Senior Hardware Engineer Defense Autonomy

Applied Intuition Inc. is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017 and now valued at $15 billion the Silicon Valley company is creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet. Applied Intuition services the automotive defense trucking construction mining and agriculture industries in three core areas: tools and infrastructure operating systems and autonomy. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers as well as the United States military and its allies trust the companys solutions to deliver physical intelligence. Applied Intuition is headquartered in Sunnyvale California with offices in Washington D.C.; San Diego; Ft. Walton Beach Florida; Ann Arbor Michigan; London; Stuttgart; Munich; Stockholm; Bangalore; Seoul; and Tokyo. Learn more at .

We are an in-office company and our expectation is that full-time employees primarily work from their Applied Intuition office 5 days a week. However we also recognize the importance of flexibility and trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly. This may include occasional remote work starting the day with morning meetings from home before heading to the office or leaving earlier when needed to accommodate family commitments. This in-office expectation does not apply to contractor positions

As a Hardware Engineer at Applied Intuition Defense you will serve as the technical anchor bridging hardware edge software and field flight operations. Split roughly 50/50 between the lab and the airfield you will be responsible for bringing autonomous aerial systems from initial benchtop configuration to live operational flight.

In this role you will configure embedded Linux environments deploy and validate containerized software stacks wire up mesh network topologies and write key middleware glue code to keep subsystems communicating seamlessly. You are as comfortable with a soldering iron and oscilloscope at the bench as you are SSH-ing into an onboard computer over a mesh radio under field conditions.

• 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.

• Experience: 5 years of experience in robotics integration flight test engineering embedded systems or autonomous vehicles (aerial background preferred).

• Linux & Networking Mastery: Deep practical comfort with the Linux CLI file management system logging local IP routing subnets and containerized deployments (Docker).

• Hardware & Electronics Capability: Proven hands-on skills in wiring custom cable assembly bench soldering and physical diagnostics using oscilloscopes and multimeters.

• Scripting & Glue Code: Strong proficiency in Python C or Shell scripting for automation test suite creation and processing flight data logs.

• Protocols: Direct experience working with serial and vehicle bus protocols (UART CAN Ethernet SPI I2C).

• Leadership: Ability to lead major integration efforts independently and act as the technical link between software GNC and hardware teams.

• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.

• Deep experience with the MAVLink protocol and autopilot hardware (PX4 ArduPilot).

• Experience with Persistent Systems Silvus or similar tactical mesh radios.

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and hands-on R/C flight experience.

• Background working with defense tech platforms or flight ranges.

Security Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance

For more information about U.S. security clearances: clickhere.

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.

Dont meet every single requirement If youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt 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.

FOR US-BASED ROLES: Applied Intuition is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive application and interview experience to applicants who are disabled veterans and other applicants with disabilities or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodations are available requesting an accommodation will not affect your candidacy in any way and you are not required to disclose the nature of your disability or medical condition in order to make a request.
If you require an accommodation please contact . We will work with you!

Required Experience:

Senior IC