Software Engineer II

Overview

As a Software Engineer II (Applications) you will build mission systems software that flies on real uncrewed aircraft, working with a small, fast-moving team of engineers who love autonomy and robotics. This is a hands-on role with ownership of design, development, and testing of software that powers vision-based navigation and autonomous flight on live systems.

• Design, build, and test onboard Linux software powering autonomy, vision-based navigation, and mission systems for uncrewed aircraft.
• Write software that integrates sensors, processors, and other robotics systems onto real aircraft and observe it fly.
• Own features end to end: from design and implementation through automated testing and deployment.
• Participate in software design reviews and contribute ideas for how the team builds and ships software.
• Translate detailed software requirements and algorithm designs into working, well-tested code.
• Collaborate closely with other software developers, reusing and improving shared software across multiple programs.
• Learn quickly in a hands-on environment with strong senior mentorship and opportunities to level up.
• Address problems of moderate scope, using good judgment to determine the right approach.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 2–5 years of software development experience, or a strong track record from internships, research, personal projects, or startup work. New graduates from top programs are encouraged to apply.
• Proficiency in C++ (C++11/17), Python, or C with a solid grasp of object-oriented design.
• Comfortable developing on Linux.
• Writes tests and debugs code; curious about how and why things work.
• Familiarity with version control (git) and modern development tooling (IDEs, debuggers, CI/CD).
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Willingness to travel locally (Occasionally).

• Hands-on experience with UAS, drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other embedded systems.
• Exposure to computer vision, machine learning, or sensor integration on embedded systems.
• Interest in Robot Operating System (ROS2) on Linux/ARM.
• Familiarity with unit testing frameworks, containerized development (Docker), and CI/CD workflows.
• Openness to AI-assisted development tools to write better software faster.
• Advanced degree is a plus.
• Genuinely passionate about autonomous systems and writing great software; enjoys tinkering, building, and continual learning.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment where a small team owns a broad variety of problems.
• Takes ownership and is driven to improve, iterate, and learn daily.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Collaborative and team-first; enjoys solving hard problems together.

Ability to work in an office environment. Must stand and sit for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and keyboard (as applicable).

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required. Occasionally may travel within the Continental U.S. Clearance Level: Secret.

The salary range for this role is: $82,000 - $125,000. Aero Vironment considers multiple factors when extending an offer, including location, role, responsibilities, experience, education, and key skills.

ITAR/EAR compliance:
This position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR or be approved for an export license. A U.S. person may include a citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions require current U.S. citizenship for contract requirements.

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, visit  We encourage you to review our company website at  to learn more about us.

About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome all qualified applicants. ITAR U.S. Citizenship may be required. Some text in the original description has been condensed or reformatted for clarity and compliance with formatting rules.