Motion Planning Engineer

Applied Intuition; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition in Poway, CA is seeking an Autonomy Engineer to advance core path planning for multiple aerial platforms. You will develop, integrate, and test autonomy software and GNC components, collaborating across teams and with DoD stakeholders to enable secure military-grade capabilities.

You will work on 3-5 years experience in autonomous planning, implement in C++ or Python, and contribute to robust, modular architectures tested on real systems and simulators.

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 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, and GitLab

Responsibilities

• Write software that operates real autonomous aircraft systems including fighter aircraft, maritime vessels, UAVs, and simulators.
• Build and improve aerial autonomy software architectures deployed on real systems to accomplish missions.
• Collaborate with DoD domain experts and vendors to develop and integrate autonomy software onto hardware

Skills

Autonomy algorithms

Path planning

C++/Python

GitLab/VS Code

Tools

Docker

Linux

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. The challenge is profound, and the rewards are immeasurable, as you build superior systems that empower our military with unrivaled capabilities.

At Applied, You Will

• 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

We’re Looking For Someone Who Has

• 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, and 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 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 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). 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. 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.

Compensation Range: $150K - $200K