Collaborative Autonomy Engineer (XDA)

About EpiSci

EpiSci is redefining tactical mission autonomy. These technologies span across defense and commercial domains. At our core, we wield the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, autonomy algorithms, wireless communications, and digital signal processing to surmount the most formidable national security challenges. Our tactical AI offers robustness, dependability, and a rapid adaptability that thrives on the frontlines of emerging missions and obstacles. Our AI increases human capability in aircraft like the F-22 and F-16; it’s revolutionizing wireless tactical communication systems and filling the skies with swarms of autonomous UAVs supercharged by sensor fusion.

About the role

At EpiSci, you will:

• Adapt and develop cutting edge, modular, and agile autonomy capabilities in the fields of optimization, persistent search, and coordinated behaviors, applicable to a diverse set of Defense problems
• Integrate tactical autonomy solutions onto hardware platforms, interface sensors, and test and validate autonomous behaviors, including on-site demonstrations for software field testing and evaluation exercises with the US Navy
• Design, test, and ultimately implement software within a component-based architecture, including occasionally integrating externally developed software capabilities into the system
• Deploy containerized autonomy solutions to embedded Linux devices, leveraging computer-in-the-loop testing and profiling, and efficiently collecting performance data
• Troubleshoot and debug complex issues related to behavioral autonomy and system performance, ensuring robust and reliable operation
• Contribute novel engineering ideas, algorithms and concepts for new and existing research and development projects
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, domain experts, prior DoD warfighters, and program managers to build software solutions for military missions
• Effectively communicate solutions to a diverse team of engineers, program managers, executives, and sponsors

We're looking for someone who has:

• MS or PhD in Robotic Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Optimization, or equivalent OR 5 years of relevant experience designing multi-agent autonomy
• Understanding of Multi-Agent Algorithms including Ant-Colony Optimization, Swarm Particle Optimization, Stigmergy, and Wolf Pack Algorithm  
• Experience with Swarm or Multi-agent Systems and Optimization  
• Deep understanding of behavior logic frameworks (state machines, behavior trees, hierarchical task networks)  
• Experience with modern C++ development (2011, 2017, 2020, smart pointers, etc.), CMAKE, Python and Bash
• Comfortable in both Windows, Linux, and Docker
• Prior experience with remote software development, ability to handle and process large datasets, and learn new software and algorithms as needed with little supervision 

Travel Requirements:

• Must be willing to travel as projects requires, usually for SW/HW integration and/or demonstrations; estimated average travel is every 1-2 months for 2-5 days (10-20%)
• Travel-adverse candidates are encouraged to inquire about relocation assistance to HQ in Poway, CA

Security Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance with Special Access Program (SAP) 

Nice to have:

• Passion for solving complex problems with little supervision in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, frequently changing, and sometimes ambiguous environment
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple teams
• PhD in computer science or engineering (electrical & computer, systems and industrial, mechanical, etc.)
• Expertise in machine learning techniques, including supervised and unsupervised learning Preferred that candidate is also experienced with deep learning and neural architectures, such as CNNs, RNNs, GANs, and transformers
• Proficiency in C++, Python (including TensorFlow and Py torch), and Bash
• Experience with robotics SDKs, such as ROS2
• Experience with Docker
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and familiarity with CI/CD best practices. 
• Experience working with edge computing and real-time systems
• Integration and test experience on common COTS hardware devices (e.g., Nvidia Jetson, Xilinx RF/MPSOC)
• Interdisciplinary background, with evidence of continual learning
• Current U.S. SECRET security clearance

Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.

Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.

Please reference the job posting’s subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the location listed is: $100,000 to $190,000 USD annually.