Principal Software Engineer

AeroVironment

Principal Software Engineer developing C++ and Kotlin software for AV’s robotic-control ecosystem. Building autonomy, SDKs, and cross-platform applications for autonomous defense systems.

Posted 9/3/2026full-timeSimi Valley • California, Florida • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $147,000 - $224,250 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in C++ and Kotlin for software development, with a strong focus on modular system design and maintainable software architecture. Proven ability to lead technical direction, mentor engineering teams, and engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C++ Software DevelopmentKotlin Application DevelopmentMechatronic Systems IntegrationAPI and SDK DesignCI/CD Pipeline Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C++KotlinCMakeAndroid DevelopmentLinux DevelopmentDockerFastDDSGRPCMQTTModular System Design

Soft Skills

LeadershipEffective CommunicationProblem-SolvingTeamworkMentoring

Tools & Technologies

CI/CD PipelinesRobotic PlatformsNetworking ProtocolsSafety Critical Software ConceptsAI Tooling

Certifications & Qualifications

US DoD Secret Clearance

Industry Keywords

Autonomous VehiclesRoboticsUASEmbedded SystemsMechatronics

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AndroidC++DockerGRPCKotlinLinux

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop software supporting AV’s vision-based navigation, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, and mission systems technology roadmap
Drive technical direction and architectural decisions across the Kinesis ecosystem
Design, implement, and integrate systems in C++ and Kotlin
Develop cross-platform applications for Android, Linux, and Windows to control robotic platforms
Design SDK interfaces for internal and external integration with AV systems
Serve as a technical lead for customer programs
Perform hands-on field testing with robots to validate new features
Deliver work on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule and budget
Support and derive algorithm design from detailed software requirements
Work closely with multiple teams of software developers, reusing developed software to support different programs
Operate in a continuous learning environment and provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers
Work on significant and unique issues requiring evaluation of intangible factors
Independently determine methods and procedures for new or special assignments
Travel occasionally for customer or testing events
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics is required, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience with 12+ years of relevant experience
Strong fluency in modern C++, maintainable software architecture, and modular system design
Experience evaluating product design tradeoffs and translating them into clear system requirements
Hands-on knowledge of CMake or similar build systems
Experience developing software for mechatronic or hardware-integrated systems
Knowledge of computer networking topologies, protocols, and principles
Familiarity with safety critical software concepts such as determinism and real-time systems
Self-directed engineer who takes ownership and brings structure to complex systems
Ability to engage directly with technical and non-technical customers
Ability to leverage AI tooling to improve engineering productivity and code quality
Experience tasking and mentoring small engineering teams
Ability to obtain a US DoD Secret clearance if required
Willingness to travel locally (Occasionally)
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
Advanced degree is preferred
Experience with UAS, drones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other embedded systems
Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Gitlab or similar)
Android/Linux application development experience
Experience with Docker
Experience with FastDDS, gRPC, MQTT, or similar networking protocols
Experience designing and delivering APIs and SDKs to third-party developers
Demonstrates leadership skills and sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions
Demonstrates effective listening, questioning, clarifying and summarizing skills to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group settings
Demonstrates understanding of system design that one is working on and understands the role that assigned tasks play in the system
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
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

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401K with company matching
9/80 work schedule
Paid holiday shutdown