Principal Software Engineer - AI and Simulation

JOB SUMMARY

Apptronik is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead development of high-performance embedded AI systems and simulation infrastructure for humanoid robots. This role focuses on GPU-centric workload orchestration, graphics-driven simulation performance, and robust on-device AI execution.

The candidate brings deep experience in graphics, display systems, Linux platforms, and low-level embedded software. This person will be leveraged to scale simulation fidelity and optimize real-time AI workloads on robotic platforms.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

GPU Workload Orchestration

• Architect and implement a pipeline for efficient GPU utilization across multiple concurrent AI workloads.
• Design schedulers and runtime systems to orchestrate perception, planning, and control models on-device.
• Optimize latency, throughput, and power efficiency for real-time robotic operation.

On-Device AI Systems

• Improve robustness and reliability of deployed AI models under constrained embedded environments.
• Enable efficient execution of multi-model pipelines (vision, tracking, control).
• Collaborate with ML teams to co-design models and runtime systems.

Simulation Performance

• Lead efforts to significantly improve simulation throughput and realism.
• Optimize rendering, physics integration, and data pipelines using graphics expertise.
• Align simulation outputs with real-world deployment requirements.

Embedded Systems & Platform Integration

• Own low-level system integration across Linux based platforms.
• Work across kernel, drivers, HAL, and user-space layers to ensure end-to-end performance.
• Drive system-level optimizations including memory, I/O, and device scheduling.

Technical Leadership

• Define architecture for scalable embedded AI infrastructure.
• Mentor engineers across graphics, embedded systems, and AI runtime domains.
• Establish best practices for performance engineering and system design.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Extensive experience in C/C++ and object-oriented system design
• Deep expertise in graphics and display subsystems
• Strong background in Linux platform development, including kernel and HAL layers
• Proven experience building and optimizing embedded systems at scale
• Experience with GPU programming and performance optimization
• Track record of owning complex system components end-to-end
• (Preferred) Experience with AI/ML model deployment on embedded devices
• (Preferred) Familiarity with simulation frameworks and real-time rendering pipelines
• (Preferred) Exposure to robotics systems, perception stacks, or computer vision pipelines
• (Preferred) Experience with heterogeneous compute (CPU/GPU/accelerator coordination)

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science or related fieldAt least 12 years of relevant experience

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

The annual salary range is $280,000 - $350,000