Drone Autonomy Integration Engineer: Lab to Flight

Drone.vet; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition, Inc. seeks an Autonomy Integration Engineer for its Drone Stack team to bridge hardware, edge software, and field flight operations from benchtop setup to live autonomous flight.

You will configure embedded Linux, deploy containerized stacks, wire mesh networks, and write glue code to maintain subsystem communication. Lab work and field testing with relocation to Florida or Michigan offices possible.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in robotics integration, flight test engineering, embedded systems, or autonomous vehicles (aerial background preferred).
• Deep practical comfort with the Linux CLI, file management, system logging, local IP routing, subnets, and containerized deployments (Docker).
• Hands-on skills in wiring, custom cable assembly, bench soldering, and physical diagnostics using oscilloscopes and multimeters.
• Strong proficiency in Python, C++, or Shell scripting for automation and log processing.
• Direct experience with serial and vehicle bus protocols (UART, CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C).
• Ability to lead major integration efforts independently and coordinate between software, GNC, and hardware teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead System Bring‑Up: Drive end-to-end hardware and software integration for unmanned aerial systems, moving platforms from benchtop prototyping to active flight test campaigns.
• Deploy & Configure Edge Software: Manage, configure, and deploy software stacks using Docker images, shell scripts, and Linux system tools across onboard computes and peripheral hardware.
• Field & Bench Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot vehicle networks, payload interfaces, and sensor links in real time using command-line tools and hardware diagnostics.
• Build Test Tooling & Glue Code: Develop Python and C++ scripts for data reduction, log analysis, system validation, and real-time verification.
• System Cabling & Electronics: Fabricate wiring harnesses, perform soldering, and define system architecture with diagrams.
• Manage Communications & Networks: Configure IP routing, subnets, and interfaces between flight controllers, companion computers, radios, and ground stations.

Skills

5+ years experience

Linux & Networking

Hardware & Electronics

Scripting & Glue Code

Networking Protocols

Leadership

Tools

Docker

Job description

Applied Intuition, Inc. seeks an Autonomy Integration Engineer for its Drone Stack team to bridge hardware, edge software, and field flight operations from benchtop setup to live autonomous flight.

You will configure embedded Linux, deploy containerized stacks, wire mesh networks, and write glue code to maintain subsystem communication. Lab work and field testing with relocation to Florida or Michigan offices possible.