Defense Autonomy Hardware Engineer – Field & Lab Bring-Up

InvestedintheMission; Fort Walton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition Defense seeks a Hardware Engineer to bridge hardware, edge software, and field flight operations in a lab-to-airfield role. You will configure embedded Linux, deploy containerized stacks, and build interfaces across flight controllers, radios, and ground control.

The position blends bench work with live flight testing in a secure environment. You will lead major integration efforts, work with Python/C++ tooling, and apply hands-on skills in soldering, cabling, and diagnostics

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in robotics integration, flight test engineering, embedded systems, or autonomous vehicles.
• Strong Linux and networking skills (CLI, IP routing, subnets).
• Hands-on hardware skills: wiring, soldering, diagnostics with oscilloscopes and multimeters.
• Proficient in Python or C++ for automation and test tooling.
• Experience with serial and vehicle bus protocols (UART, CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C).
• Ability to lead integration efforts and coordinate hardware/software teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead system bring-up from benchtop to flight test campaigns.
• Deploy and configure edge software across onboard computes and peripherals using Docker and Linux tools.
• Troubleshoot field and bench networks, sensor links, and subsystems in real time.
• Develop Python and C++ scripts for data reduction, log analysis, and validation.
• Design and implement system cabling, wiring harnesses, and electronics diagrams.
• Manage communications and networks between flight controllers, companion computers, radios, and ground stations.

Skills

Robotics integration

Flight test engineering

Embedded systems

Autonomous vehicles

Linux CLI

Python/C++ scripting

Networking

Leadership

Tools

Docker

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Soldering iron

Embedded Linux

Job description

Applied Intuition Defense seeks a Hardware Engineer to bridge hardware, edge software, and field flight operations in a lab-to-airfield role. You will configure embedded Linux, deploy containerized stacks, and build interfaces across flight controllers, radios, and ground control.

The position blends bench work with live flight testing in a secure environment. You will lead major integration efforts, work with Python/C++ tooling, and apply hands-on skills in soldering, cabling, and diagnostics