Software Engineer - Navigation at Apptronik Inc. in Austin, Texas

Job Description:

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.

JOB SUMMARY

This role requires proven hands-on capabilities developing autonomous navigation behaviors for humanoid robots. They will be responsible for designing algorithms that facilitate the robot's movement through semi-structured environments, obstacle avoidance, failure recovery, and reliable navigation to designated destinations. They will extensively test these behaviors using software simulation and implement them on physical robot platforms. They will collaborate closely with Perception and Controls teams to ensure the robot can perform useful work in real customer environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Deliver state-of-the-art navigation on high performance humanoid robot hardware
• Develop key infrastructure for humanoid robots to navigate in semi-structured environments, including
  
  
  • Handling of map, localization, and autonomy data to plan and execute navigation behaviors
  • Implementing and integrating global and local navigation planning algorithms
  • Resolving edge cases and failure modes gracefully
• Collaborate with Autonomy, Perception, and Motion Controls and Planning teams to synthesize reliable navigation and perceptive locomotion
• Implement rigorous unit and integration testing of navigation behaviors
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate architecture and design documentation
• Deliver reliable software through code reviews, continuous integration, and automated testing
• Represent and lead with Apptronik's core values: CHIPC - Curiosity, Humility, Integrity, Passion, Creativity

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience implementing and testing autonomous navigation on mobile robots (legged systems preferred)
• Strong understanding of robot navigation fundamentals such as planning, collision detection, estimation, SLAM, and locomotion
• Solid knowledge of hardware components used in robotics, particularly perception sensors
• Proficient in modern C++ and object-oriented programming 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 on a fast-paced software development team using standard CI tools like Git while following rigorous documentation and testing standards
• Strong technical communication skills

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• MS or PhD degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field
• Proven industry experience (2 years) implementing mobile robot navigation

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

*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.

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