Staff Electrical Engineer - Platform Communications

We are seeking a Staff Electrical Engineer to own the communications hardware architecture for our next-generation humanoid robot platforms. This role requires specialized knowledge in high-speed digital design and the implementation of robust communication protocols such as EtherCAT Ethernet Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and GMSL. You will own the entire lifecycle of critical communication PCBAs and components ensuring high-bandwidth low-latency and reliable data transfer across dynamic robot joints and complex system environments.

• Communication Hardware Ownership: Act as the technical authority for the robot's "nervous system." Design simulate and implement high-performance multi-layer mixed-signal PCBAs focused on high-speed communication interfaces.
• Protocol Mastery: Own the selection integration and validation of components for EtherCAT Ethernet/SPE and GMSL etc.
• Signal Integrity & EMI/EMC: Drive excellence in Signal Integrity (SI) and Power Integrity (PI) for multi-gigabit data links. Lead the debugging and mitigation of EMI/EMC issues specifically arising from routing high-speed signals through moving robotic joints and high-noise environments.
• Electronics Owner from Concept to Production: Design simulate implement and test multi-layer mixed signal PCBAs. Rapid prototyping of electrical systems at both system and board levels. Generate design documentation such as schematics block diagrams test plans and procedures fabrication and assembly drawings. Execute tests for verification validation and benchmarking.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including technical lead project managers software mechanical thermal systems engineers and manufacturing. Manage 3rd party relationships with vendors contract manufacturers and external design services. Act as a mentor within the electrical engineering team guiding junior engineers on best practices for hardware design documentation and troubleshooting.
• Technical Leadership: Drive project execution with leadership program management and engineering peers. Define component roadmaps with product managers systems engineers and technical leads. Lead debugging and root cause analysis related to hardware and software defect resolution. Align technical implementation and execution with company goals. Drive consensus with stakeholders on critical design and compliance decisions.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience designing hardware for EtherCAT Ethernet GMSL2/3 or FPD-Link.
• Deep understanding of high-speed digital design principles (impedance matching differential signaling stack-up design).
• Experience with product lifecycle management systems such as Arena
• Competent in CAD tools including Altium or similar tools
• Experience with developing and maintaining CAD design rules
• Proven experience designing prototyping and debugging PCB/PCBAs as well as interfacing with manufacturing groups during release/build 
• Experience with electronics lab tools and simulation tools (ex: LTSpice PSpice) 
• Excellent communication (verbal & written); will be expected to develop detailed build assembly instructions and diagrams
• Excellent problem-solving and hardware debugging skills
• Hands-on experience with prototyping and testing including the use of lab equipment including high-bandwidth oscilloscopes logic analyzers TDRs).
• Travel up to 10% within US and internationally

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Masters or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• At least 8 years of experience in Electrical Engineering with a focus on robotics automotive or high-speed consumer electronics.

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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