Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Job Summary
The primary role of the Software Engineer II is to drive research, modernization, and innovation initiatives across mission-critical systems. This role focuses on evaluating existing production environments, identifying modernization opportunities, and delivering rapid, validated solutions through structured trade studies and short-duration experiments.
You will collaborate directly with mission stakeholders to assess system gaps, design fail-fast experiments, and lead proof-of-concept development efforts that influence long-term architectural direction. Your work will directly impact modernization strategies, cloud adoption, and enterprise re-architecture efforts.
Position Responsibilities
Engage with mission stakeholders to identify operational challenges and modernization opportunities
Conduct trade studies and produce detailed technical research reports with actionable recommendations
Design and execute short-duration (one-week) fail-fast experiments to validate feasibility
Lead development of proof-of-concept solutions within six-week timelines, ensuring weekly demonstrable milestones
Provide accurate time, scope, and resource estimates to maintain mission schedules
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate successful proto@types into operational environments
Plan and support replatforming, rearchitecting, and refactoring of monolithic applications into cloud-native solutions
Apply secure authentication, authorization, and PKI principles within modernized architectures
Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and propose innovative mission-aligned solutions
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 14 years of relevant experience in software engineering, modernization, or solution architecture
Strong proficiency in Java, Python, and JavaScript (ReactJS)
Experience with AWS services including EC2 and S3
Hands-on experience with REST-based services and modern API development
Experience with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes
Strong understanding of authentication and authorization frameworks including OAuth2 and OpenID Connect
Experience working with PKI and certificate management
Experience working in Agile development environments
Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
Experience conducting modernization trade studies and architectural assessments
Experience with graph databases such as Amazon Neptune or Neo4j
Familiarity with AI/ML tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Hugging Face
Experience with identity and access management platforms such as Keycloak
Experience with CI/CD tools including Jenkins, GitLab CI, or GitHub Actions
Familiarity with build tools such as Maven
Experience designing scalable, cloud-native architectures for mission systems
Ability to interpret ambiguity and translate high-level needs into technical solutions
Comfortable guiding junior developers and organizing tasking within collaborative teams
Experience working in fast-paced, evolving mission environments
Salary Range: $185,000 - $215,000
The 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.
This is a pipeline requisition posted in advance of approved headcount for future hiring needs.
Note: Our team is always interested in speaking with exceptional candidates though please note this is a Pipeline posting with more of an eye towards our future needs rather than necessarily being an immediate hire. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
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.
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)
