Applied Intuition, Inc. is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017 and now valued at $15 billion, the Silicon Valley company is creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet. Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries in three core areas: tools and infrastructure, operating systems, and autonomy. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, as well as the United States military and its allies, trust the company’s solutions to deliver physical intelligence. Applied Intuition is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in Washington, D.C.; San Diego; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Ann Arbor, Michigan; London; Stuttgart; Munich; Stockholm; Bangalore; Seoul; and Tokyo. Learn more at applied.co.

We are an in-office company, and our expectation is that full-time employees primarily work from their Applied Intuition office 5 days a week. However, we also recognize the importance of flexibility and trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly. This may include occasional remote work, starting the day with morning meetings from home before heading to the office, or leaving earlier when needed to accommodate family commitments. This in-office expectation does not apply to contractor positions

About the role

As a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer at Applied, your role is pivotal. Your work will involve developing, integrating, and testing core flight autonomy capabilities that span all classes of aerial platforms (Group 1-5). You'll work closely with teams across the entire company to integrate core GNC algorithms into their software and product stacks, supporting applications in both commercial and defense spaces. The challenge is profound, and the rewards are immeasurable, as you build superior systems that empower our military with unrivaled capabilities.

At Applied, you will:

Write software that operates real autonomous aircraft systems including F16 fighter jets, group 1-5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as simulated models to accomplish tactical military missions
Build, leverage, and improve aerial autonomy software architectures that are ultimately tested and deployed on real systems to accomplish military missions
Collaborate with DoD warfighter domain experts and 3rd party UAS vehicle vendors to develop and integrate aerial autonomy software onto OEM hardware

We're looking for someone who has:

Master's degree in Aerospace, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or similar field
6+ years of hands-on experience developing GNC software for autonomous systems
Experience developing autonomy algorithms in either C++ or Python
Experience developing or implementing outer-loop control systems or path planning algorithms
Experience developing and simulating 3DoF or 6DoF models of air vehicles to support GNC algorithm development
Experience with flight testing and performing data analysis
Experience with UAS GNC/navigation systems such as PixHawk and Ardupilot
Strong functional, procedural, data-oriented, and object-oriented programming experience
Experience using git, Visual Studio Code, GitLab

Travel Requirements:

Must be willing to travel as projects requires; estimated average travel is once every other month for between 2 days up to 1 week (~20%)

Security Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice to have:

Ability to use data visualization and debugging tools to support autonomy control development
Experience developing in Docker and containerized development environments, using Linux-based operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu), source control systems, and artifact registries
Understanding of key technologies: C++, Python, DevOps, Containers, Linux
Familiarity with software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) development and testing

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.

Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The parties also agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of Executive Order 13496 (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A), relating to the notice of employee rights under federal labor laws.

FOR US-BASED ROLES: Applied Intuition is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive application and interview experience to applicants who are disabled veterans and other applicants with disabilities or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodations are available, requesting an accommodation will not affect your candidacy in any way, and you are not required to disclose the nature of your disability or medical condition in order to make a request. If you require an accommodation please contact [email protected]. We will work with you!

About the company

Applied Intuition builds software for automakers and operators developing autonomous vehicles and other machines, from passenger cars to industrial equipment. Its Tools for Vehicle Intelligence let engineers test driving behavior in simulated worlds, while Vehicle OS connects software inside a machine with development tools off the vehicle. The Self-Driving System supports driver assistance and fully driverless operation for passenger and commercial vehicles. It sells these systems to businesses and works alongside their engineers to integrate, validate and update vehicle software. Applied Intuition was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Series F

Total Funding

$1.2B

Headquarters

Sunnyvale, California

Founded

2017

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Vehicle software work is expanding: Honda selected Vehicle OS for its next-generation platform in October 2026.
Sales reach spans automakers: Applied Intuition says 18 of the world's top 20 manufacturers use its software.
Promotion paths have evidence: its Deputy CTO says about 70-80% of management was promoted internally.

