Firmware Engineer

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a Firmware Engineer with an interest in developing software for Battery Management Systems (BMS), robot communications, and sensing in robotic systems. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and testing of BMS firmware, robot communication systems, and real-time feedback control systems.

• Collaborate with systems, electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to develop the next generation of robotic platforms
• Lead cradle-to-grave development of Battery Management Systems (BMS), robot communications firmware, and sensing systems, including design validation
• Develop and execute Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing to validate system performance and reliability
• Design and implement fault detection, fault injection, and recovery mechanisms for safety-critical systems
• Manage over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates for embedded systems deployed on robotic platforms
• Partner with cross-functional engineering teams to bring up robot power distribution and sensing systems from prototype through production

Requirements

• Strong fundamentals in microcontrollers and battery systems
• Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and hands-on experience working with an RTOS
• Understanding of distributed computing, multithreaded, and multi-process system design and debugging
• Experience with industrial control systems, industrial robotics, or process automation
• Experience developing in C and C++ for TI C2000 microcontrollers
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Linux; familiarity with Python, Docker, and Git
• Experience working in Agile teams, including participation in sprint planning, design reviews, and code reviews
• Strong hardware debugging skills using tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics (Altium Designer preferred) and hardware datasheets
• Experience with embedded communication protocols such as SPI, EtherCAT, Ethernet, UART, RS485, and CAN
• Familiarity with safety-critical embedded system design standards (e.g., ANSI/RIA R15.06, MISRA)
• Experience managing firmware deployments for fielded products

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

Minimum of 1 year of relevant industry experience (excluding academic training) developing production-grade embedded software

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