Software Engineer Level 1

Summary

The Software Engineer Level 1 is responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing complex and diverse software systems. This includes working on processing-intensive analytics, novel algorithm development, manipulation of extremely large data sets, real-time systems, and business management information systems. The SWE 1 works individually or as part of a team to review and test software components, resolve software problem reports, and utilize appropriate software development and design methodologies. This role provides specific input to the software components of system design, including hardware/software trade-offs, software reuse, and the use of Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS) or Government Off-the-shelf (GOTS) in place of new development.

Position Responsibilities

• Analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements.
• Design and code new software or modify existing software to add new features.
• Integrate existing software into new or modified systems or operating environments.
• Debug existing software and correct defects.
• Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt to new hardware, or improve its performance.
• Design or implement complex database or data repository interfaces and queries.
• Develop or implement algorithms to meet or exceed system performance and functional standards.
• Assist with developing and executing test procedures for software components.
• Write or review software and system documentation.
• Serve as a team lead at the level appropriate to the software development process being used on any particular project.
• Provide recommendations for improving documentation and software development process standards.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from an accredited college or university is required.
• Seven (7) years of experience as a Software Engineer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required.
• Four (4) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree (Total of 11 years experience without a degree).
• An Active TS/SCI with Polygraph.

Clearance Level

Top Secret with Poly

Salary

The Salary Range For This Role Is $102,000 - $160,650

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"). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or be approved for an export license by the governing agency. Some positions require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

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

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.

U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain a clearance is desired.