Design and implement high-performance software in C++ 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
Contribute to the San Diego 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
We're looking for someone who has:
Professional software engineering experience, with strong C++ at the core
Experience with Unreal Engine or other real-time simulation/game engine environments (e.g., Unity, Gazebo, or custom simulation stacks)
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:
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
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. Please reference the job posting's subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the location listed is: $100,000 – $200,000 USD annually. 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. Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.
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. Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The parties also agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of Executive Order 13496 (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A), relating to the notice of employee rights under federal labor laws.
