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C++ Software Engineer - Drone Stack

Applied Intuition· Defense
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Washington, D.C.$135k - $185kFull-timePosted 3mo ago

About the role

Software Engineer on the Drone Stack team developing and integrating autonomy and vehicle intelligence systems across hardware and software domains, deploying autonomy algorithms in SIL, HIL and live test environments, with a focus on hardware-software integration for defense and commercial customers.

Responsibilities

  • Adapt and develop modular and agile autonomy capabilities across diverse defense problems
  • Integrate and deploy autonomy solutions onto embedded Linux and other hardware platforms, including interfacing with sensors and collecting data
  • Troubleshoot complex integration and software issues to ensure high reliability and performance
  • Integrate autonomy software into hardware in collaboration with autonomy engineers that supports full integration with aircraft autopilots, datalinks, sensors, PNT/GPS/INS, ground control stations, etc.
  • Support live flight test of autonomy software on group 1-5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
  • Collaborate with 3rd party UAS vehicle vendors on the integration of Applied autonomy software onto OEM UAS hardware
  • Conduct system-level setup, testing, and validation, including software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop evaluations
  • Collaborate with autonomy engineers to implement service-oriented-architecture software and inter-process messaging systems for autonomous UASs
  • Collaborate with DoD warfighter domain experts and 3rd party UAS vehicle vendors to develop and integrate autonomy software onto OEM hardware

Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Robotics, Computer Science or related engineering field
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience working with robotic systems (hardware, software, and integration)
  • Experience with software programming languages: C++ preferred
  • Experience integrating autonomy/robotics products with Pixhawk autopilots (ArduPilot and/or PX4)
  • Experience integrating with communication busses & protocols: UART/RS232/RS422/RS485, SPI/QSPI, I2C, Ethernet
  • Experience developing in Docker, containerized deployment environments, and using Linux-based operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu)
  • Experience using git, Visual Studio Code, GitLab
  • Familiarity with real-time, edge computing, and safety-critical systems operating in software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), test & operational environments
  • Excellent communication skills and customer-oriented project delivery mindset
  • Willingness to travel frequently for on-site integration and demonstrations (estimated 10–20%)
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Skills

Required:C++ programmingPixhawk / ArduPilot / PX4Embedded Linux
Nice to have:ROS / inter-process communication

Benefits

  • base salary, equity, and benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; 401k with employer match; learning and wellness stipends; paid time off
Last updated Oct 11, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Applied Intuition

Building vehicle intelligence | Applied Intuition

Applied Intuition is the vehicle intelligence company with the tools, Vehicle OS, and autonomy stacks for creating safe, AI-powered vehicle experiences.

AIAutonomy stacksSelf-Driving SystemSimulationTesting & ValidationVehicle IntelligenceVehicle OSai-infrastructure-and-development
Company profileWebsite

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