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Drivetrain Engineer

ApptronikAustin, Texas, United StatesOnsite

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 developingstate-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.

JOB SUMMARY


We're looking for highly motivated and talented engineers with hands-on experience and a passion for robotics to join our team.  Specifically, we seek a Senior Drivetrain Engineer with proven capabilities in drivetrain design – gear design, gearbox architectures, and testing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES


  • Conceptualize, design, build, and test drivetrain technologies for use in electric actuators
  • Design drivetrains to optimize for mass, volume, inertia, efficiency, torques, and speeds
  • Design gear tooth profiles to optimize for backlash, efficiency, strength, and lifetime
  • Select layout and type of bearings based on performance characteristics, loads, and packaging
  • Select lubrication strategy with maintenance, performance, and lifetime in mind
  • Perform analysis (FEA, gear analysis software, static analysis, etc) to optimize and validate design
  • Select materials and manufacturing methods to optimize for actuation performance and cost
  • Create GD&T-informed drawings, a Bill of Material, and procurement documentation
  • Produce assembly instructions and finalize project documentation   
  • Participate in pilot build of your design
  • Perform DVP&R to ensure design meets requirements
  • Iterate on design to harden for scalability and DFMA
  • Collaborate with a small cross-disciplinary team of engineers

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS


  • High proficiency in gear design software (KISSsoft or similar) and CAD (OnShape, Solidworks, etc)
  • Strong understanding of gear manufacturing technologies, gear analysis, and tribology
  • Extensive knowledge of types of gearboxes (planetary, spur gear, etc) and relevant industry standards (AGMA, SAE, ISO, etc)
  • Mastery of engineering fundamentals / first principles
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Excellent teamwork and collaboration  
  • Outstanding organizational and time management skills
  • The ability to multi-task and manage conflicting deadlines
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Great team player able to perform within a dynamic start-up environment

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE


  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 7+ years of experience in development of drivetrains, gearboxes, actuators, or similar, specifically within the robotics, automotive, or aerospace industries

*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.

Life at Apptronik

Apptronik is developing robots that can live and work with humans to make our lives safer, more productive and easier. Our expertise comes from our mechatronic and control software contributions for advanced legged robots including NASA's Valkyrie humanoid robot and Meka's Hume point foot biped. Our research and development is leading to new innovations that are making robots lighter, safer and more powerful than ever before. As we develop these innovations we are making them available to everybody for use in their own research and projects.
Thrive Here & What We Value* Curiosity* Humility* Integrity* Passion* Creativity* Equal Employment Opportunities* Anti-Discrimination Policy* Hybrid Work Schedule* Professional Development Opportunities* Collaborative and Agile Process Experience* Focus on Developing State-of-the-Art General-Purpose Robots* Commitment to Improving Human Quality of Life* Solving Labor Shortage Problem* Emphasis on Continuous Learning and Improvement Mindset

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