Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer

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.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Firmware Infrastructure Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this critical role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the foundational firmware infrastructure that supports our cutting‑edge hardware platforms. You will be a key contributor to the stability, scalability, and performance of our firmware, ensuring a robust and efficient development environment for the entire firmware team.

You will leverage your deep understanding of embedded systems and software engineering principles to build and optimize core firmware components and tools.

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of robust firmware systems/modules for humanoid robots including motor controls, functional safety, power management, and interfaces.
• Design, implement, and maintain HIL testing systems for firmware validation.
• Define and implement the overall firmware infrastructure, including hardware and firmware interactions.

• Ability to design scalable, efficient, and maintainable firmware architectures that align with product requirements and constraints.
• Strong command of C, C++, and Python.
• Deep understanding of microcontroller architectures, real‑time operating systems (RTOS), and hardware‑software interactions.
• Familiarity with hardware interfaces and communication protocols such as ECAT, SPI, I2C, and UART.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues that arise during the development and testing phases, ensuring reliability and performance of the firmware.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and product managers.
• Experience in leading technical initiatives, mentoring junior engineers, and driving best practices within the team.
• Deep understanding of embedded operating systems (RTOS, Linux) and bootloaders.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Embedded Systems or related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in embedded software.
• Robotics expertise desired but not required.
• Experience working on safety‑critical systems.

• 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.