DevOps Engineer, II

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The DevOps Engineer II helps design, develop, launch, support, and optimize the development and test infrastructure that keeps developers building and QA verifying. This role owns the pipelines, environments, and lab hardware they depend on, working directly with developers, QA/automation engineers, program managers, IT/system administrators, information security, and other functional areas as required . Position Responsibilities: Works with developers and QA engineers to design, build, and maintain GitLab CI/CD pipelines that build, test, and deliver software across many components Builds and maintains multi-architecture (ARM64/amd64) Docker images, multistage Dockerfiles , and development containers used across projects Administers and maintains GitLab, CI runners (including container/Kubernetes-based runners), and related source control and automation tooling Helps maintain the team's lab and test infrastructure, acting as a technical steward for the hardware and environments that developers and QA depend on Sets up development, test, and build environments for the team Helps perform tasks related to system administration Installs, tests, and verifies software products; supports team members with build and installation issues Defines and implements software version control processes, policies, and procedures Identifies and automates manual processes, including infrastructure-as-code where appropriate Builds security into the pipeline ( DevSecOps ), supporting software scans (e.g., SAST), SBOM generation, dependency and artifact management, and secure build practices Participates in enhancing current build infrastructure, deployment, and DevOps processes 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 Minimum 2 - 5 years of work experience managing DevOps operations and tools (e.g., GitLab and GitLab CI, GitHub, Artifactory, Xray), including branching, tagging, merging and release management oversight Experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, and with containerization using Docker (multistage builds, docker-compose, development containers) Proficiency scripting in Python and Bash Experience with Linux administration (e.g., RHEL and Ubuntu) Familiarity with Agile and Scrum methodology Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Demonstrated ability to implement process improvements, streamline activities, and develop efficiencies Must hold or be able to obtain a Secret clearance Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies: Advanced degree Certifications in networking, security, and related areas Experience with container orchestration (Kubernetes, including managed offerings such as EKS) Experience with infrastructure-as-code and configuration management tools such as Ansible and Terraform Experience with DevSecOps practices, including software scans (SAST), SBOM generation, secure build/artifact management, STIGs, and IATT / Authority to Operate (ATO) processes Familiarity with managing lab and test hardware and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments Exposure to embedded, robotics, UAS, or ROS-based software builds is a plus Embraces AI-assisted tooling to automate infrastructure, pipelines, and related engineering work Demonstrates competency in contributing to strategic planning of infrastructure requirements in support of business growth objectives Working knowledge of current network hardware, protocols, and standards Communicates ideas in both technical and user-friendly language Successfully works within a multi-project environment and supports multiple internal customers Ability to apply principles of logic to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems Demonstrates strong interpersonal, leadership and communication (verbal and written) skills Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships 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 or field-testing 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. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder ) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required . Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. Clearance Level Secret The salary range for this role is: $147,000 - $224,250 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. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.