Senior Robot Platform Software Engineer, Perception Systems

JOB SUMMARY

Apptronik is seeking a Perception Systems Engineer to join our team in Austin, TX to own the sensor interface layer and real-time perception data pipeline, ensuring robust integration of hardware from the link up to perception consumers. In this role, you will help define the sensor architecture on our next gen robotics platforms, develop device drivers to enable the sensors, and harden our sensor perception pipelines.  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:

• Sensor Integration & Driver Development: Develop, integrate, and maintain low-level drivers for cameras (GMSL, MIPI) and other sensors to ensure reliable hardware-software communication.
• Calibration & Alignment: Execute and refine camera calibration techniques for both intrinsic and extrinsic parameters to ensure accurate spatial and depth perception.
• Perception Pipeline Profiling: Instrument and profile the end-to-end perception pipeline, identifying and resolving bottlenecks in CPU/GPU utilization and system memory bandwidth.
• Performance Optimization: Implement advanced optimization techniques, such as Direct Memory Access (DMA) and efficient memory buffering, to maximize throughput and minimize system latency.
• Framework Utilization: Apply high-performance processing frameworks (e.g., Holoscan) to streamline sensor data ingestion and processing.
• Hardware-Software Integration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate sensor performance, evaluate hardware trade-offs, and ensure seamless system operation.
• Benchmarking & Validation: Establish and execute performance benchmarks to characterize the perception stack's load on system resources under varying operational conditions.
• Engineering Standards: Adhere to and promote software engineering best practices, including code reviews, clear documentation, and continuous integration.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Expert-level C++ in Linux for system-level, performance-sensitive, and hard-real-time code.
• Deep experience with sensor protocols like GMSL/MIPI and writing robust device drivers.
• Solid understanding of camera calibration workflows (intrinsics/extrinsics) and geometric vision.
• Ability to optimize system bandwidth (CPU/GPU) and identify latency bottlenecks in pipelines.
• Experience with low-level optimizations (DMA, zero-copy) and frameworks like Holoscan or ROS2.
• Hands-on CUDA/GPU programming and familiarity with NVIDIA Jetson-class embedded platforms.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on perception systems, sensor integration, or high-performance embedded systems.

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