Development Engineer, Principal. (DevOps)

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Development Engineer, Principal. (DevOps) designs, develops, launches, and supports our corporate DevOps pipeline operations. The incumbent will facilitate automation of internal software deployment via Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) best practices, working directly with multiple software development groups across the company as our subject matter expert. This role requires frequent engagement with stakeholders and senior leadership, necessitating strong communication skills and accountability. Position Responsibilities: Administers and maintains Gitlab and Subversion Architects and delivers DevOps pipeline operations supporting automated delivery of CI/CD pipelining for corporate-wide software releases Creates and maintains Docker images and containers Identifies and automates manual processes Actively participates in enhancing current build infrastructure, deployment, and DevOps processes. Works with tools and platforms like JIRA and Sharepoint Develops and maintains software installation tools, processes, and packages Creates and maintains DevOps Process and Policies Recognize and reuse common code base if necessary to support different programs and projects Delivers work on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budget Operates in a continuous learning environment and provides guidance and mentoring to all stakeholders Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience): Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 12+ years of work experience managing diverse DevOps operations, and tools (e.g., GitLab, GitHub), including branching, tagging, merging and release management oversight. 5+ years of experience working with containerization (Docker or ECS), orchestration, service discovery experience with Windows and Linux hosts Experience with one or more major cloud platform providers (e.g. Azure, AWS) Demonstrated success with application delivery in mid-size (2000+ staff) corporations Strong scripting skills Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies: Advanced degree is preferred Uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles to achieve goals in creative and effective ways Exhibits effective interpersonal, listening and communication skills (written and verbal) Communicates ideas in both technical and user-friendly language Successfully works within a multi-project environment and supports multiple internal customers Is successful in working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment and puts the success of the team above one's own interests Ability to apply principles of logic to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems 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 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) Special Requirements U.S. Citizenship required Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $133,500 - $203,750 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: . We also encourage you to review our company website at 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 required