Embedded Software Engineer (Drone Stack)
Applied IntuitionBase Salary
$150k - $225k/yr
Responsibilities
- Build and tailor modular autonomy capabilities for defense missions on embedded Linux and other compute platforms while interfacing with onboard sensors and capturing data.
- 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, validation, SIL and HIL evaluations, and live flight testing across Group 1–5 UAVs.
- Diagnose and resolve software and system integration problems to maintain dependable performance.
- Work with DoD warfighter experts and third-party UAS vendors to deploy autonomy software on OEM aircraft hardware.
- Support on-site integrations and customer-facing demonstrations.
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.
- Modern C++ proficiency and experience with Docker, containerized deployments, Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or RHEL, Git, GitLab, and Visual Studio Code.
- Hands-on integration with Pixhawk-family autopilots, including ArduPilot and/or PX4, and 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, test, and operational settings.
- Strong communication skills and a customer-first approach to project delivery.
- U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance.
- Willingness to travel approximately 10–20% for on-site integrations and demonstrations.
- Preferred: C++11/17/20, Bash, CMake, FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, NVIDIA Jetson or Raspberry Pi experience, Agile workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and an active U.S. SECRET clearance.
Benefits
- Full-time employees primarily work in an Applied Intuition office five days per week, with occasional remote-work flexibility; the role includes approximately 10–20% travel.
- Benefits may include comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k) retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off.
- Eligible roles may include equity in the form of options or restricted stock units, though compensation figures are not stated.
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.