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Perception Engineer - DefenseTech

appliedAnn ArborDefense
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Salary
$125K – $175K
Job type
Full-time
Experience
Senior · 5+ yrs
Posted
5 Oct 2026
Status
Open · checked 9d ago

About this role

Based in Sunnyvale, the Perception Engineer role at Applied Intuition Defense involves developing and optimizing perception models for physical AI across multiple domains. This hands-on position suits candidates with a strong background in machine learning and edge deployment who want to work in an in-office environment.

Role Overview

Applied Intuition is seeking a Perception Engineer for its Defense division to work on custom detector and classifier architectures. The position is a full-time, in-office role based in Sunnyvale, California, requiring employees to work from the office 5 days a week. The role focuses on pushing perception model performance across maritime, land, air, and surface domains using electro-optical and infrared modalities.

Key Responsibilities

Develop perception models to find and classify targets with an error rate below one percent.
Deploy and optimize perception models on Jetson Orin+ boards for better-than-realtime performance.
Build large foundation models for high-accuracy assisted data labeling and tooling across the perception stack.
Scale datasets using simulation, diffusion, and generative AI techniques.
Collaborate across hardware, sensor, tracking, autonomy, and testing teams for DoD events.
Travel for software and hardware integration or demonstrations, estimated at 10 to 20 percent.

Requirements

MS or PhD in Computer Engineering, Robotic Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent, OR 5+ years of relevant experience in simulation, machine learning, and ML infrastructure.
Proficiency in training machine learning models in PyTorch on multi-machine, multi-GPU systems.
Experience optimizing and deploying machine learning models to edge devices.
Strong experience with agentic coding and proficiency in Python and/or C++.
Experience leveraging AI-powered development tools like GitHub Copilot or Cursor.
U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Nice to Have

PhD in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, or a related field with strong academic contributions.
5+ years of experience building and deploying perception models on real-world hardware.
Background in generating datasets using simulation engines such as Unreal Engine, NVIDIA Omniverse, or Blender.
Experience deeply optimizing Transformer-based models for edge devices like NVIDIA Jetson boards.
Familiarity with Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop integration and testing.

Skills and Tools

PyTorch
Python
C++
NVIDIA Jetson Orin
GitHub Copilot
Cursor
Unreal Engine
NVIDIA Omniverse
Blender

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $160K to $220K. Total compensation includes base salary, equity options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off.

About the Company

Applied Intuition powers the physical AI future by building digital infrastructure for moving machines. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company services automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture industries. Its solutions are trusted by global automakers and the United States military.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply on the official company careers page.

Skills and tech stack

Questions candidates ask

What is the location and work arrangement for this role?

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Sunnyvale, California, where employees are expected to work from the office 5 days a week.

What is the salary range for the Perception Engineer position?

The intended base salary range is $160K to $220K, complemented by equity, insurance coverage, 401(k) matching, and other benefits.

What are the citizenship and security clearance requirements?

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and must hold or be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

What level of education or experience is required?

Applicants need either an MS or PhD in Computer Engineering, Robotic Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent, OR 5+ years of relevant experience working with simulation, machine learning, and ML infrastructure.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, travel is required as projects demand, typically for software and hardware integration or demonstrations, averaging 2 to 5 days every other month.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official applied careers page.

Apply on company site