About the Role

As a Senior Robotics Hardware Engineer at Applied Intuition, you will serve as the primary technical link between hardware design, GNC, and software teams to deliver integrated, flight-ready systems. You will lead the critical hardware-software bring-up process, driving initial validation of flight systems from the bench to the airfield while defining seamless communication interfaces across flight controllers and ground stations. In this role, you will architect repeatable verification workflows and high-fidelity simulation environments, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), to enable rapid iteration and reduce development cycle times. By setting standards for hardware abstraction and building custom real-time monitoring tools, you will ensure the delivery of robust, scalable, and maintainable flight software for next-generation autonomous machines
At Applied Intuition, you will:

• Lead the hardware-software bring-up process, driving initial integration and validation of flight systems from the bench to the airfield.
• Deliver integrated, flight-ready systems by bridging the gap between autopilot firmware, onboard compute, and peripheral vehicle hardware.
• Define and control system interfaces across flight controllers, payloads, and ground stations to ensure seamless communication and data integrity.
• Make critical system-level tradeoffs between embedded software performance, autonomy requirements, and physical hardware constraints.
• Design and scale automated test frameworks, including high-fidelity Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) environments with realistic sensor and vehicle simulation.
• Architect repeatable verification workflows that enable rapid iteration and reduce the cycle time from code change to validated flight behavior.
• Build custom tooling for real-time monitoring and post-flight analysis to convert complex test data into actionable system improvements.
• Serve as the technical authority for integration and verification, acting as the primary link between hardware design, GNC, and software teams.
• Support flight test campaigns as a hands-on technical lead, troubleshooting integration issues and ensuring mission success.
• Set the standards for design patterns and hardware abstraction to ensure robust, scalable, and maintainable flight software.

We're looking for someone who has:

• Degree: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of experience in robotics hardware integration, embedded systems, or aerospace engineering.
• Deep expertise in vehicle electronics integration, specifically bridging autopilot firmware (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot) with onboard compute (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi) and peripheral sensors.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python, with experience writing hardware abstraction layers or drivers for real-time systems.
• Hands-on experience with communication protocols such as CAN, UART, I2C, SPI, and MAVLink.
• Proven track record of building and scaling simulation environments, specifically Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing for autonomous vehicles or drones.
• Demonstrated ability to lead system-level bring-up, moving complex robotics platforms from initial bench-top prototyping to successful field or flight operations.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to act as the technical "glue" between GNC, software, and mechanical teams.

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.
Nice to have:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Hands-on experience with R/C systems, drone assembly, or flight operations.

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 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 to $150,000 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. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.