Apptronik
robotics
StaffMechanicalEngineer-LegsTechLead
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Lead candidates.
“Staff Mechanical Engineer - Legs Tech Lead at Apptronik. Skills: Staff Mechanical Engineer, Legs Tech Lead, lower body architecture, design, integration, and verification, locomotion kinematics, dynamic stability, high-load structural design. Define the mechanical architecture for the hips, legs, knees, ankles, and feet. Lead trade-off studies between power density, range of motion (ROM), stability, and energy efficiency”
What You'll Achieve.
bringing Apollo to market at scale; tackling the complex challenges like safety, commercialization, and mass production; deliver human-like mobility; absorb high-energy impacts; maintain durability across millions of cycles in real-world environments
Industry & Context.
Lead trade-off studies; Lead root cause investigations
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 They're Looking For.
Must Have
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years of experience in mechanical design of complex robotic systems, focus on legged systems or high-load dynamic mechanisms, Deep understanding of kinematics, dynamics, and control considerations for legged locomotion, Expertise in designing for high-cycle fatigue, impact loading, and durability, experience integrating actuators, sensors, and structures in compact, high-performance systems, Expert-level proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA), BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
Nice to Have
MS in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
What You'll Do.
Define the mechanical architecture for the hips
Lead trade-off studies between power density
range of motion (ROM)
and energy efficiency
Architect systems that enable stable walking
and recovery from disturbances
Balance dynamic performance with robustness and safety
Optimize mass placement and inertia to improve balance
and whole-body coordination
Drive the design of multi-DOF joints capable of high torque output and high cycle life
Design structures and mechanisms that absorb and dissipate energy during foot-ground contact and high-impact events
Lead the design of the lower body load path to support full robot mass and dynamic loads
Develop feet and contact interfaces that provide traction
and adaptability across varied terrains
Partner closely with controls and actuation teams to ensure mechanical designs support force control
and dynamic motion planning
Lead integration of actuators
and structural elements within tight mechanical envelopes
Architect robust routing strategies through high-flex joints
ensuring multi-million cycle reliability and maintainability
Ensure designs meet requirements for ingress protection (IP)
Define and execute the Design Verification Test (DVT) plan for the lower body
Lead root cause investigations for field or lab failures related to wear
or performance degradation
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
align cross-functional stakeholders; Partner closely with controls and actuation teams
Communication Scope
Conduct deep-dive design reviews; mentor engineers
Process & Methodology
Drive technical initiatives, track record of driving system-level decisions, DVT Ownership
Full Job Description
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 embodied 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. The Role Apptronik is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to serve as the technical lead for Apollo’s lower body. This is a high-visibility leadership role responsible for the hip, leg, knee, ankle, and foot assemblies. You will own the complete lifecycle—architecture, design, integration, and verification—of the lower body stack. This position requires deep expertise in locomotion kinematics, dynamic stability, and high-load structural design. You will lead the development of systems that must deliver human-like mobility, absorb high-energy impacts, and maintain durability across millions of cycles in real-world environments. Key Responsibilities System Architecture & Locomotion Design Lower Body Ownership: Define the mechanical architecture for the hips, legs, knees, ankles, and feet. Lead trade-off studies between power density, range of motion (ROM), stability, and energy efficiency. Locomotion Performance: Architect systems that enable stable walking, running, lifting, and recovery from disturbances (e.g., slips, trips, and falls). Balance dynamic performance with robustness and safety. Mass Distribution & Stability: Optimize mass placement and inertia to improve balance, agility, and whole-body coordination. Complex Mechanism Design High-Performance Joints: Drive the design of multi-DOF joi
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