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Software Engineer (Apps) III - MacCready Works

AeroVironment

AeroVironment

Software Engineering
Moorpark, CA, USA
Posted on Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Worker Type

Regular


Job Description

For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects.

We created MacCready Works Advanced Solutions, named for our founder, Dr. Paul B. MacCready, Jr., to ensure that creativity and long-term thinking remain at the core of our culture. With a focus on the future, this group of select, visionary scientists and engineers partner with our customers to explore breakthrough technologies that open new, more powerful ways to tackle difficult challenges. Together, they research and develop advanced technologies in robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to identify innovative solutions that push beyond the current applications. These revenue-generating projects significantly contribute to the growth of the company and stretch our imaginations to spawn new inventions.

Once conceptualized, we can apply these new technologies to other projects, keeping us and our customers at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation. We are currently working on tomorrow’s solutions by creating highly autonomous, mission-centered products that operate jointly across multiple domains, and position our customers at the leading edge of interconnected systems.

We are here to tackle the impossible…without hesitation.

Summary
The Software Engineer III (Embedded) has the opportunity to develop a variety of innovative unmanned and robotic systems for multiple defense and commercial applications. The Embedded Software Engineer writes functional software for deployment on embedded devices and systems like aircraft and payloads and have the opportunity to test out those devices in flight test environments. This requires the engineer to design, develop, code, test and debug system software as well as analyze and enhance efficiency, stability and scalability of the software on particular devices. There is a mix of full lifecycle development as well as a need to use existing software code base to expand the capabilities to match specific program requirements.

Position Responsibilities

  • Writes and tests software to support integration of sensors and embedded processors into aircraft (such as autopilots, payloads, software defined radios or other functional components) or other robotic systems

  • Designs and implements software for prototypes and products using established AeroVironment and industry developed tools and practices. Ensure good configuration control and management of software

  • Assists in writing of system requirements, system test plans, diagnostic tools, and in validation testing of software. Assists with hardware selection and recommend processing, memory and storage needs of systems

  • Development will often support rapid prototyping and conceptual level testing and will require estimating time to develop software and scoping the depth of the development with project/program management to fit timeline and budget constraints

  • Effectively provides development updates and estimate milestone dates to help track progress and ensure project requirements are met on schedule

  • Trouble-shoots complex systems from a software perspective with hardware diagnostics required. Supports flight test operations

  • Supports transition of development software to production environments and to certification. Participates in multi-disciplinary development teams

  • Develops proof of concept capability demonstrations. Conducts and support design reviews

  • Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results

  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

  • A BS degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

  • Minimum of 5 - 8 years of relevant experience

  • Experienced trouble-shooting complex systems is required and is an expert with Python, C, C++11,C++ STL and/or OpenCL

  • Demonstrated knowledge of Visual Studio, Eclipse or similar IDE as well as defect tracking tools

  • Experienced working with common protocols such as RS-485, RS-232, CAN, I2C, SPI, USB

  • Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are required

  • Periodic travel will likely be required in support of testing equipment at approved flying locations

  • Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays and in field test environments

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

  • Advanced degree is preferred.

  • Experience with STM32 family of processors highly desired and additional experience working with RTOS systems (such as µC/OS, freeRTOS) on those processors is desired

  • Experience using Video 4 Linux and modifying and compiling Ubuntu Linux Kernels is desired

  • Experience developing drivers for Linux/ARM and Robot Operating System (ROS) is desired

  • Experience working with Ardupilot or PX4 open source autopilots desired

  • Hands on design/build experience is desired; UAV or R/C aircraft or other lightweight miniature robotic systems

  • Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills

  • Demonstrates strong listening, questioning, clarifying and summarizing skills to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group settings.

  • 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

  • Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

  • Ability to work in an office and R&D 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)

The salary range for this role is:

$114,400 - $171,600

AeroVironment 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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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.

AeroVironment Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition nor disability, genetics, veteran and all others that may apply.

ITAR

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.