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Embedded Software Engineer (Drone Stack)

Applied Intuition· Defense
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Fort Walton Beach, FL$125k - $185kFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Software Engineer to architect and field autonomy and vehicle intelligence systems for defense and commercial drone platforms, delivering end-to-end hardware-software integration, SIL/HIL evaluations, and live testing.

Responsibilities

  • Build and tailor modular, rapidly adaptable autonomy capabilities for defense missions on embedded Linux and compute platforms, interfacing with onboard sensors and data capture
  • Integrate autonomy software with vehicle hardware including aircraft autopilots, datalinks, sensor payloads, PNT/GPS/INS, and ground control stations; develop service-oriented-architecture software and inter-process messaging frameworks for autonomous UAS
  • Perform system-level bring-up, test, and validation across SIL and HIL, and participate in live flight testing across Group 1–5 UAVs
  • Diagnose and resolve complex software and integration problems to maintain performance and reliability
  • Engage with DoD domain experts and partner with UAS vendors to deploy autonomy software on OEM aircraft hardware

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or related engineering discipline
  • 3+ years of hands-on robotics experience spanning hardware, software, and systems integration
  • Proficiency in modern C++ with Docker, containerized deployments, and Linux (Ubuntu or RHEL); familiarity with git, GitLab, Visual Studio Code
  • Hands-on integration of robotics or autonomy products with Pixhawk-family autopilots (ArduPilot and/or PX4); knowledge of UART/RS232/RS422/RS485, SPI/QSPI, I2C, Ethernet
  • Experience with real-time, edge, and safety-critical computing in SIL/HIL/test/operational settings; strong communication and customer-focused delivery
  • Willingness to travel for on-site integrations and demos (roughly 10–20%); U.S. citizenship and eligibility for U.S. security clearance required

Skills

Required:C++DockerLinuxPixhawk autopilots (ArduPilot/PX4)Networking and inter-device communication

Benefits

  • Base salary, equity, and benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and 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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