Autonomy Robotics Engineer III

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects.

If you thrive on a culture of relentless problem-solving and invention and want to work for a global front-runner where you tackle real-world challenges, then AeroVironment is the place for you.

Come join our group of innovative thinkers and discover how collaborative efforts produce extraordinary products that touch lives around the world. You can be a part of the team that developed these firsts: a controlled human- powered aircraft, the modern consumer electric car, a tiny hummingbird-like drone and a helicopter that flew on Mars. We also set flight records in near- space with our solar-powered aircraft, and we re-shaped the battlefield with portable, hand-held, tactical drones and loitering munitions. We have cemented our reputation around the world and in record books as unrivaled technological pioneers, including seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC.

While engineering for the future is what we do, we are ever-mindful of our strong commitment to purpose — to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. The products and solutions we provide our customers help to save lives and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Join us to help push beyond the realm of the possible with such future- defining technologies as robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to generate ever-more meaningful actionable intelligence for our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

Summary

The Autonomy Robotics Engineer III has the opportunity to work with a highly collaborative team of engineers as they add robust autonomous execution to AeroVironment's diverse portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles. Robust autonomous execution is crucial to AV's continued success in the UAS marketplace. As an Autonomy & Robotics engineer, one builds the algorithms and tools necessary to achieve this.

This is a hybrid position in California. 3 days in the Simi Valley office, 2 days working from home.

Position Responsibilities

Focuses on delivering well architected, functionally complete, and rigorously tested research products.

Contributes in core technology including:

Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) including characterization of plant dynamics

State estimation

Target detection, classification, localization, and tracking (DCLT)

Embedded systems architecture, with emphasis on video processing chains

Sensor characterization and integration – EO, Camera, Radar, Acoustic, and/or Lidar

UI/UX design for mobile operator platforms

Modeling and simulation

Software development and testing

Mentors junior employees, as this provides personal fulfillment and growth for the involved parties, as well as providing cultural benefit for the company as a whole

Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors

As an experienced professional and having full understanding of this area of specialization, one resolves a wide range of issues in creative and effective ways.

Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor's degree in Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Minimum of 5 years' relevant engineering experience

Experienced implementing state-of-the-art (SOTA) algorithms on real hardware. Bonus: implementation on low size, weight, and power (SWAP) devices

Demonstrated ability to get all of the pieces of a complex system functioning together towards a common purpose; e.g. strong system design and test background

Solid software engineering skills with foci on modularity, portability, and testability

Experienced with C/C++ required. Modern standards (11, 14, 17+) preferred

Deep familiarity with one or more of the following technology areas (bonus points for UAS applications):

Path planning and trajectory generation

Multi-vehicle coordination

Uncertainty quantification/estimation

Computer vision: scene segmentation, feature extraction, template matching, image descriptors, object detection and localization

Advanced control methodologies: robust adaptive control, optimal control with dynamic programming, model predictive control (MPC)

Experimental design and interpretation of results

Some intrastate travel and other travel within the Continental U.S. may be required (up to 30%)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

MS or PhD in related field is highly preferred

Experienced with Matlab and/or Python preferred

Proficiency with office software and computer-based productivity tools

Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and leadership skills

Is a team player and collaborates effectively

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

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office and R&D 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)

The salary range for this role is:

$127,840 - $191,760

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 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: https:// www. avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at https:// 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.

AeroVironment Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition nor disability, genetics, veteran and all others that may apply.

ITAR

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.