Software Engineer (Drone Stack)
Applied IntuitionBase Salary
$125k - $185k/yr
Responsibilities
- Build and tailor modular autonomy capabilities for defense missions on embedded Linux and other compute platforms.
- Integrate autonomy software with aircraft autopilots, datalinks, sensor payloads, PNT/GPS/INS systems, and ground control stations.
- Develop service-oriented-architecture software and inter-process messaging frameworks for autonomous UAS.
- Perform system bring-up, testing, and validation through software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop evaluations.
- Participate in live flight testing across Group 1–5 UAVs and diagnose software and integration problems.
- Work with DoD warfighter experts and third-party UAS vendors to deploy autonomy software on OEM aircraft hardware.
- Support customer-facing demonstrations and deliver dependable, scalable capabilities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline.
- At least 3 years of hands-on robotics experience spanning hardware, software, and systems integration.
- Required proficiency in modern C++; experience with Docker, containerized deployments, Linux, git, GitLab, and Visual Studio Code.
- Hands-on experience integrating robotics or autonomy products with Pixhawk-family autopilots, ArduPilot, and/or PX4.
- Working knowledge of UART/RS232/RS422/RS485, SPI/QSPI, I2C, and Ethernet.
- Experience or exposure to real-time, edge, and safety-critical computing in SIL, HIL, testing, and operational environments.
- Strong communication skills and a customer-first approach to project delivery.
- Ability to travel approximately 10–20% for on-site integrations and demonstrations.
- U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance.
- Preferred: modern C++ standards including C++11, C++17, and C++20, Bash, and CMake.
- Preferred: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, familiarity with Agile workflows and CI/CD pipelines, and hands-on experience with NVIDIA Jetson or Raspberry Pi.
- Preferred: active U.S. SECRET clearance.
Benefits
- Base salary, equity, and benefits are included in the total compensation package, with health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement benefits with employer match; learning and wellness stipends; and paid time off.
- Full-time employees are expected to work primarily from an Applied Intuition office five days per week, with occasional remote-work flexibility.
- The role includes approximately 10–20% travel for on-site integrations and demonstrations.
About Applied Intuition
Applied Intuition, Inc. is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017 and now valued at $15 billion, the Silicon Valley company is creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet. Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries in three core areas: tools and infrastructure, operating systems, and autonomy. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, as well as the United States military and its allies, trust the company’s solutions to deliver physical intelligence. Applied Intuition is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in Washington, D.C.; San Diego; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Ann Arbor, Michigan; London; Stuttgart; Munich; Stockholm; Bangalore; Seoul; and Tokyo. Learn more at applied.co.