Senior Tactile Embedded Controls Research Engineer - Special Projects (Robotics)

Apple Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 184,700 - 324,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Employee stock programs

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Santa Clara, California, is seeking a Senior Tactile Embedded Controls Research Engineer for Special Projects in Robotics.

You will work on hands‑on mechatronics, sensors, actuators, and control software that power Apple’s intelligent robotic systems. The role requires C/C++ expertise, ROS/Linus familiarity, and a track record of delivering multidisciplinary robotics projects from prototype to production, with opportunities for publications and collaboration across hardware,

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant experience developing embedded software for robotic control systems.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for real‑time applications.
• Experience with control systems for electromechanical hardware.
• Experience integrating sensors and actuators into embedded systems.
• Familiarity with ROS, Linux, and robotics software frameworks.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex multidisciplinary technical projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel technologies integrating sensors, actuators and communication interfaces.
• Design and develop software for complex embedded and mechatronic systems.
• Implement and optimize real‑time control and feedback algorithms.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate system performance.
• Collaborate across hardware, firmware, software, and research teams.
• Support prototype development, testing, and field demonstrations.
• Document research findings, methodologies, and technical developments for internal knowledge sharing and external publications.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded software

Robot control systems

ROS

Linux

multidisciplinary projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Robotics/CS

Tools

None

Job description

Senior Tactile Embedded Controls Research Engineer - Special Projects (Robotics)

Santa Clara, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

We are seeking research scientists and engineers with strong backgrounds across mechatronics, controls, haptics, robotics, simulation, and machine learning to drive breakthrough innovations in intelligent robotic systems. This position requires a hands‑on approach, integrating software and hardware solutions to push the boundaries of perception, control, and intelligence. You will work alongside world‑class researchers and engineers, contributing to technologies that power the Apple ecosystem.

Description

We are a team of best‑in‑the‑world research scientists and engineers with deep experience in computer vision, machine learning, robotics, haptics, 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 novel technologies integrating sensors, actuators and communication interfaces.
• Design and develop software for complex embedded and mechatronic systems.
• Implement and optimize real‑time control and feedback algorithms.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate system performance.
• Collaborate across hardware, firmware, software, and research teams.
• Support prototype development, testing, and field demonstrations.
• Document research findings, methodologies, and technical developments for internal knowledge sharing and external publications.

Minimum Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant experience developing embedded software for robotic control systems.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for real‑time applications.
• Experience with control systems for electromechanical hardware.
• Experience integrating sensors and actuators into embedded systems.
• Familiarity with ROS, Linux, and robotics software frameworks.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex multidisciplinary technical projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Robotics, Controls, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Experience with tactile sensing or haptics in electromechanical systems.
• Experience bringing complex hardware‑software systems from prototype to production.

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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. Learn more about Apple Benefits

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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.