Backend C++ Engineer — Defense Autonomy AI

applied; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition in Ann Arbor is seeking talented backend engineers to build high-performance C++ systems for Axion and Acuity, our defense autonomy products. You will own end-to-end architecture and work closely with autonomy researchers and defense customers to deliver robust software solutions.

You will build scalable infrastructure that enables autonomous systems to operate in contested and degraded conditions, contributing to a rapid site expansion and real-world impact on national

Qualifications

• Professional software engineering experience with C++ core.
• Strong backend 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Contribute to the Ann Arbor 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.

Skills

C++ backend

Concurrency

Distributed systems

Python

Communication skills

Education

CS/CE/EE degree

Job description

Applied Intuition in Ann Arbor is seeking talented backend engineers to build high-performance C++ systems for Axion and Acuity, our defense autonomy products. You will own end-to-end architecture and work closely with autonomy researchers and defense customers to deliver robust software solutions.

You will build scalable infrastructure that enables autonomous systems to operate in contested and degraded conditions, contributing to a rapid site expansion and real-world impact on national