Principal Software Engineer

AeroVironment

. Develop software supporting AV’s vision-based navigation, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, and mission systems technology roadmap .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $147,000 - $250,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in software development for autonomous systems, with strong capabilities in C++ and Kotlin programming, modular system design, and cross-platform application development. Proven ability to lead technical direction, mentor engineering teams, and engage with diverse stakeholders while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C++ ProgrammingKotlin ProgrammingCross-Platform Application DevelopmentSoftware ArchitectureMechatronic Systems Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C++ ProgrammingKotlin ProgrammingSoftware ArchitectureModular System DesignCMakeCI/CD PipelinesAPI DesignSDK DevelopmentNetworking ProtocolsRobotics Software Development

Soft Skills

MentoringCustomer EngagementSelf-Directed WorkProblem SolvingTeam Leadership

Tools & Technologies

DockerFastDDSGRPCMQTTAndroid DevelopmentLinux DevelopmentWindows Development

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in Computer ScienceBachelor’s Degree in Electrical EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in MathBachelor’s Degree in PhysicsU.S. DoD Secret ClearanceU.S. Person under ITAR/EAR Requirements

Industry Keywords

Autonomous VehiclesRoboticsUASDronesEmbedded SystemsSafety Critical SoftwareReal-Time Systems

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AndroidDockerGRPCKotlinLinuxC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop software supporting AV’s vision-based navigation, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, and mission systems technology roadmap
Drive technical direction and architectural decisions across the Kinesis ecosystem
Design, implement, and integrate systems in C++ and Kotlin
Develop cross-platform applications for Android, Linux, and Windows to control robotic platforms
Design SDK interfaces for internal and external integration with AV systems
Serve as a technical lead for customer programs
Perform hands-on field testing with robots to validate new features
Deliver work according to agreed completion dates and project schedule and budget
Support and derive algorithm design from detailed software requirements
Work closely with multiple software development teams and reuse developed software across programs
Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers
Work independently on significant and unique issues requiring evaluation of intangibles
Travel occasionally for customer or testing events
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

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)
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
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
Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR requirements or be eligible for an export license

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401K with company matching
9/80 work schedule
Paid holiday shutdown