Staff Mechanical Engineer – Robotic Hand Design Tech Lead

Apptronik; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Apptronik in Austin, Texas is looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of a robotic hand for humanoid platforms. The role involves ensuring the structural integrity of complex multi-DOF systems focused on human-like manipulation. Applicants should have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, 8 years of experience, and expertise in surfacing tools like SolidWorks and NX. Ideal candidates are familiar with robotics and human biomechanics, working towards innovative solutions in robotics.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead technical initiatives without direct authority.
• Expert-level proficiency in surfacing tools.
• Proven track record of designing multi-axis robotic arms.

Responsibilities

• Define the mechanical architecture of a multi-fingered humanoid hand.
• Develop robust, multi-DOF mechanisms ensuring durability.
• Partner with actuation team on tendon-driven designs.
• Design for grasping and tool use.
• Own FEA and validation for stress and fatigue.

Skills

Drive Through Influence

Surfacing Expertise

Subject Matter Expertise

Packaging Mastery

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

8 years of experience in mechanical design

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Catia

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 are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the structural design and architecture of a next-generation robotic hand for a humanoid platform. This role goes beyond traditional end effectors—focusing on highly dexterous, human-like manipulation in unstructured environments. As the technical lead for hand structures, you will define and drive the mechanical design of complex, multi-DOF systems that must balance strength, compliance, weight, and tactile interaction. You will work at the intersection of biomechanics, precision engineering, and robotics to create a hand capable of robust, versatile, and safe interaction with the world.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the robotic hand structural architecture – Define the mechanical architecture of a multi-fingered humanoid hand, including finger topology, joints, palm structure, and load paths, balancing dexterity, strength, and weight.
• Lead design of fingers and joints – Develop robust, multi-DOF mechanisms with appropriate joint types, ensuring durability under off‑axis loads, impacts, and real‑world use.
• Co‑design with actuation systems – Partner with actuation team on tendon‑driven or remote actuation designs, including cable routing, transmission efficiency, and wear reduction.
• Engineer for contact‑rich, human‑like interaction – Design for grasping, pinching, sliding, and tool use, balancing compliance and stiffness for both precision and safe interaction.
• Drive structural analysis and durability – Own FEA and validation for stress, fatigue, impact. Design for high cycle life and address failure modes like wear, loosening, and material fatigue.
• Enable compact, integrated designs – Build high‑density mechanical systems that integrate actuation, sensing, and wiring within tight space constraints.
• Lead prototyping and iteration – Rapidly prototype, test, and refine designs based on hands‑on evaluation and system‑level feedback.
• Own manufacturability and scale‑up – Drive DFM/DFA, process selection, tolerancing, and supplier collaboration to ensure production‑ready designs.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally – Work closely with controls, perception, electrical, and software teams to deliver a cohesive manipulation system.
• Provide technical leadership – Mentor engineers, lead design reviews, and set best practices for dexterous manipulation systems.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Drive Through Influence – Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and align cross‑functional stakeholders without direct reporting authority. Must be able to build consensus on complex architectural trade‑offs.
• Surfacing Expertise – Proven ability to work with Class‑A surfaces and complex geometries; expert‑level proficiency in surfacing tools within SolidWorks, NX, Catia, etc.
• Subject Matter Expertise – Proven track record of designing multi‑axis robotic arms or high‑DOF dynamic mechanisms.
• Packaging Mastery – Exceptional skills in “tight‑space” integration; experience with ruggedized electronics packaging or automotive/aerospace interiors is a plus.
• Education – BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Direct experience with robotic hands, dexterous manipulation, or anthropomorphic mechanisms is preferred.
• Familiarity with human hand biomechanics or bio‑inspired design principles is preferred.
• Experience with tendon‑driven systems, cable routing, or underactuated mechanisms is preferred.
• Background in compliant or soft robotic structures is preferred.
• Experience integrating tactile sensing or force feedback into mechanical designs is preferred.
• Knowledge of advanced materials and surface treatments for wear and grip optimization is preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience: 8 years of experience in mechanical design of complex robotic 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 sufficient to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech required for communication.
• This is a direct hire; outside agency solicitations are not accepted.

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.