Senior C++ Software Engineer (Defense Autonomy)

Senior C++ Software Engineer (Defense Autonomy)

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

About the Role

Applied is seeking a Software Engineer with strong foundations in algorithmic optimization and multi-agent systems. You'll tackle complex computational challenges in our real-time decision-making platform, designing and implementing advanced algorithms that push the boundaries of autonomous coordination and planning. We seek motivated engineers driven by core mission values to join our Acuity Autonomous Behaviors and Agents engineering team focused on next-generation human-machine teaming and real-time decision-making systems. You'll help build intelligent agents that plan and execute missions using advanced reasoning, planning, and optimization algorithms. Our work spans real-time scenarios, heterogeneous platforms (air, space, land, surface, sub-surface), and software that integrates seamlessly with human operators. If you thrive in fast-moving, mission-oriented environments and love building autonomy that help our warfighters, this is your role.

Your work will support our Axion and Acuity family of systems, enabling breakthrough capabilities in human-machine teaming across all domains. If you're passionate about applying cutting-edge algorithms to solve mission-critical coordination problems, this role offers exceptional opportunities to advance the state of the art in autonomous decision making systems.

At Applied, You Will:

• Design and implement multi-agent optimization algorithms for distributed decision-making and coordination problems
• Develop temporal logic frameworks and constraint-satisfaction algorithms for complex planning scenarios
• Create mathematical models for sequential decision process under uncertainty with probabilistic outcomes
• Build computational frameworks that balance algorithmic efficiency with human-interpretable reasoning
• Implement and evaluate quantitative metrics for algorithm performance, solution quality, and computational efficiency
• Translate theoretical approaches into production-ready software implementations with rigorous testing methodologies
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to refine algorithmic approaches based on empirical evaluation
• Communicate technical details effectively across stakeholders, sponsors, and leadership

We're Looking For Someone Who Has:

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, OR 5+ years of professional experience developing intelligent agents or planning systems.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience developing performant modern C++ (we use C++ 20).
• Strong theoretical understanding and practical experience implementing algorithms for constraint satisfaction, scheduling, and optimization problems.
• Demonstrable skill in analyzing, visualizing, and optimizing algorithm performance and solution quality.
• Proficiency with Bazel in Docker-based Linux environments.
• Strong procedural and object-oriented programming experience that employs clean code principles and good OOP design patterns/principles.
• Experience developing in Docker and containerized development environments, and using Linux-based operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu).
• Understanding of Service-oriented Architecture and message broker vs data broker paradigms.
• Experience using git, Visual Studio Code, GitLab, SonarQube, and Artifactory or Azure Container registry.
• Ability to translate complex mathematical concepts into clear technical documentation and communicate complex software designs.
• Strong critical thinking skills, methodical approach to algorithm development and validation, and ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple teams.
• Passion for solving complex problems with little supervision in a fast-moving team.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, frequently changing, and sometimes ambiguous environment.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel required (approx. 10–20%) for demonstrations, integration, or customer engagement

Security Clearance

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be eligible for a U.S. SECRET clearance with Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility

Nice To Have:

• Advanced degree (MS+) in algorithms, computational optimization, or autonomous systems, OR 5+ years building autonomous decision systems.
• Expertise in advanced planning paradigms (e.g., PDDL, HTN planning, Monte Carlo tree search), temporal reasoning, formal verification, or symbolic planning.
• Experience with game theory for multi-agent coordination or negotiation protocols.
• Familiarity with real-time optimization under hardware/edge constraints.
• Background in Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) or defense applications.
• Master's degree in computer science/related engineering field.
• 7+ years developing software in C++ (C++ 2017)
• Proficient with build tools like Conan and Bazel.
• Experience on national security projects for government agencies.
• Interdisciplinary background with a focus on continual learning.

Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include 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 jurisdiction of employment.

Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.

Please reference the job posting subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the location listed is: $150,000 to $200,000 USD annually.

Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The parties also agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of Executive Order 13496 (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A), relating to the notice of employee rights under federal labor laws.