Lead Software Engineer

About the role

Lead Software Engineer, Defense Solutions

Applied Intuition, Inc. is a driving force behind advanced physical AI. Established in 2017 and currently valued at $15 billion, this Silicon Valley company builds the digital foundation that enables intelligence across mobile machinery. Applied Intuition partners with automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, agriculture sectors. It provides solutions to eighteen of the top twenty global automakers, in addition to the United States military and allied forces. The company's headquarters are in Sunnyvale, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C.; San Diego; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Ann Arbor, Michigan; London; Stuttgart; Munich; Stockholm; Bangalore; Seoul; and Tokyo. Further details are available at applied.co.

The company maintains an in-office work model, expecting staff to work primarily from an Applied Intuition office five days per week. Flexibility is provided, allowing employees to manage schedules, occasionally work remotely, start days with remote morning meetings, or adjust start times for family needs.

What you'll do

Lead Software Engineer, Defense Solutions

Applied Intuition is transforming vehicle intelligence for commercial and defense markets. The Lead Software Engineer operates with the scope of a startup Chief Technology Officer within a large-scale organization. You will own end-to-end execution for high-impact defense initiatives. This position serves as the critical link between Applied Intuition's vehicle intelligence platforms and real-world military operations. You will integrate tools, Vehicle OS, and autonomy stacks with Department of Defense systems in demanding environments. The role leverages commercial technology to deliver defense capabilities faster than traditional acquisition processes allow. Responsibilities span software engineering, system deployment, hardware integration, and operational problem-solving.

• Partner with defense and government clients to deploy, integrate, and operate Applied Intuition's vehicle intelligence products in military and government contexts.
• Address diverse technical challenges, including software development, operating system configuration, system deployment, and hardware interfacing.
• Connect customer-built infrastructure with Applied Intuition platforms to generate measurable value.
• Create scalable and consistent approaches for customer engagement and project delivery.
• Formulate architectural solutions that enhance consistency and scalability across initiatives.
• Work with internal product, engineering, and customer teams to ensure successful project completion.
• Maintain ownership of technical results and drive projects forward despite changing priorities.
• Act as the main technical contact between commercial engineering teams and field-based defense customers.

Requirements

Lead Software Engineer, Defense Solutions

• A minimum of five years of professional software engineering experience.
• Strong foundation in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical fields.
• Demonstrated coding proficiency in languages such as C++ and Python.
• Broad experience covering software engineering, operating systems, and hardware integration.
• History of supporting complex integration and deployment efforts.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to innovate in ambiguous and fast-moving situations.
• Outstanding communication skills focused on resolving customer issues.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Additional information regarding U.S. security clearances can be found at the U.S. Department of State website.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for this role includes base salary, equity participation, and a comprehensive benefits package. Base salary is one component of total rewards, which may also include stock options or restricted stock units, along with health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. The package features a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Benefits may vary based on location and are subject to change.

Location and Engagement

This is an in-office position based in Washington, D.C. The role requires five days per week on-site presence. Travel to customer locations, including defense and government facilities, may be necessary.

Preferred Experience

Experience with complex system deployments in government and defense environments is valued.

Core Tools and Technologies

C++, Python, Vehicle OS, autonomy stacks, and associated defense platforms.

About Applied

Applied is a hiring platform that removes bias from recruitment. The company's platform uses anonymized applications and structured scoring to help organizations build diverse, high-performing teams.