C++ Software Engineer - Physical AI

Job summary

Responsibilities

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.

• Design and implement high-performance backend systems in C++ for Axion and Acuity, Applied's core defense autonomy products
• Tackle hard autonomy challenges across multi-domain environments, from unmanned ground and aerial platforms to broader joint-force integration scenarios
• Build scalable, reliable infrastructure that enables autonomous systems to operate in contested and degraded conditions
• Partner closely with autonomy researchers, product teams, and defense customers to translate mission requirements into robust software solutions
• Own end-to-end execution of high-stakes engineering workstreams; architecture through deployment

What they're looking for

• 3 + years of professional software engineering experience, with strong C++ at the core
• Bachelors in Computer Science or similar field of study
• Deep backend engineering fundamentals: systems programming, concurrency, performance optimization, and distributed systems
• Genuine interest in autonomy, robotics, or physical AI; you want to understand how your code 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

Tech stack

• C++
• Python