Autionmy Integration Engineer (Drone Stack)

Join Applied Intuition as an Autonomy Integration Engineer in our Drone Stack team. In this role, you will bridge hardware, edge software, and field flight operations, bringing autonomous aerial systems from initial configuration to live operational flight. You will manage software deployment, troubleshoot vehicle networks, develop test tooling, and configure communications and networks. The position requires hands-on skills in wiring and diagnostics, a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, and 5+ years of experience in robotics integration or autonomous vehicles.

• Lead the end-to-end hardware and software integration for unmanned aerial systems, moving platforms from benchtop prototyping to active flight test campaigns.
• Manage, configure, and deploy software stacks using Docker images, shell scripts, and Linux system tools across onboard computes and peripheral hardware.
• Troubleshoot vehicle networks, payload interfaces, and sensor links in real time using command-line tools and hardware diagnostics.

• 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
• Hardware & Electronics Capability: Proven hands-on skills in wiring, custom cable assembly, bench soldering, and physical diagnostics using oscilloscopes and multimeters
• Bachelors degree in any field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Leadership: Ability to lead major integration efforts independently and act as the technical link between software, GNC, and hardware teams
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in robotics integration, flight test engineering, embedded systems, or autonomous vehicles (aerial background preferred)
• Protocols: Direct experience working with serial and vehicle bus protocols (UART, CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C)
• Linux & Networking Mastery: Deep practical comfort with the Linux CLI, file management, system logging, local IP routing, subnets, and containerized deployments (Docker)
• Scripting & Glue Code: Strong proficiency in Python, C++, or Shell scripting for automation, test suite creation, and processing flight data logs
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Experience with Persistent Systems, Silvus, or similar tactical mesh radios
• Background working with defense tech platforms or flight ranges
• Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance
• Deep experience with the MAVLink protocol and autopilot hardware (PX4, ArduPilot)
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and hands-on R/C flight experience
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance
• 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