Senior Software Engineer - Controls

Senior Software Engineer - Real-Time Controls

Austin, TX

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.

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the development of advanced, general‑purpose robots designed to operate in human environments and work with human tools. This position demands a high degree of ownership and responsibility, driving projects from conception through to completion, ensuring that Apptronik’s robots perform precisely and reliably in real‑world scenarios. You will be responsible for building the software that runs on our on‑board computer to enable real‑time control, seamless integration of robot data and models, and effective fault detection, diagnostics, and recovery.

• Deliver production‑grade real‑time C++ software infrastructure
• Integrate low‑level firmware data with high‑level controls logic
• Characterize and improve the quality of robot kinematics, estimation, and actuation
• Perform root‑cause analysis for complex hardware‑software integration issues
• Develop API for controls and autonomy systems to interact with robot hardware and simulation
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate architecture and design documentation
• Deliver reliable software through code reviews, continuous integration, and automated testing
• Represent and lead with Apptronik's core values: CHIPC – Curiosity, Humility, Integrity, Passion, Creativity

• Strong modern C++, OOP skills, multi‑threading, and Linux application development
• Deep knowledge of robotics fundamentals (kinematics, dynamics, controls, estimation, and system identification)
• Understanding of rigid‑body motion and frame transformations
• Proficiency with robotics packages (e.g. Mu Jo Co , Drake, Eigen, ROS, etc.)
• Familiarity with software testing methodologies and version control (e.g., Git)
• Strong communication skills and familiarity with Agile processes (sprint planning, design/code reviews)

BS, MS, or PhD in relevant fields (Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, etc.). 5+ years of robotics software development.

• 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

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.

This is a direct hire. Please, no outside agency solicitations.