Senior Robot Platform Software Engineer, Perception Systems

Apptronik; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Apptronik is searching for a Perception Systems Engineer in Austin, TX to lead sensor integration and perception pipelines for our next-generation robotics platforms. You'll be responsible for developing drivers and ensuring robust hardware-software communication.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's (Master's preferred) in a related field and over 4 years of experience in software engineering focusing on perception systems. Join us in revolutionizing robotics!

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in software engineering, focusing on perception systems or high-performance embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain low-level drivers for cameras and other sensors.
• Execute and refine camera calibration techniques.
• Profile end-to-end perception pipeline for performance.
• Implement advanced optimization techniques for throughput.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate sensor performance.
• Establish performance benchmarks for perception stack.

Skills

Expert‑level C++ in Linux for system‑level code

Deep experience with sensor protocols (GMSL/MIPI)

Understanding of camera calibration workflows

System bandwidth optimization skills

Experience with low-level optimizations

Hands-on CUDA/GPU programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

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

Apptronik is seeking a Perception Systems Engineer to join our team in Austin, TX to own the sensor interface layer and real-time perception data pipeline, ensuring robust integration of hardware from the link up to perception consumers. In this role, you will help define the sensor architecture on our next gen robotics platforms, develop device drivers to enable the sensors, and harden our sensor perception pipelines. You will join a dedicated team applying expertise across the robotics stack to solve complex challenges in safety and commercialization to change the world for the better.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Sensor Integration & Driver Development: Develop, integrate, and maintain low-level drivers for cameras (GMSL, MIPI) and other sensors to ensure reliable hardware-software communication.
• Calibration & Alignment: Execute and refine camera calibration techniques for both intrinsic and extrinsic parameters to ensure accurate spatial and depth perception.
• Perception Pipeline Profiling: Instrument and profile the end-to-end perception pipeline, identifying and resolving bottlenecks in CPU/GPU utilization and system memory bandwidth.
• Performance Optimization: Implement advanced optimization techniques, such as Direct Memory Access (DMA) and efficient memory buffering, to maximize throughput and minimize system latency.
• Framework Utilization: Apply high-performance processing frameworks (e.g., Holoscan) to streamline sensor data ingestion and processing.
• Hardware-Software Integration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate sensor performance, evaluate hardware trade-offs, and ensure seamless system operation.
• Benchmarking & Validation: Establish and execute performance benchmarks to characterize the perception stack's load on system resources under varying operational conditions.
• Engineering Standards: Adhere to and promote software engineering best practices, including code reviews, clear documentation, and continuous integration.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Expert‑level C++ in Linux for system‑level, performance‑sensitive, and hard‑real‑time code.
• Deep experience with sensor protocols like GMSL/MIPI and writing robust device drivers.
• Solid understanding of camera calibration workflows (intrinsics/extrinsics) and geometric vision.
• Ability to optimize system bandwidth (CPU/GPU) and identify latency bottlenecks in pipelines.
• Experience with low‑level optimizations (DMA, zero‑copy) and frameworks like Holoscan or ROS2.
• Hands‑on CUDA/GPU programming and familiarity with NVIDIA Jetson‑class embedded platforms.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on perception systems, sensor integration, or high‑performance embedded systems.

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.