Hardware Integration Engineer - Dexterity

Job Summary:

Apptronik is seeking a Hardware Integration Engineer dedicated to the development and synthesis of our robotic end-effectors. The hands are the primary interface between our humanoid robot, Apollo, and the physical world. This role is highly interdisciplinary, sitting at the intersection of mechanical kinematics, embedded electronics, and grasping software.

You will be responsible for bringing complex, highly articulated robotic hands from CAD to reality. This involves solving extreme packaging challenges, integrating sensors, routing delicate high-flex wire harnesses, and leading the electro-mechanical bring-up of the hand subsystem. You will ensure that all components works in perfect harmony to achieve human-level dexterity and robust industrial reliability.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Hardware Bring-Up & Diagnostics: Own the initial power-on, functional check, and system diagnostics for new prototype hardware and assemblies. Quickly identify, diagnose, and resolve electrical and mechanical integration issues.
• System Calibration: Develop and execute procedures for hands calibration, including kinematic and dynamic calibration, to ensure the robot's hands model is precisely aligned with its software control stack.
• Component & Assembly Testing: Conduct verification tests at both the component level (e.g., actuators, sensors) and the full assembly level (full hands) to validate performance, durability, and reliability.
• HIL Testbed Ownership: Take full ownership of HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) Testbed Development, designing, building, and maintaining sophisticated automated test environments for rapid, robust, and repeatable verification of new hardware and software.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Meticulously record, analyze, and report all test results. Provide clear, data-driven feedback and bug reports to the Mechanical and Electrical design teams.
• Act as the technical bridge between Mechanical Design (kinematics/packaging), Electrical Engineering (motor controllers), and Autonomy (grasping/manipulation algorithms).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in hardware integration, testing, and validation for complex electromechanical systems (robotics, aerospace, or automotive preferred).
• Proven hands-on expertise with hardware bring-up, measurement tools (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies), and debugging interfaces.
• Understanding of robot kinematics and dynamics necessary for calibration.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and technical documentation software.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• A meticulous, detail-oriented approach to testing and documentation.

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