Lead Software Engineer - Autonomy/Physical AI
Lead backend C++ engineer building high-performance autonomy infrastructure for defense products Axion and Acuity. Own end-to-end systems for multi-domain autonomous operations in contested environments.
About the job
Responsibilities
- Design and implement high-performance backend systems in C++ for Axion and Acuity, Applied's core defense autonomy products
- Tackle hard autonomy challenges across multi-domain environments, from unmanned ground and aerial platforms to broader joint-force integration scenarios
- Build scalable, reliable infrastructure that enables autonomous systems to operate in contested and degraded conditions
- Partner closely with autonomy researchers, product teams, and defense customers to translate mission requirements into robust software solutions
- Own end-to-end execution of high-stakes engineering workstreams from architecture through deployment
- Contribute to the Ann Arbor site's rapid buildout, helping shape team culture, technical standards, and engineering practices as we scale
- Interface with DOD programs and defense customers to ensure solutions meet real-world operational demands
Requirements
- 6+ years professional software engineering experience, with strong C++ at the core
- Deep backend engineering fundamentals: systems programming, concurrency, performance optimization, and distributed systems
- Genuine interest in autonomy, robotics, or physical AI
- Exposure to or curiosity about multi-domain defense systems
- Strong CS/CE/EE (or similar) foundation
- Python proficiency for tooling, scripting, and integration work
- Thrives in ambiguity and comfortable driving clarity in fast-moving, high-stakes environments
- Excellent communication skills
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance
Nice-to-Haves
- Interest in developing a defense industry background
Skills
C++, Python, Systems Programming, Concurrency, Distributed Systems, Performance Optimization, Backend Engineering, Autonomy Systems, Robotics
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