Generative AI Engineer

Worker TypeRegularJob Description SummaryThe 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 ResponsibilitiesCollaborating 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 like Finance, Operations, SDLC, DevOps etc.Support and scale the Roo Code platform to enhance developer velocity, with a goal of accelerating 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.Creates software design documentation according to software process requirements.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 less experienced engineers.Demonstrates methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead).Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor’s degree in the field of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience12+ 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 the following is a plus: Experience with open-source GenAI front ends like OpenWebUIExperience in a GenAI Center of Excellence (CoE)Familiarity with Oracle Fusion, Workday, or SalesforceExperience supporting AI for C++ code generationKnowledge of Jira and ConfluenceStrong communication skills: oral presentations, writing, negotiation, active listening, influencing positive team dynamicsOther Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesAdvanced degree is preferredUses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles to achieve goals in creative and effective waysExhibits effective interpersonal, listening and communication skills (written and verbal) Communicates ideas in both technical and user-friendly languageSuccessfully works within a multi-project environment and supports multiple internal customersIs successful in working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyPhysical DemandsAbility 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 PerformanceWork is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.The salary range for this role is:$176,000 - $249,480AeroVironment 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:Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.Who We AreBased 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 DoBuilding 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.ITARU.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.