Junior Electrical Engineer - HRI

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Junior Electrical Engineer to support the design and development of audio and display systems for our next-generation Apollo robot. In this role you will focus on the practical implementation and testing of the human-robot interface (HRI) electronics. You will work closely with senior engineers to turn concept requirements into functional prototypes ensuring high-quality visual and auditory user experiences from an electrical engineering perspective.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support the design and prototyping of HRI-specific circuitry including LED drivers display backlight controllers and audio front-ends.
• Assist in the selection of components for visual displays (LCD/OLED) and audio systems (microphones speakers) based on project specifications.
• Implement and test multi-layer mixed-signal PCBAs focusing on signal integrity for audio and display interfaces like I2S and MIPI.
• Execute validation and test plans (DVT) for HRI subsystems using specialized equipment to measure audio fidelity and display performance.
• Collaborate with the firmware and UX teams to troubleshoot hardware-software interactions for user feedback mechanisms (e.g. audio alerts visual status indicators).
• Maintain detailed documentation of design changes test results and assembly procedures.
• Ensure designs follow established EMI/EMC best practices under the guidance of senior staff.
• Support 3rd party relationships with vendors contract manufacturers and external design services.
• Supports senior and staff engineers on project execution receiving inputs of deadlines requirements and feedback.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• PCB Tools: proficiency with modern schematic capture and PCB layout tools (e.g. Altium Designer).
• Bench Testing: proficiency with common electronics testing equipment including oscilloscopes power supplies signal generators and digital multimeters.
• Preferred: knowledge of microphones speakers audio amplifiers I2S signal conditioning and filtering A/D and D/A converters and digital signal processing (DSP).
• Nice to have: understanding of Thiele/Small parameters lumped element modeling and non-linear distortion mechanisms.
• Nice to have: exposure to simulation tools (COMSOL LEAP or equivalent).
• Nice to have: exposure to audio systems.
• Nice to have: exposure to adaptive filtering (LMS/RLS) array processing and speech enhancement algorithms.
• Nice to have: familiarity with the signal processing requirements for Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) engines and wake-word systems.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• At least 3 years of industry experience in the area of audio electronics with focus in acoustic electronics design (smart speakers headphones or robotics).

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

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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