Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Systems & Agentic AI

Imagine building the backend of a real-time strategy game—except the assets are real autonomous vehicles, the sensor feeds are live, and the software is deployed in operational environments. We’re partnering with Palantir to hire two Senior Software Engineers for a rapidly growing autonomous systems team. You’ll build the core service layer connecting LLMs, AI agents, operator interfaces, sensors, and real-world autonomous platforms. This is hands-on product engineering at the intersection of backend systems, agentic AI, robotics, and mission-critical software. You’ll help take ambitious ideas from prototype to field deployment—often working directly with the people using the technology. What You’ll Build You’ll design and deliver cloud and edge software used to command and control individual autonomous vehicles and coordinated swarms. Your work will include: Building middleware, APIs, and services that connect operator interfaces, AI agents, sensors, and autonomous platformsProcessing live data from cameras, radar, RF systems, and other sensor modalitiesDeveloping real-time messaging and integration layers across multiple external systemsConnecting self-hosted and commercial LLMs with tools, workflows, and autonomous systemsBuilding reliable, fail-safe software for high-stakes operational environmentsIntegrating with unmanned vehicles, sensors, actuators, and kinetic and non-kinetic systemsTaking software from rapid prototype through testing and real-world field deploymentWorking alongside specialists in AI, sensing, robotics, simulation, hardware, and user experienceTravelling to customer sites when required to deploy, test, and improve the product in the field What We’re Looking For You’re a hands-on backend or systems engineer who has owned important software—not someone sitting several layers away from the code. You’ll ideally bring: 4–10 years of professional backend, service-layer, or systems engineering experienceExperience building and owning middleware, APIs, microservices, or other core services connecting multiple systemsStrong experience with real-time data, messaging, or software that communicates with external servicesProficiency in at least one modern backend or systems language, ideally Rust, Python, C++, or JavaExperience shipping quickly in a startup, scale-up, or similarly fast-moving environmentA Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related technical degreeThe ability to work directly with customers, understand operational problems, and turn them into working software Experience in autonomous systems, robotics, autonomous vehicles, distributed real-time systems, LLM integrations, AI agents, or agent toolchains would be highly valuable—but it isn’t essential. This is primarily a backend and service-engineering role. It is unlikely to suit someone focused mainly on ML research, simulation, mathematical algorithms, or path planning. You must also still enjoy writing and shipping production code. Why Palantir? Palantir builds software used by some of the world’s most operationally demanding institutions to make critical decisions in real time. This team sits at the frontier of that mission. You’ll work on software that connects intelligent decision-making systems with real autonomous platforms—and see what you build tested and deployed in actual field environments. The hiring manager describes it as the most exciting work of his career. The team has significant resources, important customers, and the freedom to move exceptionally quickly. Location and Package Base salary: $145,000–$275,000, depending on experience, level, and locationEquity: RSUsLocations: Seattle, New York City, Washington DC, or Palo AltoWorking model: Hybrid, with travel to customer and deployment sitesEmployment: Full-timeHiring: Two positions available Clearance Requirement Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be US citizens and eligible to obtain a US security clearance. This position is not open to visa sponsorship, and Green Card status alone does not meet the clearance requirement. If you’re a hands-on engineer who wants to build complex backend systems that extend beyond the cloud and into the physical world, this is a genuinely rare opportunity.