Senior Mechanical Engineer - Actuation (Dexterity)

Apptronik; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Apptronik is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Austin, Texas, focusing on electric actuation design. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree and over 6 years of experience in robotic systems development, particularly in actuator design.

This role involves leading detailed design analyses, collaborating with engineers, and ensuring designs meet project requirements. A strong proficiency in CAD tools is essential, along with exceptional organizational skills.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in development of actuation and/or robotic systems or similar.
• Exceptional teamwork and collaboration required.
• Understanding of motor control systems and PCB layout principles necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of actuators.
• Conduct engineering analysis to drive design decisions.
• Collaborate with a team of engineers on projects.

Skills

Mastery of engineering fundamentals

High proficiency in CAD

Hands-on experience in prototyping and testing

Exceptional attention to detail

Excellent teamwork and collaboration

Outstanding organizational and time management skills

Strong written and verbal communication

Knowledge of kinematics and dynamics

Experience in robotic hand and gripper design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD (NX, SolidWorks, Creo)

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.

We operate at the cutting edge of embodied AI, applying our expertise across the full robotics stack to solve some of society's most important problems. You will join a team dedicated to bringing Apollo to market at scale, tackling the complex challenges like safety, commercialization, and mass production to change the world for the better.

Job Summary

We're looking for highly motivated and talented engineers with hands-on experience and a passion for robotics to join our team. Specifically, we seek a Mechanical Engineer with proven capabilities in electric actuation design – electric motors, drivetrains, electromechanical packaging, joint/mechanism design, and testing to support the development of our next-generation robotic hand hardware.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead detailed design and analysis of actuators (rotary and linear)
• Own selection and packaging of electric motors, bearings, rotary and linear drivetrains, and encoders
• Guide junior engineers to improve their designs
• Collaborate with a small cross-disciplinary team of engineers
• Participate in creative brainstorming for concept generation
• Conduct engineering analysis to drive design decisions
• Compare concepts via iterative design, prototype, assembly, and test
• Perform analysis (FEA, etc.) to optimize and validate design
• Create GD&T-informed drawings, a Bill of Material, and procurement documentation
• Produce assembly instructions and finalize project documentation
• Participate in pilot build of your designs and perform root cause analysis to resolve issues
• Perform DVP&R to ensure design meets requirements
• Iterate on design to harden for scalability and DFMA

Skills and Requirements

• Mastery of engineering fundamentals / first principles
• High proficiency in CAD (NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar)
• Demonstrated hands-on experience prototyping and testing mechanical components.
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills
• The ability to multi-task and manage conflicting deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Great team player able to perform within a dynamic start-up environment
• Knowledge of kinematics, structures (statics), dynamics, joints/mechanisms, and electromechanical packaging optimization
• Experience in designing with linear transmissions (ballscrews) and micro-actuation
• Experience in robotic hand and gripper design
• Understanding of motor control systems and PCB layout principles

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 6+ years in development of actuation and/or robotic systems or similar

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• 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.