Staff Mechanical Engineer - End Effector Structure Tech Lead

We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the structural design and architecture of a next-generation robotic hand for a humanoid platform. This role goes beyond traditional end effectors—focusing on highly dexterous human-like manipulation in unstructured environments.

As the technical lead for hand structures you will define and drive the mechanical design of complex multi-DOF systems that must balance strength compliance weight and tactile interaction. You will work at the intersection of biomechanics precision engineering and robotics to create a hand capable of robust versatile and safe interaction with the world.

• Own the robotic hand structural architecture
  Define the mechanical architecture of a multi-fingered humanoid hand including finger topology joints palm structure and load paths balancing dexterity strength and weight.
• Lead design of fingers and joints
  Develop robust multi-DOF mechanisms with appropriate joint types ensuring durability under off-axis loads impacts and real-world use.
• Co-design with actuation systems
  Partner with actuation team on tendon-driven or remote actuation designs including cable routing transmission efficiency and wear reduction.
• Engineer for contact-rich human-like interaction
  Design for grasping pinching sliding and tool use balancing compliance and stiffness for both precision and safe interaction.
• Drive structural analysis and durability
  Own FEA and validation for stress fatigue and impact. Design for high cycle life and address failure modes like wear loosening and material fatigue.
• Enable compact integrated designs
  Build high-density mechanical systems that integrate actuation sensing and wiring within tight space constraints.
• Lead prototyping and iteration
  Rapidly prototype test and refine designs based on hands-on evaluation and system-level feedback.
• Own manufacturability and scale-up
  Drive DFM/DFA process selection tolerancing and supplier collaboration to ensure production-ready designs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally
  Work closely with controls perception electrical and software teams to deliver a cohesive manipulation system.
• Provide technical leadership
  Mentor engineers lead design reviews and set best practices for dexterous manipulation systems.

• Experience: B.S in Mechanical Engineering  with a minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical design of complex robotic systems
• Drive Through Influence: A proven ability to lead technical initiatives and align cross-functional stakeholders without direct reporting authority. You must be able to build consensus on complex architectural trade-offs.
• Surfacing Expertise: Proven ability to work with Class-A surfaces and complex geometries; expert-level proficiency in surfacing tools within SolidWorks NX Catia…
• Subject Matter Expertise: Proven track record of designing multi-axis robotic arms or high-DOF dynamic mechanisms.
• Packaging Mastery: Exceptional skills in "tight-space" integration; experience with ruggedized electronics packaging or automotive/aerospace interiors is a plus.
• Education: BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering Robotics or a related field.

• Direct experience with robotic hands dexterous manipulation or anthropomorphic mechanisms
• Familiarity with human hand biomechanics or bio-inspired design principles
• Experience with tendon-driven systems cable routing or underactuated mechanisms
• Background in compliant or soft robotic structures
• Experience integrating tactile sensing or force feedback into mechanical designs
• Knowledge of advanced materials and surface treatments for wear and grip optimization

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.

Gallery