Director of Software Engineering, Integration & Simulation

Job Description

Director of Software Engineering – Simulation and Software Integration will be functional leader of a highly innovative, enterprise wide, software simulation and integration engineering organization, which develops world class products and solutions within a defined fast paced R&D development process, with highest levels of safety, reliability, innovation and lowest cost for multiple applications and across multiple business areas.

Location

On site at AeroVironment Engineering Centers: Simi Valley, CA; Petaluma, CA; San Diego, CA; Huntsville, AL; Sunrise, FL; Pottstown, PA; Melbourne, FL.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead Engineering Team: Build and manage an engineering organization skilled in rapid prototyping and transitioning projects to full production.
• Advance Simulation Practices: Define and drive adoption of simulation-based product development as a core engineering capability. Guide the use of instrumented flight test vectors and data acquisition to support simulation and validation. Oversee rapid system performance evaluation through advanced modeling, advocate for best practice application, and foster simulation expertise across the team.
• Develop Tools & Best Practices: Continuously improve software simulation and integration capabilities to support the Autonomous Vehicle Segment (AxS).
• Resource & Budget Management: Manage engineering resources and budgets aligned with strategic plans and the Annual Operating Plan (AOP).
• Foster Team Growth: Cultivate a professional environment for engineers to excel and grow.
• Strategic Influence: Participate in setting business strategy and act as a key liaison across teams and with leadership.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required)

• BS degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 12+ years of experience in embedded programming and knowledge in embedded system design.
• At least 2+ years in a supervisory role and successfully managing a technical design team.
• 8+ years' experience on multiple engineering projects including research and development efforts, with a focus on embedded software aspects of the project life cycle.
• Experienced in and knowledgeable of real-time operating systems (RTOS), I/O drivers, and micro-controllers.
• Experienced in and knowledgeable of data communication protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, USB).
• Demonstrated expert programming ability with C language.
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree is desired.
• Demonstrates competency in communicating technically and effectively with electrical, mechanical and software groups and staff.
• Skilled at identifying, communicating and mitigating technical risks and issues.
• Understands schematics and is skilled at using a logic analyzer.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances.
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees.
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision.
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change.
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships.
• Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and production 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).

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary Range

$163,000 - $239,925

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 the EAR, or be approved for an export license. 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/AA 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.