Software Engineer III - Autonomy

AeroVironment • Pittsburgh, PA

17h

About The Position

As a Software Engineer III - Autonomy you will work within a fast-moving, collaborative Agile development environment focused on developing autonomy-related software capabilities. In this role, you will plan, design, develop, and test software systems that enable autonomous behaviors, decision-making, and mission execution for complex platforms. The position emphasizes algorithm development, system integration, and reliable operation in real-world environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum 5 - 8 years of relevant experience in Linux application software development.
• Object Oriented Design experience is required.
• Expertise in C++, and Matlab or other robotic simulation environments.
• Experience with Git or similar source control system.
• Experienced writing unit tests and debugging code.
• Experience developing or integrating autonomy-related algorithms, such as control logic, state machines, behavior trees, and/or decision management techniques.
• Works well in a small team.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Experience with RTI or other DDS based middlewares.
• Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills are required.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN) in production environments, including professional practices such as commit hygiene, branch management, and collaborative workflows.
• Experience with underwater robotics, autonomous systems, UAS, or related domains is strongly preferred.
• Experience with, or use of, AI in autonomous system mission management and execution.
• Experience in/exposure to underwater perception, or perception in general.
• Experience with simulation, testing, or validation of autonomous behaviors.
• Experienced with formal and structured lifecycle development process.
• Experienced with Agile Software Development Process Management.
• Demonstrates understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, databases, and operating systems; basic knowledge of networking is preferred.
• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for solving autonomy-related software problems.
• Demonstrates effective listening, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing skills to communicate effectively in one-on-one and small group settings.
• Demonstrates understanding of the overall system design and how assigned autonomy-related tasks contribute to system behavior.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of responsibilities.
• 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 continuously improving individual and team performance.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Works within a defined software life cycle development process
• Understands system-level requirements and autonomy concepts; participates in software and algorithm design reviews
• Creates software and algorithm design documentation in accordance with software process requirements and guidance from Senior Engineers
• Implements autonomy-related software components according to coding standards; writes unit tests and validates software according to the defined process
• Contributes to process improvement efforts related to autonomy software development and testing
• Delivers work on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budget
• Supports the development of autonomy algorithms derived from detailed software and system requirements (e.g., control, decision logic, state machines, planning, or perception-adjacent logic)
• Works closely with cross-functional teams—including systems, controls, perception, and UI engineers—to integrate autonomy software across multiple programs
• Supports reuse of autonomy-related software components across different platforms and products
• Operates in a continuous learning environment under moderate supervision; provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable technical and operational factors
• Other duties as assigned

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 .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level