Staff Mechanical Engineer - End Effector Structure Tech Lead Austin, TX

Apptronik Systems, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Apptronik Systems, Inc. is looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer in Austin, TX, to lead the design of a next-generation robotic hand. This role focuses on highly dexterous manipulation for unstructured environments, requiring over 8 years of mechanical design experience in robotics. Responsibilities include designing multi-fingered hand structures, ensuring durability, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. A B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and proficiency in SolidWorks or similar tools are essential. Join a company dedicated to advancing human-centered robotics!

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical design.
• Proven ability to influence without authority for technical initiatives.
• Experience with Class-A surfaces and complex geometries.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of structural architecture for robotic hands.
• Develop robust mechanisms ensuring durability.
• Design for human-like interaction and grasping.

Skills

Mechanical design of complex robotic systems

Leadership in technical initiatives

Expertise in surfacing tools

Designing multi-axis robotic arms

Integration in tight spaces

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Catia

Job description

Staff Mechanical Engineer - End Effector Structure Tech Lead

Austin, TX

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.

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, and 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

• Experience: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical design of complex robotic systems.
• Drive Through Influence: Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and align cross‑functional stakeholders without direct reporting authority. Ability 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, or Catia.
• 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.

Preferred Skills and Requirements

• Direct experience with robotic hands, dexterous manipulation, or anthropomorphic mechanisms.
• Familiarity with human hand biomechanics or bio‑inspired design principles.
• Experience with tendon‑driven systems, cable routing, or underactuated mechanisms.
• Background in compliant or soft robotic structures.
• Experience integrating tactile sensing or force feedback into mechanical designs.
• Knowledge of advanced materials and surface treatments for wear and grip optimization.

Technology Control Restrictions

Technology Control Restrictions: As a person in this position will have access to technical data and/or computer software maintained by the Company, which includes export‑controlled technical data and/or computer software, successful applicants must be eligible under U.S. export control regulations to access such information.

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.