Motion Planning Engineer

Applied Intuition; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Health insurance

401k retirement plan

Job summary

Applied Intuition in the United States is seeking an Autonomy Engineer to develop, integrate, and test core path planning for aerial platforms across Group 1–5.

You will collaborate with DoD and vendor teams to deploy autonomy software onto real systems, implement 3D and 2.5D planning methods in C++ or Python, and help build reliable outer-loop controls.

This role requires travel and a willingness to work across product stacks on modern autonomy challenges.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience in autonomous vehicle motion planning, robotics, or related fields.
• Experience in 3D+ path planning using sampling methods like RRT* or similar.
• Experience in 2/2.5D grid based planning methods such as A* or similar.
• Experience developing autonomy algorithms in C++ or Python.
• Experience developing or implementing outer-loop control systems.
• Strong functional, procedural, data-oriented, and OO programming experience.
• Experience using git, Visual Studio Code, GitLab.

Responsibilities

• Write software that operates real autonomous aircraft systems including various UAVs and simulators.
• Build and improve aerial autonomy software architectures deployed on real systems.
• Collaborate with DoD domain experts and vendors to integrate autonomy software onto hardware.

Skills

Autonomy development

Path planning

C++

Python

GNC/controls

Git workflow

VS Code

GitLab

Tools

Git

VS Code

GitLab

Job description

About the Role

As an Autonomy Engineer at Applied, your role is pivotal. Your work will involve developing, integrating, and testing core path planning capabilities that span all classes of aerial platforms (Group 1-5). You'll work closely with teams across the entire company to integrate core GNC algorithms into their software and product stacks, supporting applications in both commercial and defense spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Write software that operates real autonomous aircraft systems including fighter aircraft, maritime surface vessels, group 1-5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as simulated models to accomplish tactical military missions.
• Build, leverage, and improve aerial autonomy software architectures that are ultimately tested and deployed on real systems to accomplish military missions.
• Collaborate with DoD warfighter domain experts and 3rd party UAS vehicle vendors to develop and integrate aerial autonomy software onto OEM hardware.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional experience in autonomous vehicle motion planning, robotics, or a related field.
• Experience in 3D+ path planning using sampling based methods such as RRT* or similar.
• Experience in 2/2.5D grid based planning methods such as A* or similar.
• Experience developing autonomy algorithms in either C++ or Python.
• Experience developing or implementing outer-loop control systems.
• Strong functional, procedural, data-oriented, and object-oriented programming experience.
• Experience using git, Visual Studio Code, GitLab.

Travel Requirements

• Must be willing to travel as projects require; estimated average travel is once every other month for between 2 days up to 1 week (~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 UAS GNC/navigation systems such as PX4 and Ardupilot.
• Ability to use data visualization and debugging tools to support autonomy control development.
• Experience developing in Docker and containerized development environments, using Linux-based operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu), source control systems, and artifact registries.

Compensation & Benefits

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, 401k 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 this 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. Base salary range for this full‑time position: $150,000 - $190,000 USD annually.

EEO Statement

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.