# Senior C++ Software Engineer (Defense Autonomy)

**Company:** [Applied Intuition](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/applied-intuition)
**Location:** Ann Arbor, MI
**Role:** Backend Engineering
**Salary:** $150k – $250k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** C++, c++20, multi-agent systems, optimization algorithms, constraint satisfaction, scheduling algorithms, temporal logic, Bazel, Docker, Linux, object-oriented programming, service-oriented architecture, pddl, monte carlo tree search, formal verification
**Posted:** 2026-06-25

> Build performant C++ algorithms for multi-agent coordination, planning, optimization, and real-time autonomous decision-making across defense applications. The role requires 5+ years of modern C++ experience, strong algorithmic foundations, and eligibility for a U.S. SECRET clearance with SAP access.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Design and implement multi-agent optimization algorithms for distributed decision-making and coordination problems.
- Develop temporal logic frameworks and constraint-satisfaction algorithms for complex planning scenarios.
- Create mathematical models for sequential decision processes under uncertainty with probabilistic outcomes.
- Build computational frameworks that balance algorithmic efficiency with human-interpretable reasoning.
- Implement and evaluate quantitative metrics for algorithm performance, solution quality, and computational efficiency.
- Support Axion and Acuity systems enabling human-machine teaming and real-time decision-making across air, space, land, surface, and subsurface domains.
- Travel occasionally, approximately **10–20%**, for demonstrations, integration, or customer engagement.

## Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, or **5+ years** of professional experience developing intelligent agents or planning systems.
- **5+ years** of hands-on experience developing performant modern C++ using C++20.
- Strong theoretical and practical experience with constraint satisfaction, scheduling, and optimization algorithms.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze, visualize, and optimize algorithm performance and solution quality.
- Proficiency with Bazel in Docker-based Linux environments.
- Strong procedural and object-oriented programming experience, including clean-code principles and object-oriented design patterns.
- Experience with Docker, containerized development environments, and Linux operating systems such as RHEL or Ubuntu.
- Understanding of service-oriented architecture and message broker versus data broker paradigms.
- Ability to translate complex mathematical concepts into clear technical documentation and communicate complex software designs.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for a U.S. SECRET clearance with Special Access Program eligibility.

## Nice-to-haves
- Advanced degree in algorithms, computational optimization, or autonomous systems, or 5+ years building autonomous decision systems.
- Expertise in advanced planning paradigms such as PDDL, HTN planning, Monte Carlo tree search, temporal reasoning, formal verification, or symbolic planning.
- Experience with game theory for multi-agent coordination or negotiation protocols.
- Familiarity with real-time optimization under hardware or edge constraints.
- Background in Battle Management Command and Control or defense applications.

## Compensation and benefits
- Base salary, equity, and benefits.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- 401(k) retirement benefits with employer match.
- Learning and wellness stipends.
- Paid time off.
- The base salary range is **$150,000–$250,000**. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, credentials, education, skills, interview performance, and role scope.

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