Backend Engineer, Defense Simulation & Edge Platforms

Applied Intuition; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition in Ann Arbor is seeking experienced backend engineers to advance our defense tooling and simulation platform. You will architect, implement, and own backend systems that run at the edge of what is technically possible, enabling robust multi-domain autonomous operations.

The role emphasizes performance, scalability, and real-world impact, with small, high-ownership teams and opportunities to work closely with DoD customers and researchers.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional engineering experience, ideally with C++.
• Strong fundamentals in systems programming, concurrency, performance optimization, and real-time rendering or simulation pipelines.
• Genuine interest in simulation, autonomy, robotics, or physical AI with understanding of how software connects to machines.
• Exposure to multi-domain defense systems; no defense pedigree required but enthusiasm to develop one.
• Solid CS/CE/EE foundation and rigorous thinking about correctness and performance.
• Python proficiency for tooling, scripting, and integration work.
• Comfort with ambiguity; ability to drive clarity and progress in fast-moving environments.
• Excellent communication skills to explain technical 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 for testing autonomous systems before real-world deployment.
• Develop scalable infrastructure supporting multi-domain autonomous operations across unmanned ground and aerial platforms.
• Partner with autonomy researchers, product teams, and defense customers to translate mission requirements into robust software solutions.
• Own end-to-end execution of engineering workstreams from architecture to deployment.
• Interface with DoD programs and defense customers to ensure solutions meet real-world operational demands.

Skills

C++

Python

Systems programming

Concurrency

Performance optimization

Real-time simulation

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Gazebo

Job description

Applied Intuition in Ann Arbor is seeking experienced backend engineers to advance our defense tooling and simulation platform. You will architect, implement, and own backend systems that run at the edge of what is technically possible, enabling robust multi-domain autonomous operations.

The role emphasizes performance, scalability, and real-world impact, with small, high-ownership teams and opportunities to work closely with DoD customers and researchers.