Staff Mechanical Engineer — R&D

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.

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
• 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.