Staff Mechanical Engineer - End Effector Structure Tech Lead

3 days, 1 hour ago
Full-time
Lead
IoT and Embedded Systems
Apptronik

Apptronik

Apptronik develops versatile humanoid robots to tackle tasks humans prefer not to do, aiming to reshape existence and enhance universal quality of life.

Aerospace & Defense
51-250
Founded 2015
$23M raised

Description

  • Own the structural architecture of a multi-fingered humanoid hand, including finger topology, joints, palm structure, and load paths.
  • Lead the design of fingers and joints for durability under off-axis loads, impacts, and real-world use.
  • Co-design tendon-driven or remote actuation solutions with the actuation team, including cable routing and transmission efficiency.
  • Engineer the hand for contact-rich interactions such as grasping, pinching, sliding, and tool use.
  • Drive structural analysis and validation, including FEA for stress, fatigue, impact, and high-cycle life.
  • Develop compact mechanical packaging that integrates actuation, sensing, and wiring within tight space constraints.
  • Lead rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration based on hands-on evaluation and system-level feedback.
  • Own manufacturability and scale-up efforts, including DFM/DFA, process selection, tolerancing, and supplier collaboration.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with controls, perception, electrical, and software teams to deliver an integrated manipulation system.
  • Provide technical leadership through mentoring, design reviews, and best practices for dexterous manipulation systems.

Requirements

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with at least 8 years of experience in mechanical design of complex robotic systems.
  • Ability to lead technical initiatives and align cross-functional stakeholders without direct reporting authority.
  • Expert-level proficiency in surfacing tools within SolidWorks, NX, or Catia, with experience working on Class-A surfaces and complex geometries.
  • Proven track record of designing multi-axis robotic arms or high-DOF dynamic mechanisms.
  • Strong skills in tight-space mechanical integration; experience with ruggedized electronics packaging or automotive/aerospace interiors is a plus.
  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
  • 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.

Interested in this position?

Apply directly on the company website

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