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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. The role is split roughly 50/50 between lab work and airfield operations, taking unmanned aerial systems from benchtop configuration through 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
- Deploy and configure containerized software stacks using Docker, 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 block diagrams
- Configure IP routing, subnets, and local network interfaces between flight controllers, companion computers, radios, and ground control stations
- Act as the technical link between software, guidance/navigation/control (GNC), and hardware teams
Applied Intuition is a $15 billion Series A company (founded 2017) powering physical AI for autonomous systems. The company serves automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture industries. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers and the U.S. military trust Applied Intuition's solutions. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale with offices globally.
The role can also be based at the Drone Lab near Fort Walton Beach, Florida or Ann Arbor, Michigan (relocation offered). Applied Intuition is an in-office company with expectation of 5 days/week in-office, though occasional flexibility is available.
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
- 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
