About the role

As a Systems Engineer, you will play a critical role in defining system requirements, designing architectures, and integrating Applied Intuition's technology onto autonomous vehicles and defense systems. This role combines systems engineering, robotics, software deployment, architecture, integration, and real-world testing.

You will work across both office and field-based environments, with significant time spent deploying, testing, and validating software on autonomous systems in dynamic, operationally relevant settings. You will collaborate closely with software engineers, autonomy engineers, perception teams, data scientists, and field operators to ensure systems are robust, reliable, and ready for deployment.

At Applied, you will:

• Define system requirements from user needs on operational concepts
• Define system and system-of-systems architectures and align with open standards such as PYRAMID, FCADE, etc.
• Design and build out reference architectures for multiple systems of interest including autonomy systems, mission systems, and weapon systems
• Lead the development of system engineering models and artifacts to capture key design decisions
• Develop, deploy, and validate software systems on autonomous vehicles, focusing on robotics, sensors, and vehicle autopilots
• Participate in hands-on fieldwork, deploying software on vehicles and ensuring proper functionality in dynamic, real-world environments
• Work with the Perception and Autonomy teams to deploy and optimize perception pipelines (Vision, Radar, Fusion) and vehicle autonomy SW, ensuring robust and safe vehicle operation
• Address inter-vehicle communication, ensuring seamless data exchange between vehicles for collaborative autonomous operations
• Leverage simulation environments to test vehicle systems, validating software behavior in various scenarios before field deployment
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, data scientists, and field operators, to ensure the successful deployment of systems. Document processes and provide updates on system status and improvements

We're looking for someone who has:

• MS or PhD in Robotic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Optimization, or equivalent OR 5 years of relevant experience designing multi-agent autonomy
• Strong proficiency in Linux and command-line tools
• Strong proficiency in Python and/or C++
• Hands-on experience with robotic systems, sensors (such as RADAR, cameras, radar), and vehicle autopilots (e.g., PX4, ROS) -> something out of those
• Knowledge of communication protocols for inter-vehicle communications (e.g., DDS, ROS 2, or similar)
• Experience in integrating third-party software and APIs
• Experience with standards such as PYRAMID, FACE, ARP 4754A, DO-178C, or similar.
• Systems architecturing and requirements writing experience
• Ability to work in field environments, troubleshooting, testing, and deploying systems in challenging conditions

Travel Requirements:

• Must be willing to travel as projects requires; average travel varies, but can be up to once a month for up to 1 week (~50%)

Nice to have:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document processes and communicate technical concepts to cross-disciplinary teams
• Experience working on autonomy, robotics, aerospace, defence, mission systems, or safety-critical systems
• Experience working directly with customers, operators, or end users in field-based environments
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment, including under challenging conditions in remote or field locations
• References who will describe them as low-ego, highly motivated, thoughtfully opinionated, strong communicators and curious listeners

Security Requirements:

• Must hold or be eligible to obtain and maintain a US 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.

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.