Software Engineer

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; 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

• 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; you want to understand how your code connects to machines operating in the real world.
• Exposure to or curiosity about multi-domain defense systems - you don't need a defense pedigree, but you're excited to develop one.
• Strong CS/CE/EE (or similar) foundation; you think rigorously about correctness and performance.
• Python proficiency for tooling, scripting, and integration work.
• Thrives in ambiguity & comfortable driving clarity and progress in fast-moving, high-stakes environments.
• Excellent communication skills; you can explain hard technical tradeoffs to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with autonomy, robotics, or physical AI.
• Background in multi-domain defense systems.