Generative AI Engineer

Join to apply for the Generative AI Engineer role at AV. Job Description The Generative AI Engineer, Sr. will be a foundational member of the Generative AI Center of Excellence (CoE). This engineer will design, build, deploy, and maintain proprietary AI solutions that directly support AeroVironment's "Build" strategy, focusing on accelerating growth and automating operations. This hands‑on role will own the technical development and scaling of key internal platforms, including AV GPT (our secure enterprise AI portal) and our Agentic Automation framework, among other Gen AI initiatives. Position Responsibilities Collaborating with teams to design, build, deploy, and scale Generative AI solutions. Own the full‑stack development, enhancement, and scaling of AV GPT, our enterprise AI platform built on frameworks like OpenWebUI, LiteLLM, and PostgreSQL. Design, build, and deploy autonomous "Agentic Automations" using n8n to automate complex, multi‑system business processes for functions such as Finance, Operations, SDLC, DevOps, etc. Support and scale the Roo Code platform to enhance developer velocity, aiming to accelerate the SDLC for over 600 engineers. Develop and maintain robust API integrations (using our MCP connectivity layer) to connect GenAI platforms with critical enterprise systems, including Oracle Fusion, Workday, Salesforce, Jira, and Confluence. Implement, manage, and optimize advanced Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines, including embedding strategies and vector database management. Collaborate with stakeholders in Engineering, Finance, HR, and other departments to identify and execute high‑value automation opportunities aligned with "Project Frictionless." Act as a core technical expert within the CoE, helping to establish best practices, govern AI use, and research new tools and techniques to maintain our competitive advantage. Create software design documentation according to software process requirements. Deliver work on time according to agreed completion dates and project schedule & budget. Operate in a continuous learning environment and provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers. Demonstrate methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead). Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 12+ years of progressive experience designing, developing, and deploying advanced software solutions, including at least 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in Generative AI or machine learning systems. Proven expertise in end‑to‑end solution design, including architecture, API integrations, and data pipeline development across cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP). 8+ years of experience in full‑stack development and systems integration, applying design patterns, DevOps best practices, and API frameworks. 8+ years of hands‑on experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL preferred), including optimization, fault‑tolerance, and secure data access. Proficiency in Python and modern AI development frameworks such as LangChain, LiteLLM, and n8n. Demonstrated success leading or mentoring engineers and contributing to enterprise‑scale technical initiatives. Knowledge of open‑source GenAI front ends like OpenWebUI, experience in a GenAI Center of Excellence, familiarity with Oracle Fusion, Workday, or Salesforce, experience supporting AI for C++ code generation, and knowledge of Jira and Confluence are a plus. Strong communication skills: oral presentations, writing, negotiation, active listening, and influencing positive team dynamics. 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. 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). Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating. The Salary Range For This Role Is $176,000 - $249,480 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 ITAR and the EAR, or be approved for an export license by the governing agency governing the technology. Any job offer that requires an export license will be conditional upon AeroVironment’s successful acquisition of that license within a timely business‑justified timeframe. U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or protected refugee or asylee status is required for certain positions. Benefits AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits. 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 have led technical innovation for over 45 years, developing the world’s most widely used military drones and pioneering many firsts in the aerospace domain. What We Do Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports advanced UAS and tactical missile systems. U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use our hand‑launched UAS to provide real‑time reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. Senior Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Engineering and Information Technology Industry Defense and Space Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at AV by 2x. Get notified about new Generative AI Engineer jobs in Simi Valley, CA. We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr