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.
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. 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.