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# Lead Software Engineer - Autonomy/Physical AI

- **Company:** Applied Intuition
- **Location:** Ann Arbor, MI, United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $150,000.0 - $200,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, C++ (Programming Language), Distributed Systems, Python (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Software Engineering, Software Systems, System Programming, Concurrency, Backend
- **Published:** May 21, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=96ea8bca8701c859

## About the Role

Do you have experience in Tooling?, * 6+ years 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

Security Requirements:

 * Must be a U.S. Citizen
 * Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance

## Description

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., * 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


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