Software Engineer (Drone Stack)

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.