Staff Systems Engineer - Software at Apptronik

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Systems Engineer - Software
Company: Apptronik
Location: Austin, TX
Job Type: On-site
Category: Systems Engineer - Software
Date Posted: 2025-06-26

🚀 Role Summary

Develop state-of-the-art general-purpose robots designed to operate in human spaces and with human tools.
Work alongside humans, mobilize to human spaces, and manipulate the world around it.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain scalable and reliable platform software solutions.
Lead software design projects, driving efforts from conception to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high degree of ownership and responsibility, with a focus on driving projects across the engineering lifecycle.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cross-Functional Leadership: Drive cross-functional engineering teams to design, develop, and maintain scalable and reliable platform software solutions that support the deployment and operation of robotic systems.
Software Architecture & Design: Lead cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams to develop software requirements, architectures, implementation schedules, and test plans for full-stack robotic systems.
Root Cause Analysis: Lead and support root cause analysis on complex hardware-software-control integration and operational bugs.
API & Service Development: Design and develop APIs, services, and frameworks to allow for unique prototype robot use cases, research and development investigations, as well as off-nominal test scenarios.
Troubleshooting & Debugging: Troubleshoot and debug complex issues in both development and production environments, ensuring rapid prototyping and minimal downtime.
Fault Detection & Recovery: Design and develop fault detection, diagnostics, and recovery plans to enhance system robustness and uptime.
Validation Team Support: Support the validation team by developing segmented robot or subsystem control software to allow for efficient test execution and data collection.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field; master’s degree in computer science or equivalent preferred.

Experience: 8+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on RTOS and software design for real-time/latency-sensitive systems.

Required Skills:

Strong modern C++, OOP skills, multi-threading, and Linux application development
Experience with container orchestration technologies (Kubernetes, Docker)
Communication networking (EtherCAT, CAN)
Proficiency with robotics packages (ROS, URDF, MuJoCo, Eigen, etc.)
Proven experience with controls software integration, especially with hardware abstraction layers for sensors and actuators
Strong understanding of distributed systems, microservices architecture, and API design principles

Preferred Skills:

Experience with general-purpose robotics and human-robot interaction
Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and simulation tools
Knowledge of human factors and ergonomics in robotics design

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, experience with robotics software development and human-robot interaction would be highly beneficial for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate proficiency in modern C++ and relevant robotics software development projects.
Showcase experience with container orchestration technologies and API design principles through relevant projects.
Highlight problem-solving skills and experience with root cause analysis through case studies or project descriptions.

Technical Documentation:

Provide well-documented code examples showcasing your understanding of software design principles and best practices.
Include project documentation that demonstrates your ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive projects from conception to completion.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 per year (based on 8+ years of experience in software engineering and regional market research)

Benefits:

Competitive salary with benefits
Highly motivating equity incentive package
Flexible work hours policy
Professional development opportunities
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
401k plan

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on regional market research for software engineers with 8+ years of experience in real-time systems and robotics software development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Robotics and AI, focusing on improving human quality of life and solving labor shortages.

Company Size: Medium-sized company with a collaborative and innovative culture.

Founded: Apptronik was founded in 2018, with a mission to build robots for the real world and improve human quality of life.

Team Structure:

Cross-functional engineering teams, including software, mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers.
Collaborative environment with a focus on creativity, passion, and continuous learning.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum methodologies with sprint planning for robot projects.
Code review, testing, and quality assurance practices.
Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management.

Company Website: Apptronik

📝 Enhancement Note: Apptronik values passion, creativity, and collaboration to help overcome existing technological barriers in the robotics industry and create truly innovative products.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior-level role with a focus on driving projects and leading cross-functional teams in robotics software development.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the CTO and works closely with other engineering leads and team members.

Technical Impact: Responsible for leading software design projects and driving the development of advanced, general-purpose robots designed to operate in human environments.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical leadership potential with architecture decision-making and team management.
Opportunities to work on cutting-edge robotics projects and emerging technologies.
Professional development opportunities through training, conferences, and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for experienced software engineers looking to advance their careers in robotics and AI.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site office with a collaborative workspace designed for cross-functional team interaction.

Office Location(s): Austin, TX, with additional offices in other locations (check company website for details).

