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 Applied 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
The Software Engineer – Dexterous Manipulation is a core contributor to our robots' ability to interact with the world with human-like precision. You will implement, tune, and deploy reinforcement learning and related learning-based control for high-DOF, multi-fingered robotic hands—translating state-of-the-art research (reinforcement / imitation learning, teleoperation retargeting) into reliable, production-grade software that runs in both simulation and on physical hardware. Working across simulation, hardware, and systems teams, you will get complex manipulation tasks working robustly on real robots.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Implement and tune control algorithms for multi-fingered hands—grasping, in-hand manipulation, and tactile-feedback integration.
- Develop and maintain manipulation software with low-latency, reliable execution inside the real-time controls stack.
- Translate state-of-the-art methods (RL / imitation policies, human-to-robot motion retargeting) into production-grade C++/Python.
- Build and refine sim-to-real pipelines—hand models, domain randomization, and validation in IsaacSim / MuJoCo / Drake.
- Deploy and debug manipulation capabilities on physical robots; diagnose sensor-noise, latency, and calibration issues.
- Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers, feeding back on hand performance and sensor/actuator requirements.
- Uphold code quality through rigorous testing, documentation, and peer review.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Dexterous manipulation experience: multi-fingered grasping, in-hand manipulation, and high-DOF hand control.
- Reinforcement learning for robotic control—reward design, training, and debugging—ideally applied to dexterous manipulation (imitation learning and diffusion policies a plus).
- Strong Python and working C++ for real-time robotic software.
- Hands-on experience training and validating policies in a physics simulator (IsaacSim, MuJoCo, or Drake).
- Robotics fundamentals: kinematics, dynamics, and Jacobian-based control.
- A track record of getting algorithms working on physical hardware, not simulation alone.
- Nice to have: teleoperation (VR/haptic) and retargeting, tactile-sensing integration, computer vision (6D pose / point clouds), and end-effector bring-up & calibration.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of relevant experience in robotic manipulation or complex motion control (recent PhD graduates considered).
- Evidence of taking complex algorithms from research / simulation to successful deployment on physical hardware.
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
*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.
Skills Required
- Dexterous manipulation experience (multi-fingered grasping, in-hand manipulation, high-DOF hand control)
- Reinforcement learning for robotic control (reward design, training, debugging)
- Strong Python proficiency
- Working C++ for real-time robotic software
- Hands-on experience training and validating policies in physics simulators (IsaacSim, MuJoCo, or Drake)
- Robotics fundamentals: kinematics, dynamics, Jacobian-based control
- Track record of deploying algorithms to physical hardware (not simulation-only)
- BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 3+ years relevant experience in robotic manipulation or complex motion control
- Imitation learning experience
- Diffusion policies experience
- Teleoperation (VR/haptic) and retargeting experience
- Tactile-sensing integration experience
- Computer vision (6D pose, point clouds) experience
- End-effector bring-up and calibration experience
Apptronik Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Medical coverage is described as broad, with UnitedHealthcare plan choices (HDHP, PPO, HMO) and an employer-paid portion of premiums, alongside FSA and mental health benefits. This scope points to solid core medical support for employees.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental leave, family medical leave, and an onsite Mother’s Room are highlighted, with additional family-oriented events noted. These offerings indicate meaningful support for caregivers and families.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible or open PTO is paired with paid holidays and sick days, and a hybrid setup enables at least two remote days per week where roles allow. Together, these policies signal ample time-off mechanisms and schedule flexibility.
Apptronik Insights
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.