What critics are saying

Remote flexibility is limited: Applied Intuition tells engineering recruits to work in the office five days weekly.
Scaling requires customer engineering: Nissan's common vehicle platform is being built closely with its internal teams.
Saudi execution remains demanding: August 2026's HUMAIN plan targets thousands of trucks by 2030 amid heat and sand.

What makes Applied Intuition unique

Simulation tools have external validation: Applied Intuition's platform meets TÜV SÜD's VIVALDI requirements for safety-critical virtual testing.
Automakers keep software ownership: Porsche's joint development explicitly reduces dependence on black-box suppliers.
Military autonomy crosses machines: Acuity coordinates multiple platforms over mesh networks for contested combat environments.

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Benefits

Health insurance - We offer some of the best health insurance options on the market, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) Match - We offer an employer-matched plan to help you save money for retirement.
Fitness stipend - Our wellness program supports your health and fitness goals. We pay for your trainers, gym memberships, massages, and more!
Learning stipend - We invest in your learning and growth by reimbursing you for educational and training expenses.

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

2 year growth

Automotive Testing Technology International

Oct 7th, 2026

Applied Intuition and Honda collaborate on next-gen software-defined vehicle development.

Applied Intuition and Honda collaborate on next-gen software-defined vehicle development. By Zahra Awan October 7, 2026 2 Mins Read Left to right: Shinichi Arie, operating officer, deputy head of SDV Research and Development Center of Honda R&D; Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition; and Mahito Shikama, chief officer, corporate strategy operations, Honda Motor Co. Physical AI specialist Applied Intuition has announced a partnership with Honda Motor to accelerate software development for the auto maker's next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs). As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, software platforms are playing a greater role in how powertrain and vehicle systems are developed and managed, with auto makers working to integrate software across different powertrain configurations, including hybrid vehicles. Through the new partnership, Applied Intuition will leverage its Vehicle OS software to significantly speed up Honda's in-house development of a centralized, upgradable and highly personalized SDV platform. The collaboration will bring together top engineering talent from Honda and elite software teams in Japan and Silicon Valley to advance a full-vehicle SDV platform designed to support Honda's next-generation vehicle architecture. Applied Intuition will contribute its OS and software development expertise in working across all powertrains, including hybrid vehicles, while supporting Honda's longstanding commitment to quality, safety and reliability. "Honda is advancing toward a software-defined future where vehicles can continuously evolve and deliver highly personalized experiences to our customers," said Mahito Shikama, chief officer, corporate strategy operations, at Honda Motor. "By partnering with Applied Intuition, we can accelerate our internal development efforts while maintaining control over our vehicle architecture and software direction." "Honda is a world-class, technology-forward auto maker, and together we are accelerating the development of a full-vehicle SDV platform," added Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. "By bringing Silicon Valley software practices together with Honda's engineering excellence, we're enabling a centralized and upgradable vehicle platform that can scale to production."

just-auto

Oct 7th, 2026

Applied Intuition to power next-gen vehicle platforms for Honda and Nissan.

