Software System Engineer

AeroVironment•Annapolis Junction, MD

About The Position

We are seeking a Software Systems Engineer (SSE) for a unique, multi-disciplinary role that blends software development, Linux systems administration, systems engineering, and heavy RF-focused integration. The ideal candidate is a senior-level engineer who can design and develop complex software, administer and secure Linux-based systems, and support end‑to‑end solution operations in demanding, mission‑focused environments. You will work independently and as a technical leader, providing direction to junior developers, supporting critical RF systems and associated infrastructure, and ensuring the reliability, availability, and security of operational solutions.

Requirements

An active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
10+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered).
Demonstrated experience applying DevOps concepts and tools to automate repetitive tasks, manage infrastructure as code, and ensure baseline consistency across multiple environments.
Strong hands-on experience installing, configuring, securing, deploying, managing, monitoring, and maintaining complex hardware and software products across multiple environments (development, test, production).
Strong Linux skills, especially on Debian or other systemd-based distributions, in both GUI-less and constrained environments.
Thorough knowledge of TCP/IP networking, routing, and common network services.
Experience supporting, installing, and configuring enclave Ethernet switches, SAN, and NAS.
Experience with virtualization and hypervisors such as VMware ESXi and vCenter.
Experience with KVM and related Linux virtualization technologies.
Experience with Docker or equivalent containerization platforms.
Experience managing and monitoring systems using tools such as Nagios.
Experience with VPN technologies, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and/or Openswan, including secure configuration and troubleshooting.
Familiarity with cellular modems on Linux platforms (configuration, troubleshooting, and integration into broader networking architectures).
Proven ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven, and security-conscious environment.
Strong documentation skills and ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Windows application or kernel programming experience (useful but not required).
Experience working with RF systems, RF test equipment, and/or integrating software with RF hardware (radios, modems, SDRs, or EW/COMMS systems).
Experience with infrastructure as code and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or similar).
Experience in air-gapped, tactical, or DoD/IC environments and with related cybersecurity controls and compliance requirements.
Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and modern software development practices.
Prior experience providing technical leadership or mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities

Provide technical direction and guidance to junior developers across multiple projects.
Reverse engineer existing software to enable modification, enhancement, and integration of new functionality.
Perform modeling and design activities using Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools.
Develop and maintain complex, non-trivial applications using one or more of the following languages: C, C++, Rust, Python, Bash.
Develop software applications and automation for Debian or other systemd-based Linux distributions, including advanced automation programs, system drivers, data processing scripts, and RF‑related utilities.
Perform rapid software design and development in a Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) environment to meet operational needs on short timelines.
Solve varied software-related problems; design, develop, test, and deploy software on security‑sensitive / air‑gapped / cautious systems.
Review software designs and implementations for accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness with respect to objectives, budget, schedule, and security best practices.
Work independently to ensure reliability, availability, and security of the overall solution by proactively monitoring systems, troubleshooting, and resolving issues to maintain high availability and continuity of operations.
Oversee, maintain, and administer day-to-day operation of Linux-based compute and network environments, including hardware, OS, and application stacks.
Diagnose hardware and software problems, replace/repair defective components, and coordinate with vendors when needed.
Provide first-level and advanced computer/network support to the team, ensuring maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
Maintain configuration management and baseline control for development, test, pre-production, and production environments.
Operate and maintain the solution, including patching operating systems and COTS/FOSS/GOTS applications.
Configure, manage, and maintain key solution components, including application servers, load balancers, databases, hypervisors, operating systems, RF-related appliances, and support infrastructure.
Deploy systems in lab environments; integrate with other systems, perform testing, validation, and support transition to production.
Manage, track, and maintain configuration items, including licenses, SSL certificates, and hardware/software baselines.
Support baseline deployments, upgrades, and updates to production, including installation and configuration of new software and hardware.
Conduct regular security scans, analyze results, implement remediations, and validate fixes.
Create, maintain, and implement detailed documentation (system designs, runbooks, SOPs, build/patch guides).
Perform trend analysis on component failures, network/node outages, and system performance parameters; recommend and implement corrective actions.
Implement and maintain monitoring and alerting (e.g., Nagios or similar) to ensure system health and performance.
Support RF‑centric systems and applications, collaborating with RF engineers to integrate software, hardware, and network components into end-to-end solutions.
Interact with software and hardware vendors to evaluate products and provide recommendations for hardware, software, and tooling purchases.