Drone Autonomy Systems Engineer

Applied Intuition; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition, Inc. is seeking an Autonomy Integration Engineer for the Drone Stack team. You will bridge hardware, edge software, and field flight operations, split between lab and airfield environments to take autonomous aerial systems from benchtop to live flight.

You will configure embedded Linux environments, deploy containerized software stacks, wire mesh topologies, and write glue code to keep subsystems communicating. Relocation to Fort Walton Beach or Sunnyvale is 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).
• Proven 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, test suite creation, and processing flight data logs.
• Direct experience working with serial and vehicle bus protocols (UART, CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C).
• Ability to lead major integration efforts independently and act as the technical link 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 (grep, less, journalctl, nano/vim) and hardware diagnostics (multimeters, oscilloscopes).
• Build Test Tooling & Glue Code: Develop Python and C++ scripts for data reduction, log analysis, system validation, and real‑time subsystem verification.
• System Cabling & Electronics: Fabricate custom wiring harnesses, perform precision soldering, and define system‑level architecture using clear block diagrams.
• Manage Communications & Networks: Configure IP routing, subnets, and local network interfaces between flight controllers, companion computers, radios, and ground control stations.

Skills

Robotics integration

Flight test engineering

Embedded systems

Linux & networking

Python/C++ scripting

Docker

Tools

Docker

Job description

Applied Intuition, Inc. is seeking an Autonomy Integration Engineer for the Drone Stack team. You will bridge hardware, edge software, and field flight operations, split between lab and airfield environments to take autonomous aerial systems from benchtop to live flight.

You will configure embedded Linux environments, deploy containerized software stacks, wire mesh topologies, and write glue code to keep subsystems communicating. Relocation to Fort Walton Beach or Sunnyvale is possible.