About this Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineering role at AeroVironment
Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
As a Principal Engineer - Mechanical Engineering, you will be a senior technical leader and mentor in a stable, collaborative Agile development environment with a strong emphasis on software quality and
engineering excellence. In this role, one leads the planning, design, development and testing of mission systems flight software for uncrewed aircraft.
Position Responsibilities:
Software development in support of AV's vision-based navigation, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, and mission systems technology roadmap. Opportunity to contribute across the full software stack from applications to BSP/firmware based on technical needs and interest.
Work within a mature, quality-focused software development organization with established processes, comprehensive testing frameworks, and emphasis on technical excellence
Writes and tests onboard Linux application software to support integration of sensors, processors, or other robotics systems into aircraft
Understands the requirements and process. Participates in and leads software design reviews
Creates software design documentation according to software process requirements
Implements coding according to coding standard, writes tests, and validates software according to the process. Contributes to process improvement efforts
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. Serves as a technical authority and contributor across multiple areas of the software stack (applications, BSP, firmware) based on project needs.
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
Minimum 12+ years of relevant experience in Linux application software development.
Familiar with OOP software design patterns, SDLC, and STLC
Expertise in one of the following: Python, C, C++11/17, and STL
Demonstrated knowledge of VS Code or similar IDE as well as defect tracking tools
Experienced writing unit tests and debugging code; Experienced with formal and structured lifecycle development process
Experienced with Agile Software Development Process Management
Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are required
Demonstrated familiarity with source control tools such as Git and cloud-based CI/CD tools
Willingness to travel locally (Occasionally)
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:
Advanced degree is preferred
Experience with computer vision and machine learning on embedded systems
Experience with UAS, drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other embedded systems
Familiar with real-time controls, especially advanced estimations techniques
Experience developing within the Robot Operating System (ROS2) framework on Linux/ARM
Familiar with the FACE technical standard and UoC development
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
The salary range for this role is:
$147,000 - $224,250AeroVironment 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. Citizenship required