Applied Intuition to power next-gen vehicle platforms for Honda and Nissan. Applied Intuition will use its Vehicle OS software to help Honda speed up its in-house development of a SDV platform. October 7, 2026 Applied Intuition has announced partnerships with Honda and Nissan for development of next-generation vehicle platforms. The company will use its Vehicle OS software to help Honda expedite its in-house development of a software-defined vehicle (SDV) platform. The platform is intended to be "centralised, upgradable and highly personalised", according to a statement from the US business. Engineers from Honda will work with software teams in Japan and Silicon Valley, California, on a full-vehicle platform designed to support Honda's next-generation vehicle architecture. The software is meant to help Honda's internal teams accelerate development and reduce costs during the company's SDV transition. Applied Intuition will offer its expertise in operating systems and software development across all powertrains, including hybrid vehicles. Honda Motor corporate strategy operations chief officer Mahito Shikama said: "By partnering with Applied Intuition, we can accelerate our internal development efforts while maintaining control over our vehicle architecture and software direction." For Nissan, Applied Intuition is deploying its AI-powered software-development tools to support the development of AI-defined vehicles (AIDVs). It will use Vehicle OS to support Nissan's scalable and open next-generation in-vehicle software platform. Applied Intuition's software teams in Japan and Silicon Valley will work alongside Nissan's engineers in Japan, with the aim of shortening development timelines. The aim is to modernise software workflows and reduce development complexity. It is also intended to enable a common software platform across multiple powertrains, by abstracting hardware complexity and unifying legacy and modern development practices. The tie-up builds on a relationship that began in 2020, when Nissan adopted Applied Intuition's simulation technology. The companies have since jointly advanced AI-powered vehicle development workflows. Nissan Motor SDV engineering division corporate executive Takashi Yoshizawa said: "As we pursue a more efficient and agile approach to vehicle development, we highly value Applied Intuition's technical expertise and proven track record in advanced vehicle-software development." Applied Intuition was founded in 2017 and is based in Sunnyvale, California. It serves the automotive, defence, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries. Give your business an edge with its leading industry insights.

PR Newswire

Oct 6th, 2026

Applied Intuition partners with Honda to accelerate next-generation software-defined vehicles.

Applied Intuition partners with Honda to accelerate next-generation software-defined vehicles. 06 Oct, 2026, 04:30 IST Collaboration brings Silicon Valley software speed and Japanese engineering excellence together to advance Honda's full-vehicle SDV platform SUNNYVALE, Calif. and TOKYO, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Applied Intuition, Inc., a leader in physical AI solutions for all moving machines, today announced a partnership with Honda Motor Co., Ltd., to accelerate software development for the automaker's next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Through the partnership, Applied Intuition will leverage its Vehicle OS software to significantly speed up Honda's in-house development of a centralized, upgradable and highly personalized SDV platform. The collaboration brings together top engineering talent from Honda and elite software teams in Japan and Silicon Valley to advance a full-vehicle SDV platform designed to support Honda's next-generation vehicle architecture. "Honda is advancing toward a software-defined future where vehicles can continuously evolve and deliver highly personalized experiences to our customers," said Mahito Shikama, Chief Officer, Corporate Strategy Operations of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "By partnering with Applied Intuition, we can accelerate our internal development efforts while maintaining control over our vehicle architecture and software direction." Honda leads one of the world's top mass-market OEM production programs, and the partnership reflects the technical ambition of delivering a single SDV platform that supports advanced vehicle architectures and differentiated consumer experiences at global scale. Applied Intuition's Vehicle OS software is designed to support Honda's internal teams in their effort to speed up development and reduce costs during the company's SDV transition. Applied Intuition will contribute its OS and software development expertise in working across all powertrains, including hybrid vehicles, while supporting Honda's longstanding commitment to quality, safety and reliability. "Honda is a world-class, technology-forward automaker, and together we are accelerating the development of a full-vehicle SDV platform," said Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. "By bringing Silicon Valley software practices together with Honda's engineering excellence, we're enabling a centralized and upgradable vehicle platform that can scale to production." Applied Intuition's work with Honda further demonstrates the company's role as a trusted software partner for leading global automakers. With existing partnerships spanning major passenger vehicle regions - including Europe and the United States - Applied Intuition now works with automakers across all major global regions. Together, Applied Intuition and Honda are establishing a collaboration built on shared engineering rigor, global teamwork and a common vision for how software will shape the next era of mobility. About Applied Intuition Applied Intuition is building the technology to make a billion machines intelligent. Founded in 2017, the Silicon Valley company powers physical AI in the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries. Applied Intuition is based in Sunnyvale, California, with nearly two dozen offices around the world, including London, Munich, Tokyo, Seoul and the Washington, D.C., metro area. Learn more at applied.co, or email [email protected].

