Firmware Engineer

Firmware Engineer

Austin, TX

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 embodied 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.

We are seeking a Firmware Engineer with an interest in developing software for Battery Management Systems (BMS), robot communications, and sensing in robotic systems.

In this role, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and testing of BMS firmware, robot communication systems, and real-time feedback control systems. You will also support hardware bring-up activities, develop and execute Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) tests, and contribute to system integration, validation, and debugging as embedded devices come online.

These embedded systems are core components that enable robots, including humanoids and mobile manipulators, to perform meaningful work across a wide range of applications.

Collaborate with systems, electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to develop the next generation of robotic platforms

Lead cradle-to-grave development of Battery Management Systems (BMS), robot communications firmware, and sensing systems, including design validation

Develop and execute Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing to validate system performance and reliability

Design and implement fault detection, fault injection, and recovery mechanisms for safety-critical systems

Manage over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates for embedded systems deployed on robotic platforms

Partner with cross-functional engineering teams to bring up robot power distribution and sensing systems from prototype through production

Strong fundamentals in microcontrollers and battery systems

Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and hands-on experience working with an RTOS

Understanding of distributed computing, multithreaded, and multi-process system design and debugging

Experience with industrial control systems, industrial robotics, or process automation

Experience developing in C and C++ for TI C2000 microcontrollers

Proficiency in C/C++ and Linux; familiarity with Python, Docker, and Git

Experience working in Agile teams, including participation in sprint planning, design reviews, and code reviews

Strong hardware debugging skills using tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers

Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics (Altium Designer preferred) and hardware datasheets

Experience with embedded communication protocols such as SPI, EtherCAT, Ethernet, UART, RS485, and CAN

Familiarity with safety-critical embedded system design standards (e.g., ANSI/RIA R15.06, MISRA)

Experience managing firmware deployments for fielded products

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

Minimum of 1 year of relevant industry experience (excluding academic training) developing production-grade embedded software

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.