Software Engineer (Full Stack)

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Software Engineer Level 1 is responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing complex and diverse software systems. This includes working on processing-intensive analytics, novel algorithm development, manipulation of extremely large data sets, real-time systems, and business management information systems. The SWE 1 works individually or as part of a team to review and test software components, resolve software problem reports, and utilize appropriate software development and design methodologies. This role provides specific input to the software components of system design, including hardware/software trade-offs, software reuse, and the use of Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS) or Government Off-the-shelf (GOTS) in place of new development. Position Responsibilities Requirements & Design: Analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements. Design and code new software or modify existing software to add new features. System Integration: Integrate existing software into new or modified systems or operating environments. Debugging & Maintenance: Debug existing software and correct defects. Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt to new hardware, or improve its performance. Database Development: Design or implement complex database or data repository interfaces and queries. Algorithm Development: Develop or implement algorithms to meet or exceed system performance and functional standards. Testing: Assist with developing and executing test procedures for software components. Documentation: Write or review software and system documentation. Technical Leadership: Serve as a team lead at the level appropriate to the software development process being used on any particular project. Process Improvement: Provide recommendations for improving documentation and software development process standards. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Seven (7) years of experience as a Software Engineer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Four (4) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree (Total of 11 years experience without a degree). An Active TS/SCI with Polygraph Salary Range: $102,000 - $178,500 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. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. 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. ITAR 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