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspace with multiple monitors and testing devices available.
Access to robotics hardware, simulation tools, and other relevant resources.
Opportunities for cross-functional collaboration with designers, marketers, and other stakeholders.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible work hours policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Apptronik offers a flexible work hours policy to support work-life balance and accommodate individual needs.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen: Assessment of C++ skills, container orchestration technologies, and robotics packages proficiency.
On-Site Technical Interview: In-depth discussion of software architecture, API design principles, and problem-solving skills. May include a live coding exercise or system design discussion.
Behavioral Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, communication skills, and leadership potential.
Final Evaluation: Review of technical skills, cultural fit, and overall qualifications.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant projects showcasing modern C++ proficiency, container orchestration technologies, and robotics software development.
Include case studies or project descriptions demonstrating problem-solving skills and experience with root cause analysis.
Prepare a well-documented code example or project documentation showcasing your ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive projects from conception to completion.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on C++, multi-threading, and Linux application development skills.
Review container orchestration technologies (Kubernetes, Docker) and robotics packages (ROS, URDF, MuJoCo, Eigen, etc.).
Practice problem-solving skills and prepare for root cause analysis scenarios.

ATS Keywords: C++, OOP, multi-threading, Linux application development, container orchestration, communication networking, robotics packages, controls software integration, distributed systems, microservices architecture, API design principles, robotics software development, human-robot interaction, hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation tools, cross-functional team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Apptronik uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and portfolio can help optimize your application for the ATS and increase your chances of being noticed by the hiring team.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Programming Languages & Frameworks:

Modern C++ (C++11, C++14, C++17)
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Multi-threading and concurrency
Linux application development

Container Orchestration Technologies:

Kubernetes
Docker

Communication Networking:

EtherCAT
CAN

Robotics Packages:

Robot Operating System (ROS)
Unified Robot Description Format (URDF)
MuJoCo
Eigen

Development & DevOps Tools:

Git and GitHub
Jenkins or other CI/CD pipelines
JIRA or other project management tools
Confluence or other documentation platforms

📝 Enhancement Note: Apptronik uses a combination of modern C++, container orchestration technologies, and robotics packages to develop advanced, general-purpose robots designed to operate in human environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Robotics Software Development Values:

Passion for developing cutting-edge robotics software solutions.
Commitment to improving human quality of life and solving labor shortages through robotics technology.
Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork to drive projects from conception to completion.
Continuous learning and innovation in the robotics industry.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional integration between software, mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers.
Code review culture with peer programming practices.
Knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Apptronik values passion, creativity, and collaboration to help overcome existing technological barriers in the robotics industry and create truly innovative products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Developing advanced, general-purpose robots designed to operate in human environments and work with human tools.
Integrating complex hardware-software-control systems and ensuring reliable performance in real-world scenarios.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain scalable and reliable platform software solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Working on cutting-edge robotics projects and emerging technologies.
Attending industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
Mentoring and knowledge-sharing opportunities with experienced robotics software engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Apptronik offers professional development opportunities through training, conferences, and mentorship to support the growth of its software engineering team.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

C++ & Multi-threading: Explain the difference between std::thread and std::async in C++. Describe a complex multi-threading challenge you've faced and how you solved it.
Container Orchestration: Compare and contrast Kubernetes and Docker. Describe a scenario where you had to troubleshoot a container orchestration issue and how you resolved it.
Robotics Software Development: Explain the difference between ROS and ROS 2. Describe a robotics software project you've worked on and the challenges you faced.

Company & Culture Questions:

Apptronik Culture: Describe what you understand about Apptronik's culture and how you think you would fit in.
Robotics Industry: How do you see the robotics industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, and how does Apptronik fit into that future?
Human-Robot Interaction: How do you think human-robot interaction will change in the next 5 years, and how can Apptronik's robots contribute to that evolution?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight relevant projects showcasing modern C++ proficiency, container orchestration technologies, and robotics software development.
Include case studies or project descriptions demonstrating problem-solving skills and experience with root cause analysis.
Prepare a well-documented code example or project documentation showcasing your ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive projects from conception to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Apptronik values candidates who can demonstrate strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for robotics software development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Systems Engineer - Software position at Apptronik:

Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience with modern C++, container orchestration technologies, and robotics software development. Include specific examples of your problem-solving skills and experience with root cause analysis.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your proficiency in modern C++, container orchestration technologies, and robotics software development through relevant projects. Include case studies or project descriptions demonstrating your problem-solving skills and experience with root cause analysis.
Practice Technical Interview Questions: Brush up on your C++, multi-threading, and Linux application development skills. Review container orchestration technologies (Kubernetes, Docker) and robotics packages (ROS, URDF, MuJoCo, Eigen, etc.). Practice problem-solving skills and prepare for root cause analysis scenarios.
Research Apptronik: Familiarize yourself with Apptronik's mission, values, and culture. Understand the company's focus on improving human quality of life and solving labor shortages through robotics technology.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Staff Systems Engineer - Software