Robotics Prototyping Engineer (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

Santa Clara, California, United States – Machine Learning and AI

We are seeking a hands‑on prototyping engineer to build, integrate, and manage the robotic and mechatronic systems at the heart of our research lab. This is a maker’s role: you’ll turn ideas into working hardware, stand up robot platforms, design and fabricate custom mechanisms and electronics, and write the low‑level software that ties it all together. Unlike a traditional AI research role, this position lives at the intersection of mechanical design, electronics, controls, and software – with room to contribute to algorithmic and research work as systems mature. You will work alongside world‑class researchers and engineers, contributing to technologies that power the Apple ecosystem and, where appropriate, publishing in top‑tier scientific venues. If you love building things – turning ideas into hardware, bringing up new robots, and writing the software that makes them move – we would love to hear from you!

Description

We are a team of best‑in‑the‑world research scientists and engineers with deep experience in computer vision, machine learning, robotics, computer graphics, and related areas. We work on exciting new technologies that bring joy to millions of people. In our daily work, the team stays innovative, productive, and fun by sharing some key values:

• Passion for the mission: We’re here to make something extraordinary. We seek whatever work is right and strive for the best possible results.
• Modesty: The right answer is more significant than being right. We search for solutions as a team and value clear‑eyed feedback.
• Lean habits: You can’t grow without limits. Time constraints and big goals encourage us to sharpen our focus and learn to make phenomenal decisions.

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, technical constraints, and functional requirements.
• Document methodologies and technical developments for internal knowledge sharing and, where appropriate, external publication.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field – or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Demonstrated prototyping ability: a 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, etc.).
• 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 the ability to iterate quickly based on feedback and technical constraints.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in hardware/software co‑design.
• Experience managing or operating a lab, hardware inventory, or shared experimental facilities.
• Experience developing algorithms for estimation, control, or sensor fusion.
• Familiarity with simulation tools for system design and validation.
• Experience with various sensor modalities (LiDAR, cameras, IMUs, force/torque, etc.).
• Familiarity with reinforcement learning, planning algorithms, autonomous navigation, or full‑body motion control.
• Interest in contributing to research and publishing in top‑tier scientific venues.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace.

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.