PR Newswire

Oct 6th, 2026

Applied Intuition enters a partnership with Honda to advance the development of next-generation software-defined vehicles.

Applied Intuition enters a partnership with Honda to advance the development of next-generation software-defined vehicles. Oct 05, 2026, 19:00 ET Through this collaboration, the speed of Silicon Valley software and Japanese engineering are combined to advance Honda's whole-vehicle SDV platform. SUNNYVALE, California and TOKYO, October 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Applied Intuition, Inc., a leading provider of physical AI solutions for all moving machines, today announced a partnership with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. to accelerate software development for the automaker's next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs). As part of this partnership, Applied Intuition will deploy its "Vehicle OS" software to significantly accelerate Honda's internal development of a centralized, updatable, and highly personalized SDV platform. As part of this collaboration, Honda's best engineers and top-tier software teams from Japan and Silicon Valley will come together to advance a whole-vehicle SDV platform designed to support Honda's next-generation vehicle architecture. "Honda is striving for a software-defined future in which vehicles can continuously evolve and offer our customers highly personalized experiences," said Mahito Shikama, Chief Officer for Corporate Strategy and Operations at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "By partnering with Applied Intuition, we can accelerate our internal development efforts while maintaining control over our vehicle architecture and the alignment of our software." Honda is leading one of the world's foremost mass-market volume production programs, and the partnership reflects the engineering goal of developing a unified SDV platform that enables advanced vehicle architectures and differentiated customer experiences on a global scale. Applied Intuition's "Vehicle OS" software is intended to help Honda's internal teams accelerate development and reduce costs as the company transitions to SDVs. Applied Intuition will contribute its know-how in operating system and software development for all powertrains, including hybrid vehicles, while supporting Honda's long-standing commitment to quality, safety, and reliability. "Honda is a world-leading, technologically advanced automaker, and together we are advancing the development of a whole-vehicle SDV platform," said Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. "By combining Silicon Valley software practices with Honda's engineering excellence, we are creating a centralized and extensible vehicle platform that can scale to series production." Applied Intuition's collaboration with Honda once again underscores the company's role as a trusted software partner for the world's leading automakers. Thanks to existing partnerships in the key regions of the passenger car market - including Europe and the United States - Applied Intuition now works with automakers in all major regions worldwide. Together, Applied Intuition and Honda are building a partnership based on shared engineering rigor, global teamwork, and a shared vision of how software will shape the next era of mobility. About Applied Intuition Applied Intuition develops the technology to make one billion machines intelligent. Founded in 2017, the Silicon Valley company advances the development of physical AI in the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture sectors. Applied Intuition is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has nearly two dozen offices worldwide, including in London, Munich, Tokyo, Seoul, and the greater Washington, D.C. area. For more information, visit applied.co or email [email protected].

PR Newswire

Oct 5th, 2026

Applied Intuition partners with Nissan to accelerate AI-defined vehicle development with Vehicle OS platform

Applied Intuition is deploying its AI-powered software-development tools with Nissan Motor to support development of AI-defined vehicles. The collaboration, which began in 2020 when Nissan adopted Applied Intuition's simulation technology, now extends to in-vehicle operating systems. Applied Intuition will provide its Vehicle OS software to support Nissan's next-generation in-vehicle software platform. The company's software teams in Japan and Silicon Valley will work alongside Nissan's engineering team to shorten development timelines and accelerate AI-native vehicle development. The Vehicle OS software is designed to modernise software workflows, reduce development complexity, and enable a common software platform spanning multiple powertrains. Applied Intuition, founded in 2017, provides physical AI solutions across automotive, defence, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries.

Applied Intuition

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer - Guidance, Navigation & Control

About the job

About the role

At Applied, you will:

We're looking for someone who has:

Nice to have:

About the company

Get referred to Applied Intuition

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

What critics are saying

What makes Applied Intuition unique

Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth