---
title: 'Hardware Test Engineer – Dexterity at Apptronik'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-test-engineer-dexterity-apptronik-austin-m5r0sqe1ahzw'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-15'
---

# Hardware Test Engineer – Dexterity at Apptronik

- **Company:** Apptronik
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Posted:** 2026-05-15
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-15
- **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/apptronik/jobs/5997414004?gh_jid=5997414004

## Job description

Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company developing AI-powered robots to support humanity in every facet of life. Our flagship humanoid robot, Apollo, is built to collaborate thoughtfully with people, starting with critical industries such as manufacturing and logistics, with future applications in healthcare, the home, and beyond.

We operate at the cutting edge of Applied AI, applying our expertise across the full robotics stack to solve some of society's most important problems. You will join a team dedicated to bringing Apollo to market at scale, tackling the complex challenges like safety, commercialization, and mass production to change the world for the better.

## JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Hardware Test Engineer to join Apptronik's Dexterity R&D program, focused on the development and validation of robotic hand hardware. This is a hands-on role spanning mechanical, electrical, and system-level testing, with responsibility for test strategy, test planning, fixture design, and test execution.

This role sits inside the development team, not downstream of it. You will assemble test articles, run tests from component through system level, and feed results directly back into the design process. You will also consult on testability early in the design cycle, with additional contributions to harnessing and PLM. A good fit for someone who wants to be close to the hardware and involved in how it evolves.

## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Test Strategy & Planning: Help define what needs to be validated across the Dexterity hardware program and translate design requirements into structured test plans at the component, sub-assembly, and system levels.
- Test Plan Authoring: Write test plans and procedures covering objectives, setup, instrumentation, pass/fail criteria, and data requirements, with traceability from requirements through results.
- Test Article Assembly: Assemble and configure test articles from prototype hardware, including instrumented builds and revision-controlled configurations, in close coordination with ME and EE.
- Test Execution: Execute tests from individual components (joints, linkages, actuators, sensors) through integrated system-level evaluations. Collect, process, and analyze data with attention to measurement quality.
- Results Reporting & Recommendations: Produce structured test reports with findings and recommendations that connect results to design implications, not just pass/fail outcomes.
- Design for Test Consulting: Engage with ME and EE during the design phase to identify instrumentation needs, access requirements, and fixture interfaces before hardware is built.
- Test Fixture Design & Fabrication: Design and build custom test fixtures and benchtop setups appropriate for an R&D environment, iterating as hardware evolves.
- Harnessing Support: Support the design, assembly, and documentation of wiring harnesses for Dexterity prototype hardware, ensuring routing, strain relief, and test-access requirements are met.
- PLM Engagement: Use the PLM system to manage test documentation, track hardware revisions, and keep test records aligned with the current hardware configuration.
- Root-Cause Analysis & Feedback: Diagnose test failures and anomalies with structured, data-driven analysis and provide clear feedback to design teams.
- Embedded Team Participation: Participate in design reviews, contribute to hardware decisions, and maintain active feedback loops with ME, EE, firmware, and controls engineers throughout the development cycle.

## SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications

- Hands-on experience testing mechanical or electromechanical hardware, including setup, instrumentation, data collection, and analysis.
- Ability to write structured test plans with clear pass/fail criteria and traceable documentation.
- Experience designing and building test fixtures or benchtop test setups.
- Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and component datasheets.
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems and benchtop instruments (force/torque sensors, encoders, DAQs).
- Experience on multi-disciplinary hardware teams with fast iteration cycles.
- Systematic approach to debugging and root-cause analysis.
- Python competency for data processing and analysis.
- Ability to leverage AI agents for debug and development support

## Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with robotic hand, gripper, or dexterous manipulation hardware.
- Familiarity with wire harnessing: routing, connector selection, and strain relief.
- Experience with a PLM system (e.g., Arena, Windchill, Teamcenter).
- CAD experience (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape) for fixture design and drawing review.
- Background in mechanism characterization: stiffness, backlash, friction, or range of motion.
- Experience testing or characterizing electromechanical linear actuators, including force output, stroke, speed, and backdrivability.
- Prior experience in an R&D or prototype development environment.

## EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field + 3 years of relevant experience; MS + 1 year.

Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds who can demonstrate equivalent hands-on experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

## 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.

*This is a direct hire.  Please, no outside Agency solicitations.

Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

## About Apptronik

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Apptronik builds advanced humanoid robots for real-world industrial applications, starting with manufacturing and warehousing, to address labor shortages and improve human productivity.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Funding Stage: Series A)
- **Headquarters**: Austin, Texas, United States
- **Founded**: 2016
- **Founders**: Founded as a spinout from the Human Centered Robotics Lab at the University of Texas at Austin; leadership includes CEO Jeff Cardenas and CTO Nicholas Paine

## Core Business
- Primary industry/industries: Robot Manufacturing, Humanoid Robotics, Industrial Automation, Artificial Intelligence
- Target customers: B2B / Enterprise — manufacturing facilities, warehousing and logistics operators, supply chain organizations
- Mission or purpose statement: “It is not Man vs. Machine, but Man + Machine” — building robots that empower humans to live to their fullest potential by solving labor shortages and reducing physical strain.

## Products & Services
- **[Apollo Humanoid Robot Platform]**: A full-electric, bipedal humanoid robot designed for industrial use. Combines advanced hardware, embodied AI, and fleet-level management software. Current applications include material handling, line-side tasks, palletizing, case picking, trailer unloading, and inspection. Built as a scalable platform that can extend into healthcare, eldercare, and home environments over time. (Type: Hardware + SaaS Platform)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Annual Revenue**: ~$3.5 million (estimated)
- **Total Funding**: ~$963.8 million (includes a Seed Round of $14.6M in 2022, a Corporate Round in 2025, and an undisclosed Series A round; notable investors include Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Google)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Google, Terex, Humanoid Global
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew 98.1% year-over-year to 334 employees (2026 data). Named to the **2026 CNBC Disruptor 50** list. Recognized on the **Best Places to Work** list (2024, 2025). Won the **2025 IEEE Robotics & Automation Product Innovation Award**. Named **Most Innovative** (2025). Active job postings increased 238.5% year-over-year (88 open roles). Acquired Elevate Robotics Inc.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Deep heritage**: Spun out of UT Austin’s Human Centered Robotics Lab; team dates back to the DARPA Robotics Challenge (2015) and includes ex-NASA collaborators.
- **Full-stack vertical integration**: Covers hardware, embodied AI, and fleet-level management software — a complete, scalable platform rather than a one-off robot.
- **Safe, human-centric design**: Built for human environments from the ground up, with a focus on reducing physical strain and complementing human workers, not replacing them.
- **Early enterprise traction**: Active partnerships with major industrial players like Mercedes-Benz and Terex, proving real-world deployment over lab demos.

## Strategic Focus
- Scaling Apollo for manufacturing and warehouse deployment (current core market).
- Expanding into more complex environments: construction, healthcare, eldercare, and the home.
- Continuous hardware and software upgrades (CEO Jeff Cardenas calls humanoid robotics “the space race of our time” and has signaled major upgrades to Apollo).
- Building out fleet-level tools for multi-robot management and learning.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-driven**: Work on the frontier of humanoid robotics with a stated ethos of “Man + Machine” — robots that improve human quality of life.
- **High-growth environment**: Doubled headcount year-over-year with massive funding and expanding job postings; strong career growth potential.
- **Culture values**: Passion, creativity, collaboration, integrity, curiosity, and humility are explicitly stated as core values.
- **Perks & Benefits**:
  - Flexible PTO (open, unlimited)
  - 401k retirement plan
  - Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  - Parental leave
  - Flexible work hours
  - Collaborative and innovative work environment
- **Remote/Hybrid Policy**: Not explicitly stated; 77% of workforce is in the United States (majority in Austin HQ). Specific roles may vary, but the company promotes a collaborative environment.
- **Talent sources**: Attracts talent from top robotics and tech companies — SpaceX, Tesla, Fox Robotics, Agility Robotics, Apple, iRobot, Neocis, and top universities (UT Austin).
- **Employee rating**: 3.9/5.0 on employer reviews (Work-Life: 3.5, Career: 3.7).

## Sources
1. [apptronik.com](https://apptronik.com/) — Company homepage
2. [apptronik.com/about-us](https://apptronik.com/about-us) — About Us / History / Mission
3. [apptronik.com/careers](https://apptronik.com/careers?gh_src=B+Capital+job+board) — Careers page / Perks & Culture
4. [apptronik.com/careers/job-listings](https://apptronik.com/careers/job-listings) — Open job listings
5. [linkedin.com/company/apptronik-inc.](https://www.linkedin.com/company/apptronik-inc.) — LinkedIn company profile (revenue, headcount, funding, employee breakdown)

## Other roles at Apptronik

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- [Principal Robotics Machine Learning Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-robotics-machine-learning-engineer-apptronik-austin-maby3qr4xvak) — Austin, TX
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- [Senior Systems Engineer - Chassis](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-systems-engineer-chassis-apptronik-austin-6se3gzgrq5em) — Austin, TX
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