Software Engineer - Drone Stack (C++)

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate complex autonomy and vehicle intelligence systems across hardware and software domains.
• Deploy autonomy algorithms in SIL, HIL, and live test environments.
• Integrate autonomy software with aircraft autopilots, datalinks, sensors, and ground control stations.
• Support live flight tests of autonomy software on group 1-5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Troubleshoot complex integration and software issues to ensure high reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with 3rd party UAS vendors and DoD domain experts to integrate software onto OEM hardware.
• Conduct system-level setup, testing, and validation using software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop evaluations.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience working with robotic systems (hardware, software, and integration).
• Proficiency in C++.
• Experience integrating autonomy/robotics products with Pixhawk autopilots (ArduPilot and/or PX4).
• Knowledge of communication protocols including UART/RS232/RS422/RS485, SPI/QSPI, I2C, and Ethernet.
• Experience with Docker, containerized deployment, and Linux-based operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu).
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Willingness to travel frequently (approximately 10–20%) for on-site integration and demonstrations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in modern C++ (2011, 2017, or 2020 standards), Bash, and CMake.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Experience with Agile development practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Prior work with COTS hardware integration such as Nvidia Jetson and Raspberry Pi.
• Active U.S. SECRET clearance.

About the Company

Applied Intuition is powering the future of physical AI. We are creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet, servicing the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture industries. Our solutions are trusted by eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, as well as the United States military and its allies.