Staff Mechanical Engineer

apptronik

Austin, Texas · Austin · United States

Posted Jan 15, 2026

Contract
Hardware

Job description

Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company developing AI-powered robots to support humanity in every facet of life. Our flagship humanoid robot, Apollo, is built to collaborate thoughtfully with people, starting with critical industries such as manufacturing and logistics, with future applications in healthcare, the home, and beyond.

We operate at the cutting edge of Applied AI, applying our expertise across the full robotics stack to solve some of society's most important problems. You will join a team dedicated to bringing Apollo to market at scale, tackling the complex challenges like safety, commercialization, and mass production to change the world for the better.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, development of our Apollo humanoid robots across their full lifecycle—from early concept through production and field support.

In this role, you will apply deep engineering expertise and sound judgment to solve ambiguous, high-impact technical problems. You will work closely with cross-functional partners in electrical, software, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations to ensure designs meet performance, reliability, cost, safety, regulatory, and manufacturability requirements.

As a staff-level engineer, you are expected to deliver strong individual technical contributions while also mentoring junior engineers, leading design efforts, influencing technical direction, and helping raise engineering standards and best practices across the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Lead mechanical design efforts for complex products, systems, and subsystems
Drive system architecture decisions, design trade studies, and technical risk mitigation
Own designs from concept development through NPI, production release, and sustaining
Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to ensure production readiness and smooth ramp
Plan and execute verification, validation, and reliability testing activities
Support field and manufacturing issues through structured root-cause analysis and corrective actions
Participate in and lead technical design reviews across multiple projects
Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through coaching, design feedback, and technical guidance
Contribute to and help define engineering standards, processes, and best practices
Influence technical direction across teams without direct authority

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

Proven ability to lead and deliver complex mechanical systems or architectures
Deep expertise in at least one core area (e.g., precision design, analysis, DFMA, electromechanical systems) with breadth across others
Strong experience with DFMA, manufacturing processes, and production engineering
Advanced proficiency in mechanical analysis, including FEA and analytical modeling
Hands-on experience with prototyping, verification, validation, and reliability testing
Strong knowledge of materials selection, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up analysis
Experience integrating mechanical systems with electronics, software, motion, thermal, or fluid systems
Familiarity with tooling, fixtures, automation, or equipment design
Knowledge of regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements
Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and raise team technical capability
Excellent communication skills and strong engineering judgment

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
8+ years of experience in a related mechanical engineering role

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

*This is a direct hire. Please, no outside Agency solicitations.

Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.