Director of Mechanical Engineering bei Apptronik
Apptronik · Austin, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Onsite
- Senior
- Optionales Büro in Austin
Apptronik is building robots for the real world to improve human quality of life and to help solve the ever-increasing labor shortage problem. Our team has been building some of the most advanced robots on the planet for years, dating back to the DARPA Robotics Challenge. We apply our expertise across the full robotics stack to some of the most important and impactful problems our society faces, and expect our products and technology to change the world for the better. We value passion, creativity, and collaboration to help us overcome existing technological barriers in the industry to create truly innovative products.
You will join a team developing state-of-the-art general-purpose robots designed to operate in human spaces and with human tools. It is designed to work alongside humans, mobilize to human spaces, and manipulate the world around it.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical design and development of our next-generation humanoid robot. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires a deep technical background in mechanical engineering, with a specific emphasis on robotics. You will be responsible for overseeing all mechanical aspects of our humanoid platform, from conceptual design to production, and will build and mentor a world-class team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the entire mechanical engineering team, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and career development.
- Drive the design, development, and improvement of our general-purpose humanoid robot, ensuring high performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Own the full product lifecycle for mechanical components, from ideation and rapid prototyping to detailed design, analysis, and testing.
- Oversee all aspects of DfX, including manufacturability (DfM), assembly (DfA), cost (DfC), serviceability (DfS), supply chain (DfSC) and testing (DfT).
- Perform and direct advanced mechanical analysis, including but not limited to Finite Element Analysis (FEA), kinematic analysis, and structural integrity assessments.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical, software, controls, and manufacturing engineering, to ensure seamless integration and alignment.
- Select and manage external vendors, suppliers, and manufacturing partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality components and assemblies.
- Define and implement best practices, tools, and processes for the mechanical engineering team to enhance efficiency and innovation.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to meet ambitious product development goals.
Skills and Requirements
- Experience with the design of legged, bipedal, or humanoid robots.
- Expertise in actuator design, gearboxes, and power transmission systems.
- Experience in a startup or fast-growing technology company.
- Familiarity with functional safety standards
Education or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; a Master's degree is highly preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
- Demonstrated expertise in the design and development of complex robotic systems.
- Proven ability to perform and direct advanced FEA and stress/strain analysis.
- Extensive knowledge of a wide range of manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, injection molding, casting, sheet metal, and additive manufacturing.
- Proficiency with modern CAD software (SolidWorks, PTC Creo, or Onshape preferred).
- Experience with DfX principles and a track record of successfully bringing a product from concept to high-volume production.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
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.
