Software Engineer III (Apps)

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary Join our world-class team of engineers solving today’s toughest robotics challenges. AV’s Tomahawk product line integrates land, air, and sea robotic capabilities, delivering next-generation interoperability and control across military and commercial markets. As a Software Engineer III at AV, you’ll develop software to control some of the most advanced robotic platforms from AV and industry leaders including Boston Dynamics, Red Cat, FLIR, Skydio, QinetiQ, Parrot, and more. You’ll play a key role in developing Kinesis, our flagship software ecosystem that enables users to collaboratively control many disparate robots. This role is ideal for engineers who take ownership, enjoy working hands-on with hardware, and bring structure and clarity to complex systems. You’ll be trusted to move quickly, make sound decisions, and continuously improve our product and execution. Position Responsibilities Design, implement, and integrate systems in C++ and Kotlin Build cross-platform applications for Android, Linux, and Windows to control robotic platforms Design SDK interfaces for internal and external integration with AV systems Develop automated tests and tooling to ensure real-world reliability Perform hands-on field testing with robots to validate new features Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience Strong fluency in modern C++ best practices, SOLID principles, and modular architecture Experience evaluating product design tradeoffs and translating them into clear system requirements Hands-on knowledge of CMake or similar build systems Experience developing software for mechatronic or hardware-integrated systems Knowledge of computer networking topologies, protocols, and principles Familiarity with safety critical software concepts such as determinism and real-time systems Self-directed engineer who takes ownership and brings structure to complex systems Ability to engage directly with technical and non-technical customers Experience using AI tools to accelerate team velocity Ability to obtain a US DoD Secret clearance if required Willingness to travel locally (Occasionally) Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Advanced degree is preferred Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Gitlab or similar) Android/Linux application development experience Experience with Docker Experience with FastDDS, gRPC, MQTT, or similar networking protocols Experience designing and delivering APIs and SDKs to third-party developers Demonstrates good 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 that 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 stand and sit for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $91,000 - $138,750 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. 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: We also encourage you to review our company website at 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. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required 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