Lead Software Engineer - Autonomy/Physical AI

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-performance backend systems in C++ for flagship defense autonomy products
• Tackle complex autonomy challenges across multi-domain environments, including unmanned ground and aerial platforms
• Build scalable and reliable infrastructure capable of operating in contested and degraded conditions
• Partner with autonomy researchers, product teams, and defense customers to translate mission requirements into software solutions
• Own end-to-end engineering workstreams from initial architecture through to deployment
• Contribute to the technical standards and engineering culture of the Ann Arbor site

Requirements

• 6+ years of professional software engineering experience with strong C++ proficiency
• Deep understanding of backend engineering fundamentals, including systems programming, concurrency, and performance optimization
• Experience with distributed systems
• Proficiency in Python for tooling, scripting, and integration
• Strong Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering foundation
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Genuine interest in autonomy, robotics, or physical AI
• Curiosity or experience regarding multi-domain defense systems
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving, and high-stakes environments

About the Company

Applied Intuition is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017, the company creates 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 through tools, operating systems, and autonomy solutions.