Director of Software Engineering, Integration & Simulation

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

The Director of Software Engineering – Simulation and Software Integration will be functional leader of a highly innovative, enterprise wide, software simulation and integration engineering organization, which develops world class products & solutions within a defined fast paced R&D development process, with highest levels of safety, reliability, innovation and lowest cost for multiple applications and across multiple business areas.

Location: On-site at AeroVironment Engineering Centers: Simi Valley, CA; Petaluma, CA; San Diego, CA; Huntsville, AL; Sunrise, FL; Pottstown, PA; Melbourne, FL.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead Engineering Team: Build and manage an engineering organization skilled in rapid prototyping and transitioning projects to full production.
• Advance Simulation Practices: Define and drive adoption of simulation-based product development as a core engineering capability. Guide the use of instrumented flight test vectors and data acquisition to support simulation and validation. Oversee rapid system performance evaluation through advanced modeling, advocate for best practice application, and foster simulation expertise across the team.
• Develop Tools & Best Practices: Continuously improve software simulation and integration capabilities to support the Autonomous Vehicle Segment (AxS).
• Resource & Budget Management: Manage engineering resources and budgets aligned with strategic plans and the Annual Operating Plan (AOP).
• Foster Team Growth: Cultivate a professional environment for engineers to excel and grow.
• Strategic Influence: Participate in setting business strategy and act as a key liaison across teams and with leadership.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.
  
  

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• BS degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 12 years of experience in embedded programming and knowledge in embedded system design
• At least 2 years in a supervisory role and successfully managing a technical design team
• 8 years' experience on multiple engineering projects including research and development efforts, with a focus on embedded software aspects of the project life cycle
• Experienced in and knowledgeable of real-time operating systems (RTOS), I/O drivers, and micro-controllers
• Experienced in and knowledgeable of data communication protocols (i.e. I2C, SPI, CAN, USB)
• Demonstrated expert programming ability with C language
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.
  
  

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree is desired
• Demonstrates competency in communicating technically and effectively with electrical, mechanical and software groups and staff
• Skilled at identifying, communicating and mitigating technical risks and issues
• Understands schematics and is skilled at using a logic analyzer
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
• Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity
  
  

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and production environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
  
  

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The Salary Range For This Role Is

$163,000 - $239,925

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR 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.

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.

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 is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.