Senior Manager, Hardware Connectivity

Grit Ventures; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Apptronik is seeking a Senior Manager of Hardware Connectivity to lead the team responsible for the robot Apollo's data and control networks. You will guide engineers in high/low-speed signal integrity, internal networks, wire harnessing, and wireless data links to ensure reliable telemetry, OTA updates, and safe teleoperation.

The role requires 10+ years in hardware design with at least 4 years in people management, BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, and a hands-on leadership style that can

Qualifications

• Experience in RF engineering and wireless module integration.
• Strong wire harness design for dynamic, moving systems.
• Experience with EMI/EMC mitigation and compliance testing.
• Strong digital/analog signal integrity knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead team of electrical, RF, and interconnect engineers.
• Oversee internal network architecture and routing for internal buses.
• Drive wireless RF strategy for Wi-Fi, BT, and Cellular.
• Own wire harnessing and flex-PCB design across joints.
• Define grounding and shielding to minimize EMI.
• Collaborate with Mechanical and Software for system integration.

Skills

RF engineering

Wire harness design

EMI/EMC mitigation

Signal integrity

Leadership

Education

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company developing AI-powered robots to support humanity in every facet of life. Our flagship humanoid robot, Apollo, is built to collaborate thoughtfully with people, starting with critical industries such as manufacturing and logistics, with future applications in healthcare, the home, and beyond.

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a Senior Manager of Hardware Connectivity to lead the team that designs and implements the "nervous system" of Apollo. In a humanoid robot, data is just as critical as power. Your team will be responsible for ensuring that every piece of data—from high-bandwidth sensor data to low-latency joint control, to cloud telematics, is transmitted flawlessly across the system and to the outside world. You will manage a team of engineers specializing in high/low-speed signal integrity, internal networks, wire harnessing, wireless data links (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular), and EMI/EMC. You will ensure that Apollo's internal networks are robust against the mechanical realities of articulating joints and the electrical noise of high-power motor drives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITES:

• Team Leadership & Growth: Manage, mentor, and grow a team of electrical, RF, and interconnect engineers. Empower Tech Leads, conduct design reviews, and allocate resources effectively across rapid hardware development cycles.
• Internal Network Architecture: Oversee the physical layer design and routing rules for all internal communication buses distributed throughout the robot's body.
• External Wireless & RF: Lead the integration and antenna design strategies for wireless data links, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Cellular (5G/LTE), enabling robust telemetry, OTA updates, and teleoperation.
• Interconnects & Harnessing: Own the physical design, shielding, and dynamic routing of wire harnesses and custom flex-PCBs across Apollo's articulating joints, minimizing wear and ensuring maximum lifecycle reliability.
• EMI/EMC & Signal Integrity: Define the grounding architectures, shielding strategies, and spectrum management plans required to isolate sensitive data and RF signals from the massive electromagnetic noise generated by the robot's high-power mechatronics.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with other Electrical Engineering teams, as well as Mechanical Engineering and Software, to ensure seamless system integration and packaging.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Domain Expertise: Deep technical background in at least two of the following areas:
  • RF engineering and wireless module integration (Cellular, Wi-Fi, BT).
  • Complex wire harness design and flex-PCBs for dynamic, moving systems.
  • EMI/EMC mitigation, grounding architectures, and compliance testing (FCC/CE).
  • High-speed and low-speed digital signal integrity.
• System-Level Thinking: Proven ability to manage the competing physical constraints (thermal, mechanical packaging, electrical noise) found in tightly integrated hardware.
• Leadership Style: A hands-on leader who can dive into schematics or layout reviews when necessary, but knows how to delegate and elevate senior technical contributors.

NICE TO HAVE:

• Prior experience in humanoid robotics, complex industrial automation, electric vehicles (EV), or aerospace.
• Experience taking a complex, mixed-signal hardware product from prototype through high-volume manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience in an anechoic chamber or taking products through formal EMC certification.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Education: BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years of professional engineering experience in hardware design, with at least 4+ years of direct people management experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• Hearing and speech to communicate

Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.