Robotic Software Engineer (Drone Stack)
As a Robotic Software Engineer at Applied Intuition, you will design and integrate complex autonomy and vehicle intelligence systems spanning hardware and software domains. You will integrate hardware and software onto vehicle platforms and deploy autonomy algorithms in both software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and live test environments. Computer networking, code integration, and a passion for robotics integration are essential. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable solutions for defense and commercial customers, providing seamless hardware-software integration, troubleshooting, and customer-facing demonstrations.
Your key responsibilities will include adapting and developing modular and agile autonomy capabilities across diverse defense problems. You will integrate and deploy autonomy solutions onto embedded Linux and other hardware platforms, including interfacing with sensors and collecting data. Troubleshooting complex integration and software issues to ensure high reliability and performance is a critical aspect of the role. Additionally, you will support live flight tests of autonomy software on group 1-5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and collaborate with third-party UAS vehicle vendors on the integration of Applied autonomy software onto OEM UAS hardware.
The ideal candidate will possess a BS or MS in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering field, with 3+ years of hands-on experience working with robotic systems encompassing hardware, software, and integration. Proficiency in C++ is preferred, along with experience integrating autonomy/robotics products with Pixhawk autopilots (ArduPilot and/or PX4). Familiarity with communication buses and protocols such as UART/RS232/RS422/RS485, SPI/QSPI, I2C, and Ethernet is required. Experience developing in Docker, containerized deployment environments, and using Linux-based operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu) is also essential. Excellent communication skills and a customer-oriented project delivery mindset are important, as is a willingness to travel frequently for on-site integration and demonstrations (estimated 10–20%). U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance are mandatory.
Compensation for this full-time position includes a base salary ranging from $135,000 to $175,000 USD annually, equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on the jurisdiction of employment.
Applied Intuition fosters a collaborative and innovative company culture, emphasizing flexibility and trust in employees to manage their schedules responsibly. The company is committed to powering the future of physical AI, creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet. This role offers significant growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization that services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture industries.