Chief Engineer, Software

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Chief Engineer, Software uses one's expertise and experience to lead in the development of complex Software solutions. In this role, the Chief Software Engineer mentors, leads and manages a small team of dedicated engineers developing real-time, high-reliable software and networking solutions for uncrewed systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Designs, architects, and implements software for complex robotic and aerospace systems.

- Leads the technical development of software products to ensure work is delivered on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budget

- Supports the development of software product roadmaps

- Supports testing and demonstration of components and integrated systems

- Develops documentation, technical reports, and provides report inputs for presentation to customers and other stakeholders

- Creates software design documentation according to software process requirements

- Supports the development and improvement of software processes and coding standards

- Develops basis-of-estimates for software projects to support proposal efforts

- Delivers work on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budget

- Works closely with other software developers to design and reuse developed software to support different programs

- Operates in a continuous learning environment under minimal supervision. Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.

- Works on problems of complex scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors

- Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Builds productive internal/external working relationships

- Other duties as assigned

Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in software engineering or related field Strong software engineering skills with proficiency in C/C++, Java, Golang, and/or Python languages, including a sound understanding of common data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming, and development workflows

- Experience with relational database systems such as PostgreSQL or MySQL a plus

- Experience with Ubuntu and/or CentOS Linux operating systems

- Experienced writing unit tests and debugging code

Additional Requirements

- With guidance from senior engineers, be able to contribute in the design, coding, documenting and testing software using the Scrum Framework
- Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are required

- Demonstrated familiarity with source code configuration management tools such as SVN and Git as well as familiarity with IDEs and debuggers
- 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)

Special Requirements

- U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) required, per ITAR definition
- Willingness to travel (Occasionally)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:
$154,500 - $247,250

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: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com 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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.