Staff Mechanical Engineer - Legs Tech Lead

1 day, 15 hours 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

  • Define the mechanical architecture for the hips, legs, knees, ankles, and feet, and lead trade studies across power density, range of motion, stability, and energy efficiency.
  • Architect locomotion systems that support stable walking, running, lifting, and recovery from disturbances while balancing performance, robustness, and safety.
  • Optimize mass placement and inertia to improve balance, agility, and whole-body coordination.
  • Design multi-DOF joints with high torque output, precision, backdrivability, and high cycle life.
  • Develop structures and mechanisms that absorb and dissipate impact energy during foot-ground contact and falls.
  • Lead the lower-body load-path and structural design to support robot mass and dynamic loads using advanced materials and topology optimization.
  • Develop feet and contact interfaces that provide traction, compliance, and adaptability across varied terrains.
  • Partner with controls and actuation teams to ensure mechanical designs support force control, impedance control, and dynamic motion planning.
  • Lead subsystem integration of actuators, sensors, and structural elements within tight mechanical envelopes, including cable and harness routing through high-flex joints.
  • Define and execute DVT plans, lead failure analysis, conduct design reviews, and mentor engineers across experience levels.

Requirements

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years of experience in mechanical design of complex robotic systems, especially legged systems or high-load dynamic mechanisms.
  • Demonstrated experience designing multi-axis robotic legs, exoskeletons, or comparable high-DOF dynamic systems.
  • Deep understanding of kinematics, dynamics, and control considerations for legged locomotion.
  • Expertise in high-cycle fatigue, impact loading, and durability-oriented design.
  • Strong experience integrating actuators, sensors, and structures in compact, high-performance systems.
  • Expert-level proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA.
  • Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and align cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
  • BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
  • Experience with ingress protection, thermal performance, and real-world durability requirements is preferred.
  • Experience with design verification testing, fatigue testing, impact testing, and lifecycle validation is preferred.

Interested in this position?

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