**Worker Type** Regular **Job Description** **Job Summary** The **Senior Software Engineer** will serve as a key technical contributor, designing and delivering advanced software capabilities in support of national security operations. This role demands deep expertise across the software development lifecycle—from requirements analysis and system architecture through implementation, testing, and deployment. You’ll work in a fast-paced, highly secure environment where innovation, precision, and accountability matter. **Position Responsibilities** + Analyze, design, and develop complex software systems in Windows or UNIX environments + Build and deploy mission-critical applications using modern scripting and compiled languages (e.g., C, C++, C#, Java, Python) + Lead development teams and provide technical guidance across multiple projects + Coordinate software installation, configuration, and performance validation with system engineers + Build and optimize CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Bamboo, or similar tools + Containerize and deploy applications using Docker, Artifactory, or other DevSecOps tools + Select and implement software development processes that align with customer and system engineering requirements + Ensure quality control through automated testing and rigorous documentation + Implement scalable, secure solutions using modern deployment technologies like Ansible, Packer, and Terraform + Contribute to requirements definition, performance tuning, and continuous improvement initiatives **Basic Qualifications** + Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience + Minimum 15+ years of relevant experience in application software development + Extensive background in building, deploying, and supporting enterprise-grade applications + Hands-on experience with CI/CD tools, build systems, and containerization + Proven ability to lead complex development efforts and mentor junior engineers + Active TS/SCI with Full-Scope Polygraph **Desired Competencies** + Strong background in DevSecOps practices and Agile methodologies + Familiarity with performance optimization in high-security environments + Experience integrating with distributed systems and mission platforms **Salary Range:** $220,000 – $240,000 **Compensation & Benefits** The BlueHalo, an AV Company pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data. **Clearance Level** Top Secret with Poly **ITAR Requirement:** _T_ _his 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. **Who We Are** Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed. **What We Do** Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. _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 **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.** **Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)**