C++ Software Engineer - Autonomy/Physical AI
Backend C++ engineer building high-performance autonomy infrastructure for defense products Axion and Acuity in Ann Arbor. Requires strong C++, systems fundamentals, Python, and U.S. citizenship with security clearance eligibility.
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; 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
- 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 multi-domain defense systems or autonomy in contested environments
Skills
C++, Python, Systems Programming, Concurrency, Performance Optimization, Distributed Systems, Backend Engineering, Robotics, Autonomy
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