Software Development Engineer - Terramechanics/Computational Mechanics

The Software Development Engineer at Applied Intuition is responsible for designing and implementing software algorithms focused on computational mechanics and finite element methods. This role involves collaborating with technical experts, running and interpreting regression tests, refactoring code for maintainability, diagnosing code issues, and ensuring proper documentation for design changes. Ultimately, you will contribute to developing high-quality systems across various applications in the autonomy and mobility space.

To qualify for the Software Development Engineer position at Applied Intuition, applicants should have a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Science, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in designing and implementing software algorithms for computational mechanics is required. Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++ is essential, along with a deep understanding of mathematical models and simulations.

While having experience in terramechanics is a nice-to-have qualification for the Software Development Engineer position at Applied Intuition, it is not strictly required. We encourage all candidates with a background in computational mechanics, relevant engineering fields, or simulation tools for mechanical systems to apply, even if they lack experience specifically in terramechanics. Your interest and passion for the role matter most!

Candidates for the Software Development Engineer position at Applied Intuition should be proficient in programming languages such as C and C++. These languages are fundamental to developing algorithms and code that improve performance and maintainability within our suite of products. Familiarity with high-performance computing techniques, such as parallel computing and GPU deployment, would also be beneficial.

Applied Intuition is an in-office company, which means that the expectation for the Software Development Engineer role is to be present at the Ann Arbor office five days a week. This setup encourages collaboration and a team-oriented culture where dynamic interactions are essential for innovation and success.

When responding, detail specific projects where you applied finite element methods, highlighting the challenges faced and how you overcame them. Mention the significance of your contributions in terms of performance improvements or innovative solutions, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and technical expertise in the field.

Discuss your systematic approach to debugging, such as isolating the problem, running tests, and using tools to analyze performance. Share a specific example where your debugging skills led to significant improvements, showcasing your analytical thinking and dedication to quality.

Provide an overview of your experience with regression testing, including the types of tests you performed and how you interpreted the results to inform product improvements. Highlight any tools or frameworks you used, demonstrating your knowledge and proficiency in the software development lifecycle.

Explain the importance of open communication and constructive feedback in your collaborations with domain experts. Give an example of a project where you played a crucial role in facilitating discussions or synthesizing input to drive successful outcomes, emphasizing your teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Discuss the reasons for refactoring, whether it was to improve performance or enhance maintainability. Describe your strategy, such as prioritizing certain areas of the codebase or testing throughout the process. Include any significant results or performance gains achieved as a result of your efforts.

Reflect on specific challenges you encountered in previous roles and how you approached problem-solving. Provide examples of innovative solutions you implemented and the impact your actions had on the overall success of the project, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

Share your strategies for professional development, such as attending conferences, taking online courses, or participating in forums. Highlight any particular areas of interest that influence your work as a Software Development Engineer and explain how staying updated benefits your contributions.

Discuss specific optimization techniques you have implemented in your projects, such as parallel processing, reducing computational complexity, or enhancing memory management. Provide examples of how these optimizations improved performance, showcasing your technical expertise and analytical skills.

Explain your time management and prioritization techniques, such as using project management tools or methodologies. Detail how you balance deadlines and quality, ensuring all projects meet standards while optimizing productivity, showcasing your organizational skills.

Reflect on your motivations for applying to Applied Intuition, emphasizing your interest in the autonomy and mobility sector. Discuss how the company's mission aligns with your career goals and the contributions you aspire to make, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for the role and organization.