Senior Software Engineer - Navigation

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.
You will join a team developing state-of-the-art general-purpose robots designed to operate in human spaces and with human tools. It is designed to work alongside humans, mobilize to human spaces, and manipulate the world around it.
As a

Senior Navigation Engineer , you will lead the development of cutting-edge navigation systems for general-purpose humanoid robots designed to seamlessly operate in human environments. These robots are built to work alongside humans, navigate human spaces, and interact with the physical world.
In this role, you will develop and implement autonomous navigation behaviors that enable the robot to move through semi-structured environments, avoid obstacles, recover from failures, and reliably reach its destinations. Your work will be instrumental in bridging simulation and real-world performance, collaborating closely with teams across Perception and Controls to ensure our robots can perform meaningful tasks in real-world customer environments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Navigation Development : Deliver state-of-the-art navigation on high-performance humanoid robot platforms.
Algorithm Design : Develop algorithms for:

Mapping, localization, and autonomy data handling.
Global and local navigation planning.
Graceful resolution of edge cases and failure modes.

Integration : Collaborate with Autonomy, Perception, and Motion Controls teams to synthesize reliable navigation and perceptive locomotion systems.
Testing & Implementation :

Test navigation behaviors extensively in simulation and real-world scenarios.
Implement robust unit and integration tests.

Documentation & Code Quality :

Maintain comprehensive architecture and design documentation.
Deliver reliable software through code reviews, CI pipelines, and automated testing.

Leadership : Represent and embody Apptronik's core values:

CHIPC - Curiosity, Humility, Integrity, Passion, Creativity .
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated expertise in real-world implementation and testing of navigation behaviors.
Strong foundation in robot navigation fundamentals, including:

Path planning, collision detection, estimation, SLAM, and locomotion.
Solid understanding of hardware, particularly perception sensors.

Proficiency in modern C++ and object-oriented programming in a Linux environment.

Proven ability to translate complex theoretical concepts into efficient, bug-free software.
Experience working in fast-paced teams using CI tools (e.g., Git) with a focus on rigorous documentation and testing.

Strong technical communication skills.
A collaborative mindset to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

MS or PhD (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
3-5+ years of hands-on experience developing and deploying autonomous navigation systems for mobile robots, preferably legged systems.
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
Perks:

Competitive salary w/ benefits
Highly motivating equity incentive package
Flexible work hours policy
Professional development opportunities
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
401k plan
• This is a direct hire. Please, no outside Agency solicitations.
Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.