JOB SUMMARY

This role is responsible for essential controls infrastructure software and processes that enable precise, high-performance control of Apptronik robots. They will ensure seamless integration between robot data and models such that the robot abstraction API used for planning and controls matches both simulation and hardware across a fleet of dynamic humanoid platforms. They will ensure that data is properly mapped from sensors to robot models to actuator commands during real-time operation. They will implement extensive unit, integration, and systems testing to validate this performance. Their expertise in software design, robotic hardware integration, and controls fundamentals will drive the innovation that brings our robots to life.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Deliver production-grade real-time controls 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 on complex hardware-software-controls integration bugs
• Develop API for controls and autonomy systems to interact with robot hardware and simulation
• Implement rigorous unit and integration testing of controls infrastructure and hardware integration
• 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

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Strong modern C++ and Object-Oriented Programming skills, including inheritance, templates, and design patterns
• Proven experience integrating and testing controls software with complex robotics hardware, especially with hardware abstraction layers for the sensors and actuators of articulated systems
• Familiarity with basic robotics fundamentals such as kinematics, dynamics, controls, estimation, and system identification
• Experience with common robotics and controls packages such as ROS, URDF, MuJoCo, and Eigen
• Multi-threaded and multi-process design/development/debugging skills
• Experience developing Linux applications
• Software testing methodologies (unit & integration testing)
• Git or similar version control systems
• Strong technical communication skills
• Familiarity with Agile process (sprint planning, design reviews, & code reviews)

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• BS, MS or PhD degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field
• Proven industry experience integrating robot hardware and software (5 years, or 2 with grad degree)

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