr 4th, 2026
AeroVironment wins $117M Army contract and Navy ISR deal as legal probe targets finances

AeroVironment has secured multiple defence contracts, including a US Navy award for contractor-owned ISR services using its JUMP 20-X drone system and a $117 million US Army contract for P550 long-range reconnaissance UAVs. The company also unveiled its LOCUST X3 high-energy laser weapon system. However, the defence technology firm faces legal scrutiny as Pomerantz LLP investigates potential securities law violations following weaker fiscal 2026 results and a goodwill impairment linked to a US Space Force programme. The Navy ISR award strengthens AeroVironment's contract pipeline and revenue visibility for fiscal 2026, but concerns persist around margins, goodwill write-downs and BlueHalo integration. Optimistic analysts project revenue could reach $2.9 billion by 2028, though rising defence budget pressures and export controls pose risks.

Armada International
Mar 27th, 2026
AeroVironment debuts Locust 3X high-power counter-drone.

AeroVironment debuts Locust 3X high-power counter-drone. March 27, 2026 AeroVironment showcased its latest version of the high-energy Counter Drone Laser weapon, the Locust 3X, at the AUSA Global Force 2026 event held in Huntsville, Alabama, from 24 to 26 March. The weapon system represents the newest development from the BlueHalo team, which was acquired by AeroVironment in May 2025. High-power directed energy, particularly lasers, has been regarded as one of the promising technologies for countering smaller Group 1, 2, and 3 unmanned aerial drones. The high-energy laser offers the potential to engage multiple targets in rapid succession, thus enabling it to address attacks by drone swarms. With the laser beam traveling at the speed of light, it can also hit drones manoeuvring and moving at high speeds. Additionally, a laser weapon can continue engaging targets as long as it has power; it is not limited by the number of rounds, as with conventional missile or gun systems. The Locust 3X is a 25kW-30kW laser, modular beam director. It includes integrated electro-optics for search, identification, and tracking. This third-generation design adds AI capability and automation to detection, tracking, and engagement. The system is intended to address not only smaller Group 1 and 2 drones but also larger Group 3 combat drones. The latter includes the Iranian Shahed and Russia's Geran drones, which have been prominent on recent battlefields. Locust 3X features a modular design that can be adapted for various missions and applications. It can serve as a fixed ground mount for base or airfield protection or operate in a mobile configuration on a JLTV or squad vehicle. The US Army is developing lasers through its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) and Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototype programmes. Aaron Westman, a Senior Director of Business Development at AeroVironment and former employee of BlueHalo, stated that the company is involved in both projects. AeroVironment states it plans to commence full system testing and evaluation in the coming months. However, it notes that all of its subsystems have been tested individually, which helps to ensure a smoother transition to the complete system. Additionally, early versions of the system have undergone field tests, including soldier hands-on operation, which have been incorporated into this latest edition. by Stephen W. Miller

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