Software Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Software Engineer will lead the development, deployment, and evolution of mission‑critical systems, serving in a highly customer‑facing role that supports complex satellite communication technologies. This engineer will analyze user requirements, design and implement new software capabilities, enhance existing systems, and ensure overall software quality through rigorous testing, debugging, and algorithm development. The position demands technical depth, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across diverse engineering teams.

Position Responsibilities

• Analyze user requirements to derive software designs for new applications or modifications to existing systems.
• Apply effective debugging techniques to ensure system stability and performance.
• Design and implement interfaces and queries for databases or data repositories.
• Develop high‑quality, maintainable C++ software for satellite communication applications.
• Develop and optimize complex algorithms under strict timing, resource, and interface constraints.
• Ensure new features and capabilities align with project goals and customer needs.
• Ensure high‑performance execution and reliability in real‑time environments.
• Ensure software solutions meet user requirements and are delivered on schedule.
• Follow industry best practices, coding standards, and secure development principles.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve defects in existing software.
• Integrate automated testing into the development lifecycle.
• Implement unit tests and other automated methodologies to maintain software quality.
• Produce and maintain comprehensive documentation for designs, processes, and interfaces.
• Support efficient data management and retrieval within mission systems.
• Support knowledge sharing and long‑term project continuity.
• Work closely with system architects, QA engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 20+ years’ experience designing, developing, and implementing object‑oriented software solutions with an emphasis on industry best practices.
• Adaptability, initiative, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Experience with RF signal analysis or satellite communications system design and theory, with the ability to translate concepts into software.
• Experience implementing message queues and communication protocols.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially in customer‑facing environments.
• Familiarity with DevOps tools and workflows, including VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong proficiency in C++ development, including real‑time systems and performance optimization.

Salary Range: $170,000 - $214,000

The AV pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract‑specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine‑launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand‑launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real‑time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

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.