Staff Software Engineer - Robotics

Apptronik - Austin, TX

Full-time - Senior

Austin, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

As a Staff Software Engineer at Apptronik, you will be instrumental in developing advanced general-purpose robots that operate in human environments. This role requires a high level of ownership and responsibility, overseeing projects from conception to completion, ensuring the robots perform reliably in real-world scenarios. You will focus on building controls infrastructure software, integrating robot data, and enhancing system robustness through effective diagnostics and recovery processes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver production-grade real-time controls software infrastructure
• Integrate low-level firmware data with high-level controls logic
• Characterize and improve the quality of robot kinematics, estimation, and actuation
• Perform root-cause analysis on complex hardware-software-controls integration bugs
• Develop API for controls and autonomy systems to interact with robot hardware and simulation
• Design and develop fault detection, diagnostics, and recovery plans to enhance system robustness and uptime
• Spearhead the bringup of new products and pilot builds ensuring smooth deployment
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate architecture and design documentation
• Deliver reliable software through code reviews, continuous integration, and automated testing
• Represent and lead with Apptronik's core values: CHIPC - Curiosity, Humility, Integrity, Passion, Creativity

Requirements

• Education: BS, MS, or PhD in relevant fields (Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, etc.)
• Experience: 8+ years (or 5+ with a graduate degree) of robotic hardware and software integration
• Technical Skills: Strong modern C++, OOP skills, multi-threading, and Linux application development
• Deep knowledge of robotics fundamentals (kinematics, dynamics, controls, estimation, and system identification)
• Proven experience with controls software integration, especially with hardware abstraction layers for sensors and actuators
• Proficiency with robotics packages (ROS, URDF, MuJoCo, Eigen, etc.)
• Familiarity with software testing methodologies and version control (e.g., Git)
• Strong communication skills and familiarity with Agile processes (sprint planning, design/code reviews)

Benefits

• Competitive salary w/ benefits
• Highly motivating equity incentive package
• Flexible work hours policy
• Professional development opportunities
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401k plan