Robotics Prototyping Engineer for Special Projects

Apple Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 150,400 - 277,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Employee stock program

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Santa Clara, California, seeks a hands‑on prototyping engineer to build and manage robotic and mechatronic systems at the heart of our research lab.

This maker’s role blends mechanical design, electronics, controls, and software, with room for algorithmic and research contributions as systems mature. You will turn ideas into hardware, stand up robot platforms, design custom mechanisms, fabricate components, and write low‑level software that ties everything together.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field – or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Demonstrated prototyping ability: track record of building functional hardware systems end to end.
• Hands‑on experience with 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and fabrication (3D printing, CNC machining).
• Experience setting up and integrating robotic systems – mechanical assembly, actuation, and sensing.
• Proficiency with electronics, including PCB design, embedded systems, and sensor integration.
• Strong programming skills in Python and C++, including low‑level/embedded and systems software.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to iterate quickly based on feedback and constraints.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate novel robotic and mechatronic technologies, taking concepts from idea to working prototype.
• Design, prototype, and validate sensing, actuation, and feedback systems.
• Stand up and maintain robot platforms – assembly, calibration, wiring, and bring‑up of complete systems.
• Design and fabricate mechanical components using 3D CAD and rapid prototyping (3D printing, CNC, etc.).
• Develop electronics and embedded systems, including PCB design, sensor integration, and low‑level firmware.
• Write low‑level and systems software to integrate hardware, controls, and higher‑level applications into functional prototypes.
• Develop algorithms for estimation, control, and systems optimization.
• Create experimental platforms, test methods, and performance benchmarks.
• Build simulation models to support system design and validation.
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines to advance human‑machine interaction capabilities.
• Iterate quickly based on feedback, constraints, and requirements.
• Document methodologies and technical developments for internal sharing and publication.

Skills

Prototyping

3D CAD modeling

Electronics & PCB design

Embedded systems programming

Python & C++

Systems software

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Robotics or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

3D printing

CNC machining

Job description

Apple Inc. in Santa Clara, California, seeks a hands‑on prototyping engineer to build and manage robotic and mechatronic systems at the heart of our research lab.

This maker’s role blends mechanical design, electronics, controls, and software, with room for algorithmic and research contributions as systems mature. You will turn ideas into hardware, stand up robot platforms, design custom mechanisms, fabricate components, and write low‑level software that ties everything together.