Robotics Prototyping Engineer (Special Projects)

Apple • Santa Clara, CA

6d

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on prototyping engineer to build, integrate, and manage the robotic and mechatronic systems at the heart of our research lab. This is a maker's role: you'll turn ideas into working hardware, stand up robot platforms, design and fabricate custom mechanisms and electronics, and write the low-level software that ties it all together. Unlike a traditional AI research role, this position lives at the intersection of mechanical design, electronics, controls, and software — with room to contribute to algorithmic and research work as systems mature. You will work alongside world-class researchers and engineers, contributing to technologies that power the Apple ecosystem and, where appropriate, publishing in top-tier scientific venues. If you love building things — turning ideas into hardware, bringing up new robots, and writing the software that makes them move — we would love to hear from you! We are a team of best-in-the-world research scientists and engineers with deep experience in computer vision, machine learning, robotics, computer graphics, and related areas. We work on exciting new technologies that bring joy to millions of people. In our daily work, the team stays innovative, productive, and fun by sharing some key values: Passion for the mission: We're here to make something extraordinary. We seek whatever work is right and strive for the best possible results. Modesty: The right answer is more significant than being right. We search for solutions as a team and value clear-eyed feedback. Lean habits: You can't grow without limits. Time constraints and big goals encourage us to sharpen our focus and learn to make phenomenal decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Demonstrated prototyping ability: a track record of building functional hardware systems end to end.
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and fabrication (3D printing, CNC machining, etc.).
• Experience setting up and integrating robotic systems — mechanical assembly, actuation, and sensing.
• Proficiency with electronics, including PCB design, embedded systems, and sensor integration.
• Strong programming skills in Python and C++, including low-level/embedded and systems software.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to iterate quickly based on feedback and technical constraints.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in hardware/software co-design.
• Experience managing or operating a lab, hardware inventory, or shared experimental facilities.
• Experience developing algorithms for estimation, control, or sensor fusion.
• Familiarity with simulation tools for system design and validation.
• Experience with various sensor modalities (LiDAR, cameras, IMUs, force/torque, etc.).
• Familiarity with reinforcement learning, planning algorithms, autonomous navigation, or full-body motion control.
• Interest in contributing to research and publishing in top-tier scientific venues.

Responsibilities

• Build, integrate, and manage robotic and mechatronic systems.
• Turn ideas into working hardware.
• Stand up robot platforms.
• Design and fabricate custom mechanisms and electronics.
• Write low-level software to tie systems together.
• Contribute to algorithmic and research work as systems mature.
• Work alongside researchers and engineers.
• Contribute to technologies that power the Apple ecosystem.
• Publish in top-tier scientific venues where appropriate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior