Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Principal Autonomy & Robotics Engineer has the opportunity to work with a highly collaborative team of world class engineers as they develop robust autonomous capabilities into the AeroVironment diverse portfolio of unmanned systems. As Principal Investigator on advanced customer-focused research and development programs, one will work directly with customers to define new programs, write proposals, and provide technical leadership for the execution of programs. Highly capable autonomous execution is crucial to the continued success of AV in the UAS marketplace. As a Principal Autonomy & Robotics engineer, one designs the architectures, algorithms and tools necessary to achieve this. Having broad expertise and unique knowledge, one uses one's skills to both lead and contribute to development of company objectives and principles as well as to achieve goals in creative and effective ways.
Position Responsibilities:
Oversees the development of an autonomy research portfolio suitable for application across a multitude of autonomous systems
Interacts with customers to create new research programs in the area of autonomy
Provides technical leadership for customer focused autonomy research programs as Principal Investigator
Leads architectural design efforts to integrate autonomous capabilities spanning autopilots, sensors, radios, networks, ground stations and user interfaces
Designs and develops autonomy capabilities related to:
Automated target recognition using computer vision and machine learning
Autonomous surveying and mapping
Target tracking and following
Multi-vehicle coordination
Perimeter security and overwatch
Operating in contested areas with GPS and link denied conditions
Assists in developing autonomy software development processes including CI/CD, simulation, automated testing, SIL and HIL
Works with systems and QA teams to capture functional and performance requirements that are fully validated
Transitions existing demonstrated capabilities into production environment
Develops simulation requirements and integrate into a full featured HIL/SIL
Some intrastate travel and other travel within the Continental U.S. may be required (up to 30%)
Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):
Bachelors Degree in Scientific, Engineering, Mathematical discipline or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
PhD + minimum 8 years in related field
Masters + minimum 12 years in related field
Bachelors + minimum 15 years in related field
Minimum 5 + years of experience in a professional software development environment in robotics or unmanned systems
Demonstrated success in writing US DoD research proposals
Demonstrable experience in providing technical leadership for US DoD research contracts/grants, Principal Investigator preferred
Experience leading teams of 3-5 engineers to execute advanced research and demonstration programs
Deep familiarity with one or more key technology areas including:
Advanced control methodologies
Uncertainty quantification/estimation
Path planning and trajectory generation
Multi-vehicle coordination
Experimental design and interpreting of results
Throughput analysis and optimization
Computer vision
Edge based autonomy and machine learning
Proficiency with common networking and serial protocols
Demonstrated experience leading technical development efforts including:
Sprint planning
Task management
Technical mentoring
Scoping, scheduling, and tracking of progress
Demonstrated competency in designing and bringing up complex system from the ground up
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:
Advanced Degree
Management and budget planning/tracking experience preferred
Experience with robotic field testing, UAV testing preferred
Experienced in C++ required; modern standards (11, 14 17+) preferred
Experience using agile work management tools like Jira and Jama preferred
Experienced in Python preferred
Experience with ROS, ROS2, DDS preferred
Experience using Linux and Docker preferred
Experience working in the defense sector preferred
Proficiency with office software and computer-based productivity tools
Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and leadership skills
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
Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office 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:
$167,200 - $250,800
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. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.