Manager, Manufacturing Test Software

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 embodied 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. Role Overview The Manufacturing Test Software Manager is responsible for leading and scaling the manufacturing test software function that supports production, bring-up, and validation of complex electromechanical systems. This role manages a team of senior test software engineers and is accountable for both technical execution and program delivery across multiple manufacturing lines and contract manufacturers. This position requires a hands-on technical leader with strong experience in manufacturing test software development, production-scale systems, and program management—someone who can translate product and manufacturing requirements into robust, scalable, and well-planned test solutions while maintaining accountability, visibility, and execution rigor. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: People & Technical Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop a team of senior manufacturing test software engineers. Set clear technical and execution expectations, ensure accountability, and provide regular performance feedback. Establish coding standards, architectural best practices, and test coverage expectations for manufacturing environments. Balance hands-on technical guidance with delegation and team scalability. Manufacturing Test Software Development Own the architecture, development, and maintenance of manufacturing test software used for: Sub-assembly testing System bring-up Functional and acceptance testing Factory automation and data capture Ensure test software is robust, scalable, maintainable, and production-ready. Drive improvements in test reliability, execution time, fault isolation, and data quality Partner closely with hardware, firmware, systems, and manufacturing teams to ensure end-to-end test coverage. Program & Execution Management Own planning, prioritization, and execution of test software deliverables across multiple programs. Create and maintain roadmaps, schedules, and dependency tracking for test software initiatives. Proactively manage risks, resource constraints, and cross-team dependencies. Provide clear status reporting, metrics, and execution visibility to leadership. Ensure alignment between engineering development timelines and manufacturing ramp schedules. Manufacturing & CM Engagement Support internal manufacturing and contract manufacturers (e.g., CM sites) with scalable, well-documented test solutions. Ensure test software deployments are repeatable, configurable, and easy to support on the factory floor. Drive improvements in manufacturing throughput, yield, and first-pass success through software-enabled testing. Process & Continuous Improvement Define and improve processes around test software releases, validation, deployment, and change control. Promote automation, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement across the test ecosystem. Ensure documentation, onboarding materials, and knowledge transfer are maintained at a high standard.\ SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS Strong background in manufacturing test software architecture, automation frameworks, and factory-scale systems. Proven experience in program management: planning, prioritization, scheduling, and cross-functional execution. Experience working closely with hardware, firmware, systems, and manufacturing teams. Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous, and scaling production environments. Strong communication skills, with the ability to align technical execution to business and manufacturing needs. Preferred Qualifications Experience with robotics, electromechanical systems, or complex hardware products. Experience supporting contract manufacturers and multi-site production environments. Familiarity with manufacturing data systems, traceability, and yield analytics. Experience building or scaling test infrastructure during NPI and production ramps. Background in both hands-on engineering and leadership roles. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:' 8+ years of experience in software development, with significant focus on manufacturing or production test systems. 3+ years of experience managing engineers, preferably in a manufacturing or test environment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer Must be able to lift 25-45 pounds at times Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen Hearing and speech to communicate International travel likely; passport highly desired Travel up to 50% may be required Perks: Competitive salary w/ benefits Highly motivating equity incentive package Flexible work hours policy Professional development opportunities Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) 401k plan *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.