Senior Software Engineer

AeroVironment•Jessup, MD

22h

About The Position

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. AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems, founded in 1971. They develop the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems. AV is described as the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., delivering breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber, including AI-powered drones and loitering munitions. The company emphasizes speed, scale, and purpose in building technology that matters.

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 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

Nice To Haves

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

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 prototypes 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