C++ Software Engineer – Autonomous Systems

Applied Intuition; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition in California is seeking a Software Engineer to join the Autonomy Framework team. You will develop core C++ systems, collaborate with autonomy engineers, product managers, and customers to enable collaborative behaviors across air, ground, and maritime domains.

You will work with Python, shell scripting, and modern C++20+, optimize real-time performance, and help automate workflows with CI/CD pipelines and AI-assisted tooling.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Strong C++ programming skills with experience in modern C++ (C++20 or later).
• Experience with Python and shell scripting for automation and tooling.
• Proficiency with agentic coding tools such as Cursor, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or similar AI‑assisted development tools.
• Strong understanding of software design patterns, data structures, and algorithms.
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and collaborative development workflows.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop Core Framework Software: Design and implement high‑performance C++ systems that form the foundation of collaborative autonomy behaviors in multi‑domain environments.
• Enable Collaborative Autonomy: Develop software that allows multiple autonomous agents to coordinate and collaborate across different operational domains.
• Support Multidisciplinary Teams: Work closely with autonomy engineers, product managers, and customers to understand requirements and deliver solutions.
• Leverage Modern Development Tools: Heavily utilize agentic coding tools and AI assistants to accelerate development and improve code quality.
• Optimize Performance: Profile, debug, and optimize code for real‑time performance in resource‑constrained environments.
• Automate Workflows: Create scripts and tools to improve development velocity and testing efficiency.

Skills

C++

Python

Shell scripting

Agentic coding tools

Software design patterns

Data structures

Algorithms

Git

Tools

CMake

Bazel

CI/CD pipelines

Protocol Buffers

FlatBuffers

Cap'n Proto

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the role

We're seeking a Software Engineer to join our Autonomy Framework team, working on a cutting‑edge framework solution that enables collaborative autonomy behaviors in multi‑domain environments. In this role, you'll develop core software systems, integrate with domain‑specific platforms, and support multidisciplinary engineering efforts across the organization.

This is an opportunity to work on foundational software that powers autonomous systems operating in complex, real‑world scenarios. You'll collaborate with autonomy engineers, domain experts, and product teams to build robust, scalable frameworks that enable collaborative behaviors across air, ground, and maritime domains.

At Applied Intuition, you will:

• Develop Core Framework Software: Design and implement high‑performance C++ systems that form the foundation of collaborative autonomy behaviors in multi‑domain environments
• Enable Collaborative Autonomy: Develop software that allows multiple autonomous agents to coordinate and collaborate across different operational domains
• Support Multidisciplinary Teams: Work closely with autonomy engineers, product managers, and customers to understand requirements and deliver solutions
• Leverage Modern Development Tools: Heavily utilize agentic coding tools and AI assistants to accelerate development and improve code quality
• Optimize Performance: Profile, debug, and optimize code for real‑time performance in resource‑constrained environments
• Automate Workflows: Create scripts and tools to improve development velocity and testing efficiency

We're looking for someone who has:

• 2+ years of professional software engineering experience
• Strong C++ programming skills with experience in modern C++ (C++20 or later)
• Experience with Python and shell scripting for automation and tooling
• Proficiency with agentic coding tools such as Cursor, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or similar AI‑assisted development tools
• Strong understanding of software design patterns, data structures, and algorithms
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and collaborative development workflows
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Travel Requirements

• Must be willing to travel as projects require, usually for SW/HW integration and/or demonstrations; estimated average travel is 2–5 days every other month (10–20%)

Security Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice to have

• Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, or real‑time control systems
• Familiarity with distributed systems and multi‑agent coordination
• Knowledge of network programming and inter‑process communication (IPC)
• Experience with build systems (CMake, Bazel) and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience with data serialization formats (Protocol Buffers, FlatBuffers, Cap'n Proto)
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)

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, 401(k) 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.

For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full‑time position in the location listed is: $125,000 to $175,000 USD annually.

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.

Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The parties also agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of Executive Order 13496 (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A), relating to the notice of employee rights under federal labor laws.