Robotic Software Engineer, Perception Software

Front Door Defense; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition seeks a Perception Autonomy Engineer to develop real-time sensor software integrating AI/ML algorithms for autonomous vehicles. You will fuse data from EO, IR, lidar, radar, and other modalities, while deploying on embedded Linux devices and collaborating across sensor, tracking, and autonomy teams. Travel for DoD testing may be required.

You should have ML deployment experience, strong C++ and Python skills, and familiarity with Kalman filtering and sensor fusion. A U.S.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD or 5+ years experience in sensor algorithms, hardware, and HIL integration.
• Experience with multiple sensor modalities (EO, IR, lidar, radar, sonar, acoustics).
• Experience training and deploying ML algorithms (Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow) onto integrated systems (ONNX, C++).
• Familiarity with tracking basics (Kalman filters) and sensor fusion.
• Experience Linux and Docker environments.
• Remote software development with ability to handle large datasets and learn new tech with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and adapt AI/ML algorithms on the perception autonomy stack across sensors.
• Create interfacing software to autonomously control sensors (EO, IR, acoustics, radar, RF).
• Collaborate across sensor, tracking, and autonomy teams for deployment in DoD testing and demonstrations.
• Deploy containerized solutions to embedded Linux devices and collect performance data.
• Interface with DoD customers to understand use cases and requirements.
• Triagle technical problems and scope with the team.
• Document ongoing work for internal flexibility and external clarity.
• Drive simulation tooling to playback sensors, platforms, and autonomy in post-processing.
• Implement improvements based on simulation analysis and customer feedback.

Skills

Sensor modalities

ML deployment

Linux

Docker

Kalman filters

Remote development

C++ development

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Education

MS or PhD in Electrical/Computer/Robotics or equivalent

Tools

CMake

Python

Bash

Job description

Robotic Software Engineer, Perception

Build real-time perception software stack integrating AI/ML sensor algorithms for autonomous vehicles

Location: Sunnyvale, California, United States

Compensation: $175,000 - 250,000 USD / year

Job Tags: Software

About The Role

Perception Autonomy Engineer

As a Perception Autonomy engineer, you will be pivotal in developing, integrating, and maintaining real-time sensor software solutions deployed across a range of heterogeneous autonomous vehicles and different domains (e.g., land, air, sea, and space). You will work with a team to continuously add capability and demonstrate the solution to customers in real‑world scenarios on a variety of hardware platforms. Your responsibility will primarily be designing, developing, and rapidly integrating AI/ML sensor algorithms to interface across different platforms, ingest relevant mission information, and support the autonomy team's mission objectives. This work includes developing autonomous sensor controllers to optimally fuse information between state‑of‑the‑art sensor systems, such as EO, IR, acoustics, radar, and RF.

At Applied Intuition, you will:

• Develop, integrate, and adapt cutting‑edge AI/ML algorithms running on the perception autonomy stack to collect relevant information across a suite of platform sensors
• Create interfacing software to autonomously control sensors (e.g., EO, IR, acoustics, radar, and RF)
• Collaborate across the sensor, tracking, and autonomy teams to ensure seamless deployment of heterogeneous platform swarms in on‑site DoD testing and demonstration events
• Deploy containerized solutions to embedded Linux devices, leveraging computer‑in‑the‑loop testing and profiling, and efficiently collecting performance data
• Interact with the DoD customer to understand their use cases, requirements, and triage needs during field events to deliver a superior customer experience
• Work closely with our existing team to internally triage technical problems and scope
• Carefully communicate and document ongoing work to ensure internal flexibility in a fast paced environment as well as clarify progress with external customers
• Drive execution of simulation tooling to playback sensors, platforms, and autonomy in post‑processing field test analysis
• Implement improvement plans for future integration efforts based on simulation analysis and customer feedback

We're looking for someone who has:

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotic Engineering, Computer Science, Optimization, or equivalent OR 5+ years of relevant experience working with sensor algorithms, hardware, and HIL software integration
• Experience with multiple sensor modalities (e.g., EO, IR, lidar, radar, sonar, acoustics, etc.) Core understanding of sensor physics and sensor control parameters
• Experience training and deploying ML algorithms (python, pytorch, tensorflow) onto integrated systems (onnx, C++ models)
• Familiarity with tracking basics (e.g., Kalman filters) and optimal sensor fusion
• Experience working comfortably in Linux and Docker
• Prior experience with remote software development, ability to handle and process large datasets, and learn new software and algorithms as needed with little supervision

Travel Requirements:

• Must be willing to travel as projects require, usually for SW/HW integration and/or demonstrations; estimated average travel is every 1-2 months for 2-5 days (10-20%)

Security Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Nice to have:

• Proficiency with modern C++ development (2011, 2017, 2020, smart pointers, etc.), CMAKE, Python and Bash
• PhD in computer science or electrical engineering with AI/ML focus
• Experience with robotic swarm or multi‑agent systems and optimization
• Strong tracking and sensor fusion background
• Current U.S. SECRET security clearance

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 the 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.

Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

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.