Senior Mechanical Engineer - Actuation (dexterity)

Apptronik Apptronik · Robotics · HQ · Hardware

Apptronik is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with expertise in actuation design for their human-centered robotics company, focusing on the development of their flagship humanoid robot, Apollo. The role involves leading the design, analysis, and testing of electric actuators and electromechanical systems, collaborating with a cross-disciplinary team, and ensuring designs are hardened for scalability and mass production.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead detailed design and analysis of actuators (rotary and linear)
  2. Own selection and packaging of electric motors, bearings, rotary and linear drivetrains, and encoders
  3. Guide junior engineers to improve their designs
  4. Collaborate with a small cross-disciplinary team of engineers
  5. Participate in creative brainstorming for concept generation

Skills

Required

  • Mastery of engineering fundamentals / first principles
  • High proficiency in CAD (NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar)
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience prototyping and testing mechanical components.
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Excellent teamwork and collaboration
  • Outstanding organizational and time management skills
  • The ability to multi-task and manage conflicting deadlines
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Great team player able to perform within a dynamic start-up environment
  • Knowledge of kinematics, structures (statics), dynamics, joints/mechanisms, and electromechanical packaging optimization
  • Experience in designing with linear transmissions (ballscrews) and micro-actuation
  • Experience in robotic hand and gripper design
  • Understanding of motor control systems and PCB layout principles
  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 6+ years in development of actuation and/or robotic systems or similar

What the JD emphasized

  • proven capabilities in electric actuation design
  • hands-on experience prototyping and testing mechanical components
  • Experience in designing with linear transmissions (ballscrews) and micro-actuation
  • Experience in robotic hand and gripper design
  • Understanding of motor control systems and PCB layout principles