Backend Engineer - Defense AI & Autonomous Simulation

applied; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition, Inc. is building the backbone for physical AI in defense applications. Our Ann Arbor team tackles high-stakes autonomy challenges, delivering backend systems and simulation tools used to validate multi-domain operations.

You will contribute to edge-ready infrastructure, collaborate with researchers and customers, and own significant parts of the product from architecture to deployment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years professional engineering experience, ideally with C++.
• Strong fundamentals: systems programming, concurrency, performance.
• Interest in simulation, autonomy, robotics, or physical AI.
• Exposure to multi-domain defense systems; not required to be a specialist.
• Solid CS/CE/EE foundation; focus on correctness and performance.
• Python proficiency for tooling and integration.
• Comfort with ambiguity; drive clarity in fast-moving environments.
• Excellent communication; explain tradeoffs to engineers and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-performance software 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.
• Interface with DoD programs and defense customers to ensure solutions meet real-world operational demands.

Skills

C++

Python

Communication

Concurrency

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Gazebo

Job description

Applied Intuition, Inc. is building the backbone for physical AI in defense applications. Our Ann Arbor team tackles high-stakes autonomy challenges, delivering backend systems and simulation tools used to validate multi-domain operations.

You will contribute to edge-ready infrastructure, collaborate with researchers and customers, and own significant parts of the product from architecture to deployment.