> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4033538-staff-software-engineer-humanoid-controls](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4033538-staff-software-engineer-humanoid-controls). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Staff Software Engineer - Humanoid Controls

- **Company:** Apptronik Inc.
- **Location:** Sunnyvale, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $300,000.0 - $350,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Board Bringup, Artificial Intelligence, C++ (Programming Language), Code Review, Medical Software, Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, Robotic Automation Software, Software Engineering, Reinforcement Learning
- **Published:** October 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/staff-software-engineer-humanoid-controls-sunnyvale-ca--bdb62742-66f5-4703-b2a3-e1f0a7e71533

## About the Role

Software Engineering, Logistics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Manufacturing, Healthcare Software, Robotics, Mass Production, Motion Control, Software Engineering, Algorithms, * Deep robotics fundamentals: kinematics, dynamics, state estimation, and optimization/control theory.

 * Proven expertise in whole-body control (WBC/OSC, QP-based control, or MPC) for floating-base (legged) or mobile (wheeled) systems.
 * Hands-on experience with learning-based control / reinforcement learning applied to robotics (training in simulation).
 * Breadth across robot control problems - mobile manipulation, dexterity / hand control, and teleoperation - and the versatility to move between them.
 * Strong software engineering: real-time C++ and Python for robotic systems.
 * Industry experience developing production-grade controllers, including hands-on experience validating or deploying algorithms on physical robot hardware.
 * Preferred: shipping controllers to a production fleet or to market at scale; dexterous / in-hand manipulation; legged locomotion; or safety-critical / certified software (ISO 13849, 10218, IEC 61508).

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

 * MS or PhD in Robotics, CS, EE, ME, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
 * 8+ years of relevant industry experience (or 4+ with a PhD) in robot controls, with a track record of getting controllers working on physical hardware.

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

## Description

Apptronik is building robots for the real world - to improve human quality of life and help solve the ever-increasing labor shortage. As a Staff Software Engineer - Humanoid Controls, you will be a senior technical force multiplier on our Motion Control & Planning team - the person who raises the quality of our robotics stack and moves to wherever the hardest problem is. Your scope spans whole-body control for our wheeled-base platform and our biped, learning-based hand control, mobile manipulation, and teleoperation - translating state-of-the-art controls and learning into real capability while setting technical direction for the team., * Raise the quality of the overall controls stack - architecture, algorithms, real-time performance, testing, and long-term maintainability.

 * Advance whole-body control across our platforms - the wheeled-base robot and the biped - coordinating the base or legs with upper-body manipulation.
 * Flex across the stack to the highest-impact problems - e.g. learning-based hand control (RL in simulation), mobile manipulation, teleoperation, and estimation.
 * Translate state-of-the-art model-based and learning-based methods into robust capability, from simulation through hardware bring-up and deployment.
 * Expand the robot's performance envelope - speed, payload, reliability, and safety - with measurable, defensible improvements.
 * Set technical direction across the controls stack, influencing the roadmap and bringing adjacent teams (locomotion, manipulation, teleoperation, RL, estimation) along.
 * Mentor engineers and multiply team capability through design reviews, code reviews, and best practices.
 * Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, systems, and RL teams to co-develop solutions and diagnose system-level issues.