Software Engineer - Simulation

Applied Intuition is rapidly scaling its defense product ecosystem in Ann Arbor! We’re looking for talented backend 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 our flagship simulation products, building the foundational systems that power the development of multi-domain autonomous defense 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 Ann Arbor 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:

• Design and implement high-performance software for Axion, Applied Intuition’s defense tooling and data platform
• Build and extend simulation environments and virtual worlds that enable autonomous systems to be tested and validated before real-world deployment
• Develop scalable infrastructure that supports multi-domain autonomous operations - from unmanned ground and aerial platforms to broader joint-force integration scenarios
• Partner with autonomy researchers, product teams, and defense customers to translate mission requirements into robust, mission-ready software solutions
• Own end-to-end execution of engineering workstreams; from architecture through deployment
• Interface with DoD programs and defense customers to ensure solutions meet real-world operational demands

• 3 + years Professional engineering experience , ideally with C++
• Solid software engineering fundamentals: systems programming, concurrency, performance optimization, and real-time rendering or simulation pipelines
• Genuine interest in simulation, autonomy, robotics, or physical AI - you want to understand how your software 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
• Comfort with ambiguity; you drive 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

Nice to Have:

• Experience with Unreal Engine or other real-time simulation/game engine environments (e.g., Unity, Gazebo, or custom simulation stacks) Prior work in simulation for autonomy, robotics, gaming, or defense applications

• Familiarity with sensor simulation, synthetic data generation, or physics-based environments
• Experience with distributed systems or real-time data pipelines in constrained environments

Security Requirements:

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

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.

Applied Intuition, Inc. is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017 and now valued at $15 billion, the Silicon Valley company is creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet. Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries in three core areas: tools and infrastructure, operating systems, and autonomy. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, as well as the United States military and its allies, trust the company’s solutions to deliver physical intelligence. Applied Intuition is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in Washington, D.C.; San Diego; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Ann Arbor, Michigan; London; Stuttgart; Munich; Stockholm; Bangalore; Seoul; and Tokyo. Learn more at applied.co.