Senior Perception Hardware Engineer - Vision Systems

Apptronik; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 240,000 - 288,000; Full time

Job summary

Apptronik is seeking a Staff Perception Hardware Engineer to lead Apollo’s perception hardware systems, ensuring the hardware works, scales, and ships. You will drive integration of cameras, optics, and high-speed data links on a moving humanoid, coordinating with vendor teams and internal groups.

At the Staff level, you will tackle multi-disciplinary bottlenecks, own bring‑up, validation, and manufacturing deployment to ensure Apollo perceives the world with unmatched clarity.

Qualifications

• Shipped perception hardware—from breadboard to mass production.
• Experience with optical vendors, CMOS manufacturers and CM partners.
• Hands-on proficiency with high-end lab equipment to debug hardware.
• Deep understanding of CMOS sensor tuning and optical artifacts.
• Strong math and 3D geometry for multi-camera arrays and VIO.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams with data-driven decisions.
• Adaptable and capable in fast-growth environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead physical integration of the robot’s visual perception stack.
• Define specs for custom sensor modules and manage external vendors.
• Architect bring-up, DVT, and EOL tests for sensors.
• Own ISP tuning and IQ validation on the actual robot.
• Lead high-speed bring-up and EMI/EMC debugging across hardware.
• Ensure precise hardware synchronization across sensors.
• Design calibration fixtures and scalable deployment processes.
• Mentor engineers and drive cross-functional problem solving.

Skills

Shipped product focus

Vendor management

Hands-on troubleshooting

Deep optical & image physics

System-level math & calibration

Drive through influence

Agility

Education

Master or Ph.D in Electrical/Optical/Computer Engineering

Tools

High-bandwidth oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

TDRs

Job description

Apptronik is seeking a Staff Perception Hardware Engineer to lead Apollo’s perception hardware systems, ensuring the hardware works, scales, and ships. You will drive integration of cameras, optics, and high-speed data links on a moving humanoid, coordinating with vendor teams and internal groups.

At the Staff level, you will tackle multi-disciplinary bottlenecks, own bring‑up, validation, and manufacturing deployment to ensure Apollo perceives the world with unmatched clarity.