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Systems Engineer - Robotics

appliedWashington, D.C.Defense
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Salary
$140K – $180K
Job type
Full-time
Experience
Senior · 5+ yrs
Posted
21 Sept 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Based in Washington, D.C., this full-time Systems Engineer position involves defining system requirements, designing architectures, and integrating robotics technology onto autonomous vehicles and defense systems. This role suits an experienced engineer with a background in robotics or systems engineering who enjoys hands-on field testing and cross-functional collaboration.

Role Overview

Applied Intuition is hiring a full-time Systems Engineer in Washington, D.C. to work on physical AI and autonomous systems. The position requires working primarily from the office five days a week with occasional flexibility. The role involves a mix of office-based architecture design and field-based software deployment, testing, and validation on autonomous vehicles and defense platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Define system requirements from user needs and operational concepts.
Build reference architectures for autonomy systems, mission systems, and weapon systems aligned with open standards.
Develop system engineering models and artifacts to record design decisions.
Deploy and validate software systems on autonomous vehicles, focusing on robotics, sensors, and vehicle autopilots.
Conduct hands-on fieldwork in dynamic environments to ensure proper software functionality.
Work alongside perception and autonomy teams to optimize perception pipelines and vehicle autonomy software.
Manage inter-vehicle communication to support collaborative autonomous operations.
Utilize simulation environments to test and validate software behaviors prior to field deployment.

Requirements

MS or PhD in Systems Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Optimization, or an equivalent field.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience designing multi-agent autonomy.
Proficiency in Linux, command-line tools, and agentic tooling.
Strong coding proficiency in C++ and Python.
Practical experience with robotic systems, sensors, and vehicle autopilots.
Knowledge of inter-vehicle communication protocols such as DDS or ROS 2.
Experience integrating third-party software and APIs alongside standards like A-GRA, FACE, ARP 4754A, or DO-178C.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.
Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.

Nice to Have

Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting processes and explaining technical concepts.
Experience working in autonomy, robotics, aerospace, defense, mission systems, or safety-critical systems.
Direct experience working with customers or end users in field settings.
Ability to work effectively in fast-paced or remote environments under challenging conditions.

Skills and Tools

Linux
C++
Python
ROS / ROS 2
PX4
DDS
RADAR and camera sensors

Salary and Benefits

Base salary ranging from $140K to $180K.
Equity options and/or restricted stock units.
Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with an employer match.
Learning and wellness stipends alongside paid time off.

About the Company

Founded in 2017, Applied Intuition creates digital infrastructure to bring intelligence to moving machines across automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture industries. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with global offices including Washington, D.C., and works with top global automakers and the United States military.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit the official Applied Intuition careers page.

Skills and tech stack

LinuxC++PythonROSROS 2PX4DDS

Questions candidates ask

What is the location of this job?

This full-time position is based in Washington, D.C., with an in-office expectation of 5 days a week alongside occasional flexibility.

What is the salary range for the Systems Engineer role?

The base salary ranges from $140K to $180K, with total compensation also including equity and benefits.

What level of education is required?

An MS or PhD is required in Systems Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Optimization, or a related equivalent.

Are there any security clearance requirements?

Yes, candidates must hold or be eligible to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

How much travel is expected for this position?

Travel requirements average up to once a month for up to one week, equating to roughly 25% travel depending on project needs.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official applied careers page.

Apply on company site