Software Engineer Autonomy - Intern

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.
What To Expect
This position is expected to start in-person around May/June 2025 and continue through the entire Summer (i.e. through Aug/Sep 2025). We ask for a minimum of 10 weeks. Interns should expect to work Monday-Friday, up to 40 hours per week, typically between 9am-5pm. Specific team norms around working hours will be communicated by your manager. Please consider before applying.
Requirements

MUST be an MS or PhD student enrolled in an accredited program during the internship term. (New graduates not enrolled in an accredited program for Fall 2025 are ineligible.)
Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
Experience in one or more of the following areas:

Machine learning, particularly in reinforcement learning, large language models (LLMs), task planning, or skill chaining for autonomous robotics.
Software and algorithm development for control, planning, perception, or autonomy for humanoid robotics.

Proficient in C++ and Python in a Linux development environment, with prior demonstrated ability to:

Translate complex theoretical concepts and algorithms into practical, efficient, and bug-free software implementations.
Perform effectively in a fast-paced software development team using CI tools like Git, adhering to rigorous documentation and testing standards.

Familiar with modern software tools/libraries relevant to robotics autonomy and task planning, including:

Robotics frameworks such as ROS, Ignition Gazebo, Pinocchio, MuJuCo, OMPL, MoveIt, etc.
Machine learning frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow, with a focus on task planning and control.
Behavior tree libraries (e.g., BehaviorTree.CPP, BT.CPP) and relevant tools for task sequencing and autonomous behavior design

Strong theoretical understanding in a significant subset of Dynamics, control systems, estimation, reinforcement learning, behavior trees, or natural language processing as it relates to task planning in autonomous robots.
Excellent communication and documentation skills to support clear presentation of complex AI-driven autonomy methods.
GPA of 3.0 or above.
Experience integrating LLMs and task planning to support dynamic instruction parsing, context-driven behavior modifications, and real-time task sequencing.
Experience with behavior tree frameworks, leveraging them for reactive and adaptive planning in real-world, dynamic environments.
Nice to have

Experience developing and debugging real-time, multithreaded software systems
Experience implementing model-based feedback control of articulated robots and troubleshooting hardware
Experience with modeling dynamic systems, system identification, and optimization solvers
Experience with embedded systems and firmware development
Familiarity with RTPreempt and Linux kernel configuration
Experience with EtherCAT
Qualities

Creativity
Humility
Integrity
Passion
Curiosity
Analytical
Disciplined
• 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.