Principal Software Engineer; Embedded

Worker Type

Regular

The Sr. Staff Software Engineer (Embedded) leads and develops innovative unmanned and robotic systems for defense and commercial applications. The Embedded Software Engineer writes functional software for embedded devices on aircraft and payloads, testing devices in flight test environments. Responsibilities include designing, developing, coding, testing, and debugging system software, analyzing and enhancing efficiency, stability, and scalability on specific devices, and working across the full life‑cycle development while also expanding existing code bases to meet program requirements.

• Writes and tests software to support integration of sensors and embedded processors into aircraft or other robotic systems.
• Designs and implements software for prototypes and products using established Aero Vironment and industry tools and practices. Ensures configuration control and management of software.
• Leads writing of system requirements, test plans, diagnostic tools, and validation testing of software. Assists with hardware selection and recommends processing, memory, and storage needs.
• Leads rapid prototyping and conceptual level testing, estimating development time and scoping work with project/program management to fit timelines and budgets.
• Works closely with other engineering disciplines to get jobs done.
• Leads and supports transition of development software to production environments and certification, participating in multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Develops proof‑of‑concept demonstrations and conducts design reviews.
• Contributes to AV’s software development process by writing quality code.
• Works on significant unique issues requiring evaluation of intangibles.
• Other duties as assigned.

• BS degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination).
• 12–15 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency troubleshooting systems with Python, C, C++11, C++ STL, and/or OpenCL.
• Knowledge of Visual Studio, Eclipse, or similar IDEs and defect tracking tools.
• Experience with protocols such as RS‑485, RS‑232, CAN, I2C, SPI, USB.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Periodic travel for testing equipment at approved flying locations.
• Ability to work irregular hours, weekends, holidays, and in field test environments.

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Competent in design, coding, documentation, and testing of software.
• Experience with Test‑Driven Development and unit testing.
• Understanding of automated build environments, automated testing, and deployment.
• Knowledge of object‑oriented programming, multi‑threaded design, JIRA, SVN, Bitbucket, or Git Lab.
• Experience with STM
  32 processors and RTOS (µC/OS, FreeRTOS).
• Experience with Video4
  
  Linux and embedded Linux; driver development for Linux/ARM. Familiarity with ROS is a plus.
• Electronics knowledge and lab equipment usage.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Understanding of system design and task impact.
• Research and re‑engineering skills for alternative solutions.
• Ability to excel in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments.
• Strong initiative and drive to achieve goals.
• Takes ownership of work products.
• Commitment to learning from mistakes and continuous improvement.
• Effective problem‑solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Teamwork, collaboration, and putting team success above personal interests.

• Work in an office and R&D environment (constant).
• Stand and sit for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent).

No Clearance

$136,807 - $194,040

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:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR…