Lead Perception Hardware Engineer Vision Systems Validation

Apptronik; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Apptronik is seeking a Staff Perception Hardware Engineer to lead the physical hardware development of Apollo’s perception stack. You will own end‑to‑end integration of high‑speed camera systems, optics, and data links on a moving humanoid platform, ensuring targets for FOV, thermal, and mechanical stability are met in production hardware.

You will architect bring‑up, validation, and calibration plans, perform on‑robot ISP tuning, and drive cross‑functional decisions with software, mechanical,

Qualifications

• Shipped complex perception hardware from breadboard to mass production.
• Experience with custom sensor modules and vendor collaboration.
• Hands-on troubleshooting with advanced test equipment and EMI/grounding issues.
• Deep CMOS sensor tuning and optical artifact mitigation.
• Strong math and 3D geometry understanding for multi-camera fusion.

Responsibilities

• End‑to‑End System Execution: lead physical integration and ensure production‑ready camera assemblies meet targets.
• Custom Module Development & Vendor Execution: define specs and manage external vendors/CMs.
• Custom Bring‑Up & Validation Plans: architect bring‑up, DVT and EOL test plans for modules.
• Hands‑on ISP Tuning & IQ Validation: tune exposure, white balance, tone mapping on robot.
• High‑Speed Bring‑up & Deep Debugging: lead electrical bring‑up and signal integrity debugging.
• Synchronization Execution: ensure sub‑microsecond timing across cameras, LiDAR, IMUs.
• Calibration & Fixture Deployment: design and deploy calibration fixtures and algorithms.
• Cross‑Functional Adjudication (DfX): align ID, Mechanical and Thermal teams during testing.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: guide teams and drive root‑cause analysis.

Skills

Shipped product focus

Vendor management

Hands-on troubleshooting

Optical & image physics

System-level calibration

Influence across teams

Agility

Education

Master or Ph.D. in Electrical/Optical/CE

Tools

High-bandwidth oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

TDRs

Job description

Apptronik is seeking a Staff Perception Hardware Engineer to lead the physical hardware development of Apollo’s perception stack. You will own end‑to‑end integration of high‑speed camera systems, optics, and data links on a moving humanoid platform, ensuring targets for FOV, thermal, and mechanical stability are met in production hardware.

You will architect bring‑up, validation, and calibration plans, perform on‑robot ISP tuning, and drive cross‑functional decisions with software, mechanical,