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Applied Intuition is seeking an Autonomy Integration Engineer to join the Drone Stack team. You will serve as the technical anchor bridging hardware, edge software, and field flight operations for autonomous aerial systems. Split roughly 50/50 between the lab and the airfield, you will be responsible for bringing autonomous aerial systems from initial benchtop configuration to live operational flight.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead end-to-end hardware and software integration for unmanned aerial systems, moving platforms from benchtop prototyping to active flight test campaigns
- Manage, configure, and deploy software stacks using Docker images, shell scripts, and Linux system tools across onboard computes and peripheral hardware
- Troubleshoot vehicle networks, payload interfaces, and sensor links in real time using command-line tools and hardware diagnostics (multimeters, oscilloscopes)
- Develop Python and C++ scripts for data reduction, log analysis, system validation, and real-time subsystem verification
- Fabricate custom wiring harnesses, perform precision soldering, and define system-level architecture using clear block diagrams
- Configure IP routing, subnets, and local network interfaces between flight controllers, companion computers, radios, and ground control stations
You will be as comfortable with a soldering iron and oscilloscope at the bench as you are SSH-ing into an onboard computer over a mesh radio under field conditions. This role can also be located at Applied Intuition's headquarters in Sunnyvale, CA or Ann Arbor, MI office (relocation offered).
Applied Intuition is a $15 billion Series A company founded in 2017, powering the future of physical AI. The company creates digital infrastructure for autonomous systems across automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers and the United States military trust the company's solutions.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 5+ years of experience in robotics integration, flight test engineering, embedded systems, or autonomous vehicles (aerial background preferred)
- Deep practical comfort with Linux CLI, file management, system logging, local IP routing, subnets, and containerized deployments (Docker)
- Proven hands-on skills in wiring, custom cable assembly, bench soldering, and physical diagnostics using oscilloscopes and multimeters
- Strong proficiency in Python, C++, or Shell scripting for automation, test suite creation, and processing flight data logs
- Direct experience working with serial and vehicle bus protocols (UART, CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C)
- Ability to lead major integration efforts independently and act as the technical link between software, GNC, and hardware teams
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance
NICE TO HAVE:
- Active DoD Secret Security Clearance
- Deep experience with MAVLink protocol and autopilot hardware (PX4, ArduPilot)
- Experience with Persistent Systems, Silvus, or similar tactical mesh radios
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and hands-on R/C flight experience
- Background working with defense tech platforms or flight ranges
