Lead Software Engineer - Physical AI (Defense)
Applied Intuition, Inc. is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017 and valued at $15 billion, the company creates the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet. Applied Intuition serves the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture industries in three core areas: tools and infrastructure, operating systems, and autonomy. The company is trusted by eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, the United States military, and its allies.
We are an in-office company, with employees primarily working from their Applied Intuition office 5 days a week. We recognize the importance of flexibility and trust employees to manage their schedules responsibly, including occasional remote work or adjusted hours for personal commitments.
About the role
As a Lead Engineer, you will act as the technical bridge between Applied Intuition’s vehicle intelligence platforms and our customers' real-world operational environments. This role demands both technical depth and operational excellence, focusing on defense and government customers. You will integrate our capabilities, Axion and Acuity, with DOD platforms in challenging operational environments, leveraging our commercial technology to deliver advanced capabilities efficiently.
Responsibilities
- Technically lead the Forward Deployed Engineering team to deploy, integrate, and operationalize Applied Intuition’s vehicle intelligence products in military and government environments—from defense contractors to forward operating bases.
- Tackle a broad range of technical challenges, including software engineering, operating system configuration, system deployment, and hardware integration.
- Bridge customer-built systems and Applied’s solutions to deliver tangible value.
- Design and implement scalable, consistent approaches for customer engagement and project execution.
- Develop architectural solutions that improve consistency and scalability across projects.
- Collaborate with internal engineering, product, and customer teams to ensure successful outcomes.
- Take ownership of technical outcomes and drive projects to completion, adapting to changing requirements and priorities.
Requirements
- 6+ years of professional software engineering experience.
- Strong engineering background, preferably in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python.
- Broad technical experience across software engineering, operating systems, and hardware.
- Experience supporting integration and deployment of complex systems.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in ambiguous, rapidly evolving environments.
- Excellent communication skills with a focus on solving customer problems.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Nice to have
- Prior experience working with government customers, defense contractors, or in military environments.
- Familiarity with system architecture and designing scalable solutions.
- Experience in defense, automotive, robotics, or adjacent industries.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance coverage.
- 401k retirement benefits with employer match.
- Learning and wellness stipends.
- Paid time off.
- Equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units.
Pay
The base salary range for this full-time position in Washington, D.C. is $150,000 - $250,000 USD annually. Compensation includes base salary, equity, and benefits, and may vary based on experience, credentials, skill level, and other factors.
Schedule
This is a full-time, on-site role based in Washington, D.C. Employees are expected to work primarily from the office 5 days a week, with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed.