Robotic Software Engineer (Drone Stack)

Applied Intuition is seeking a Robotic Software Engineer specializing in drone stack integration at our Washington, D.C. office. In this full-time role, you'll engineer autonomous systems that combine hardware and software into production-grade unmanned aircraft platforms.

Position Summary

As a Robotic Software Engineer on our drone systems team, you'll bridge autonomy algorithms and vehicle platforms through hands-on integration work. Your focus will span low-level hardware interfaces, embedded Linux deployment, real-time testing, and field validation on operational unmanned aerial vehicles. You'll work directly with defense and commercial partners, translating complex autonomy requirements into reliable systems that perform in lab, simulation, and live environments.

Your Responsibilities

• Engineer autonomy stacks onto embedded Linux platforms and specialized hardware, managing sensor interfaces and telemetry pipelines
• Build and validate systems across simulation (SIL), hardware test benches (HIL), and live flight trials on Group 1–5 unmanned aircraft
• Diagnose and resolve integration failures, timing issues, and cross-layer incompatibilities between autonomy software and vehicle electronics
• Author and maintain inter-process communication layers and service-oriented architecture patterns for distributed autonomous systems
• Partner with autopilot vendors and airframe manufacturers to onboard Applied autonomy onto commercial off-the-shelf UAS products
• Execute end-to-end system validation, configuration, and checkout procedures in lab and field settings
• Travel to customer sites for integration sprints, live testing, and in-person system demonstrations (approximately 10–20% of your time)

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent discipline
• Minimum 3 years of professional or research experience developing robotic hardware-software systems from the ground up
• Strong programming ability in C++; proficiency with modern standards (C++11/17/20) is valued
• Hands-on experience configuring and extending open-source autopilot stacks, particularly ArduPilot and PX4 on Pixhawk platforms
• Familiarity with embedded communication standards: UART, RS232/RS422/RS485, SPI/QSPI, I2C, Ethernet
• Working knowledge of containerized deployments (Docker), Linux distributions (Ubuntu, RHEL), and version control (Git, GitLab)
• Exposure to real-time and safety-critical systems operating across simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and live deployment contexts
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and drive projects toward customer satisfaction
• Willingness to travel domestically for on-site work
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance

About the Company

Applied Intuition develops the software infrastructure that powers autonomous vehicles and robotic systems at scale. From autonomous aircraft to defense platforms, we collaborate with the world's leading automakers, prime defense contractors, and innovators across trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture. Our Washington, D.C. office supports defense-focused autonomy work; we're part of a global organization headquartered in Silicon Valley with additional offices across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Apply Today

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.