JOB SUMMARY
Apptronik is building Apollo - a general-purpose humanoid robot designed to work alongside humans. We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D team and lead rapid development of next-generation robotic systems. This is a prototype-first role: you will turn novel mechanical concepts into working hardware fast, learn from failure, and push the physical limits of what is mechanically possible - not sustain a production line.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead full-cycle prototype development - own mechanical assemblies from concept sketch through physical build, with a bias toward speed and iteration.
- Design and fabricate hardware in-house - operate machine shop equipment, 3D printers, and fabrication tools to rapidly validate design concepts.
- Plan and execute mechanical experiments - define test objectives, instrument prototypes with sensors, and run structured experiments to validate mechanical behavior.
- Collaborate across engineering disciplines - work directly with controls, electrical, and systems engineers to integrate mechanical designs into full system prototypes.
- Conceive novel mechanism architectures - evaluate new actuation concepts, transmission designs, and structural approaches beyond iteration on existing hardware.
- Mentor junior engineers - guide team members through prototype development cycles, design reviews, and hands-on fabrication.
- Maintain design documentation - capture design intent clearly enough to enable replication and inform cross-functional teams, without bureaucratic overhead.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
- 8+ years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience with a strong focus on R&D and prototype development
- Proven track record of taking novel mechanical concepts from sketch to functional hardware
- Deep proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Onshape, or equivalent)
- Shop-floor capability: comfortable with machining, 3D printing, sheet metal, and manual fabrication
- Experience with structural and dynamic analysis (FEA, hand calculations, or both)
- Comfort with ambiguity - energized by open-ended problems and fast-changing requirements
- Strong mechanical intuition developed through years of building and iterating on physical systems
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- 8+ years of experience in R&D-focused mechanical engineering roles
- Preferred: experience on advanced robotics, NASA/DARPA programs, or similar high-bar R&D environments
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
- Ability to work in a lab/machine shop environment, including standing for extended periods