About the role
Applied Intuition is rapidly scaling its defense product ecosystem in Ann Arbor! We're looking for talented backend C++ engineers at all levels, who are ready to work on some of the hardest autonomy challenges in physical AI today.
You'll be a core contributor to Axion and Acuity, our flagship defense products, building the foundational systems that power multi-domain autonomous operations. This is not a maintenance role. You'll architect, implement, and own backend infrastructure that runs at the edge of what's technically possible, in environments where the stakes are real.
The A2 team sits at the intersection of Applied's commercial technology velocity and defense-grade requirements, giving you access to a rapidly evolving product suite and real world impact. You'll work in small, high-ownership teams where your code ships, your decisions matter, and your impact on national security is direct.
At Applied Intuition, you will:
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Design and implement high-performance backend systems in C++ for Axion and Acuity, Applied's core defense autonomy products
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Tackle hard autonomy challenges across multi-domain environments, from unmanned ground and aerial platforms to broader joint-force integration scenarios
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Build scalable, reliable infrastructure that enables autonomous systems to operate in contested and degraded conditions
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Partner closely with autonomy researchers, product teams, and defense customers to translate mission requirements into robust software solutions
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Own end-to-end execution of high-stakes engineering workstreams; architecture through deployment
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Contribute to the Ann Arbor site's rapid buildout, helping shape team culture, technical standards, and engineering practices as we scale
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Interface with DOD programs and defense customers to ensure solutions meet real-world operational demands
We're looking for someone who has:
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Professional software engineering experience, with strong C++ at the core
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Deep backend engineering fundamentals: systems programming, concurrency, performance optimization, and distributed systems
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Genuine interest in autonomy, robotics, or physical AI; you want to understand how your code connects to machines operating in the real world
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Exposure to or curiosity about multi-domain defense systems - you don't need a defense pedigree, but you're excited to develop one
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Strong CS/CE/EE (or similar) foundation; you think rigorously about correctness and performance
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Python proficiency for tooling, scripting, and integration work
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Thrives in ambiguity & comfortable driving clarity and progress in fast-moving, high-stakes environments
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Excellent communication skills; you can explain hard technical tradeoffs to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders
Security Requirements:
For more information about U.S. security clearances: click here.
Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.
Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.
We are an in-office company, and our expectation is that full-time employees primarily work from their Applied Intuition office 5 days a week. However, we also recognize the importance of flexibility and trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly. This may include occasional remote work, starting the day with morning meetings from home before heading to the office, or leaving earlier when needed to accommodate family commitments. This in-office expectation does not apply to contractor positions.
Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.
Applied Intuition is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and requests priority referral of protected veterans.
Applied Intuition is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive application and interview experience to all applicants. Reasonable accommodations are available, requesting an accommodation will not affect your candidacy in any way, and you are not required to disclose the nature of your disability or medical condition in order to make a request.
If you require an accommodation please contact [email protected]. We will work with you!
