Robot Platform Software Engineer, Wireless Networking

JOB SUMMARY

Apptronik is seeking a Wireless Networking Engineer to join our team in Austin, TX, to own the software and systems behind reliable wireless connectivity for our flagship humanoid robot, Apollo. In this role, you will define network requirements, conduct technology trade-off studies, and harden links for real-time teleoperation and fleet operations across various facilities. You will join a dedicated team applying expertise across the robotics stack to solve complex challenges in safety and commercialization to change the world for the better.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Define functional and non-functional network requirements including latency budgets, bandwidth minimums, and security posture for various traffic classes.
• Evaluate and recommend candidate technologies such as WiFi 6/6E, private 5G, and LTE against defined robot requirements.
• Engineer wireless links to sustain ~100 Hz control and telemetry traffic with bounded tail latency using MAC- and IP-layer QoS.
• Optimize bandwidth to reduce aggregate traffic to fit specific WiFi channels through video encoding and telemetry decimation.
• Configure and harden the robot's wireless stack on embedded Linux, including roaming, addressing, and reconnection handling.
• Partner with hardware/RF teams to characterize radio modules, antenna placement, and self-interference from power electronics.
• Design robot-side network health telemetry and diagnostic trouble codes integrated into the telemetry pipeline.
• Design link-loss detection, watchdog logic, and safe-state transitions to ensure operational safety over wireless links.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Proficiency in C++ within a Linux environment for system-level and real-time performance-sensitive code.
• Solid command of TCP/IP, UDP, and QoS mechanisms with the ability to perform latency and jitter analysis.
• Working knowledge of 802.11 internals (WiFi 6/6E) and RF propagation/interference fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience with the Linux wireless stack (nl80211, wpa_supplicant) and network drivers.
• Familiarity with network security (WPA3-Enterprise, 802.1X/EAP) and certificate/PKI lifecycles.
• Experience with robotics/embedded middleware like ROS2/DDS and containerization tools like Docker.

Nice to have: private 5G/CBRS deployment, video codec experience (H.264/H.265/AV1) and GStreamer pipeline tuning, multi-robot/fleet networking, and RF lab/measurement experience.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred. An EE/RF or networking background is a strong plus given the wireless focus of this role.
• 4+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on system-level software, including demonstrable depth in networking, wireless, or embedded-Linux connectivity.

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.