Applied Intuition

Technology

LeadSoftwareEngineer-Autonomy/PhysicalAI

$200k+ Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Lead candidates.

The Brief

“Lead Software Engineer - Autonomy/Physical AI at Applied Intuition. Skills: Autonomy, Physical AI, Backend systems, C++. Design high-performance backend systems. Implement high-performance backend systems”

Industry & Context.

Technology
Eligibility Requirements

U. S. Citizen, U. S. Secret clearance

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

6+ years software engineering, C++ at the core, Backend engineering fundamentals, Systems programming, Concurrency, Performance optimization, Distributed systems, Python proficiency, CS/CE/EE degree, U. S. Citizen, Eligible for U. S. Secret clearance

Nice to Have

Interest in autonomy, Interest in robotics, Interest in physical AI, Exposure to multi-domain defense systems, Curiosity about multi-domain defense systems

What You'll Do.

Design high-performance backend systems

Implement high-performance backend systems

Tackle autonomy challenges

Build scalable infrastructure

Build reliable infrastructure

Partner with autonomy researchers

Partner with product teams

Partner with defense customers

Translate mission requirements

Own engineering architecture execution

Own deployment execution

Contribute to site buildout

Shape technical standards

Shape engineering practices

Interface with DOD programs

Interface with defense customers

Ensure solutions meet demands

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

High-ownership teams; Small teams

Communication Scope

Explain technical tradeoffs

Full Job Description

ABOUT APPLIED INTUITION 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 http://applied.co. We are an in-office company, and our expectation is that 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.   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 veloci

Free ATS check

Applying for this Lead Software Engineer - Autonomy/Physical AI role?

Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.

How to Apply on Ashby

  • Ashby is a fast modern ATS — most applications take under 3 minutes.
  • The resume parser is strong; verify parsed experience dates and job titles.
  • Custom screening questions are often scored algorithmically — answer completely.
  • Location field affects geo-based screening; use your actual metro area.

ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED

What do employees actually say about Applied Intuition?

Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.

Read Company Rants →