Staff Drivetrain Engineer

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Austin, TX
Hybrid
Computer Vision • Hardware • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
We build machines that empower humans to live to our fullest potential.
The Role

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.

Job Summary

We're looking for highly motivated and talented engineers with hands-on experience and a passion for robotics to join our team.  Specifically, we seek a Senior Drivetrain Engineer with proven capabilities in drivetrain design – gear design, gearbox architectures, and testing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conceptualize, design, build, and test drivetrain technologies for use in electric actuators
  • Design drivetrains to optimize for mass, volume, inertia, efficiency, torques, and speeds
  • Design gear tooth profiles to optimize for backlash, efficiency, strength, and lifetime
  • Select layout and type of bearings based on performance characteristics, loads, and packaging
  • Select lubrication strategy with maintenance, performance, and lifetime in mind
  • Perform analysis (FEA, gear analysis software, static analysis, etc) to optimize and validate design
  • Select materials and manufacturing methods to optimize for actuation performance and cost
  • Create GD&T-informed drawings, a Bill of Material, and procurement documentation
  • Produce assembly instructions and finalize project documentation   
  • Participate in pilot build of your design
  • Perform DVP&R to ensure design meets requirements
  • Iterate on design to harden for scalability and DFMA
  • Collaborate with a small cross-disciplinary team of engineers
Skills and Requirements
  • High proficiency in gear design software (KISSsoft or similar) and CAD (OnShape, Solidworks, etc)
  • Strong understanding of gear manufacturing technologies, gear analysis, and tribology
  • Extensive knowledge of types of gearboxes (planetary, spur gear, etc) and relevant industry standards (AGMA, SAE, ISO, etc)
  • Mastery of engineering fundamentals / first principles
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Excellent teamwork and collaboration  
  • Outstanding organizational and time management skills
  • The ability to multi-task and manage conflicting deadlines
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Great team player able to perform within a dynamic start-up environment
Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 7+ years of experience in development of drivetrains, gearboxes, actuators, or similar, specifically within the robotics, automotive, or aerospace industries


*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.

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The Company
HQ: Austin, TX
180 Employees
Year Founded: 2016

What We Do

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.

Why Work With Us

At Apptronik, we don't see a future where man competes against machine. Instead, we envision a harmonious world where man and machine coexist. Our mission statement, "It is not Man vs. Machine, but Man + Machine," encapsulates our belief that the synergy between humans and robots will pave the way for a brighter, more advanced future.

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Apptronik Offices

Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

Typical time on-site: Not Specified
HQAustin, TX
We're based in North Austin near The Domain, a lively, outdoor shopping area full of shops and restaurants.

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