Principal Software Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Principal Software Engineer with Security Clearance
Worker Type Regular

Job Description As a Principal S oftware E ngineer at AV, you 'll develop software to control advanced robotic platforms from AV and industry leaders including Boston Dynamics, Red Cat, FLIR, Skydio , Qineti

Q, Parrot, and more. You 'll play a key role in developing Kinesis , our flagship software ecosystem that enables users to collaboratively control a diverse set of robots . This role is ideal for engineers who take ownership, enjoy working hands-on with hardware, and bring structure and clarity to complex systems. You'll be trust ed to move quickly, make sound decisions, and continuously improve our product and execution.

Position Responsibilities:

* Software development in support of AV's vision-based navigation, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, and mission systems technology roadmap.

* Drive technical direction and architectural decisions across the Kinesis ecosystem.

* D esign , implement , and integrate systems in C++ and Kotlin.

* D evelop cross-platform applications for Android, Linux, and Windows to control robotic platforms.

* D esign SDK interfaces for internal and external integration with AV systems.

* S erve as a technical lead for customer programs.

* Perform hands-on field testing with robots to validate new features.

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

* Supports and derives algorithm design from detailed software requirements.

* Works closely with multiple teams of software developers reusing developed software to support different programs.

* Operates in a continuous learning environment and provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.

* Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles.

* Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments.

* O ccasional travel for customer or testing events.

* Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience with 12+ years of relevant experience.

* Strong fluency in modern C++, maintainable software architecture, and modular system design

* Experience evaluating product design tradeoffs and translating them into clear system requirements

* Hands-on knowledge of CMake or similar build systems

* Experience developing software for mechatronic or hardware-integrated systems

* Knowledge of computer networking topologies, protocols, and principles

* Familiarity with safety critical software concepts such as determinism and real-time systems

* Self-directed engineer who takes ownership and brings structure to complex systems

* Ability to engage directly with technical and non-technical customers

* Ability to leverage AI tooling to improve engineering productivity and code quality

* Experience tasking and mentoring small engineering teams

* Ability to obtain a US DoD Secret clearance if required

* Willingness to travel locally (Occasionally) Other Qualifications & Desired

Competencies:

* Advanced degree is preferred

* Experience with UAS, drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other embedded systems

* Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Gitlab or similar)

* Android/Linux application development experience

* Experience with Docker

* Experience with FastDDS, gRPC, MQTT, or similar networking protocols

* Experience designing and delivering APIs and SDKs to third-party developers

* Demonstrates leadership skills and sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions

* 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 sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements :
* U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

* Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role…