Software Engineer - Physical AI

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Design and implement high-performance software in C++ for Axion, Applied Intuition's defense tooling and data platform
• Build and extend simulation environments and virtual worlds that enable autonomous systems to be tested and validated before real-world deployment
• Develop scalable infrastructure that supports multi-domain autonomous operations — from unmanned ground and aerial platforms to broader joint-force integration scenarios
• Partner with autonomy researchers, product teams, and defense customers to translate mission requirements into robust, mission-ready software solutions
• Own end-to-end execution of engineering workstreams; from architecture through deployment
• Contribute to the San Diego site's rapid buildout, helping shape team culture, technical standards, and engineering practices as we scale
• Interface with DoD programs and defense customers to ensure solutions meet real-world operational demands

Job requirements

• Professional software engineering experience, with strong C++ at the core
• Experience with Unreal Engine or other real-time simulation/game engine environments (e.g., Unity, Gazebo, or custom simulation stacks)
• Solid software engineering fundamentals: systems programming, concurrency, performance optimization, and real-time rendering or simulation pipelines
• Genuine interest in simulation, autonomy, robotics, or physical AI — you want to understand how your software connects to machines operating in the real world
• Exposure to or curiosity about multi-domain defense systems — you don't need a defense pedigree, but you're excited to develop one
• Strong CS/CE/EE (or similar) foundation; you think rigorously about correctness and performance
• Python proficiency for tooling, scripting, and integration work
• Comfort with ambiguity; you drive clarity and progress in fast-moving, high-stakes environments