Software Engineer

Software Engineer – Control Systems for Rehabilitation Robotics (Prosthetics and Exoskeletons)

Location: Genova + Remote Work

We are looking for a Software Engineer with experience in embedded systems development and control algorithms to join the Rehab Technologies Lab at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT).

The selected person will be involved in designing software solutions for robotic prostheses and exoskeletons used in rehabilitation.

Who you may be interested in this opportunity

• You are excited by the idea of developing software that enables robotic prostheses and exoskeletons to work safely and effectively, directly improving people’s lives.

• You have experience in C/C++ programming and in embedded systems or control algorithms.

• You enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating across electronics, software and biomedical engineering.

This role is not for you if:

• You are looking for a permanent contract.

• You prefer purely theoretical work and are not interested in developing and testing code in real applications.

• You do not enjoy team‑based work, especially in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments.

About the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

IIT is a research organization that promotes technological development and advanced scientific training in Italy. It focuses on interdisciplinary research in areas ranging from neuroscience and cognition to robotics and AI, supporting national innovation and addressing urgent social challenges.

The Team You Will Join

Within IIT, you will become part of the Rehab Technologies Lab, coordinated by Dr. Matteo Laffranchi. The lab develops robotic technologies for rehabilitation and assistance for individuals with motor impairments, integrating robotics, neuroscience, rehabilitation medicine and design.

Your Role and Responsibilities

The selected person will be involved in software development for controlling and monitoring medical robotic devices, such as prostheses and exoskeletons. The role spans from user‑facing applications to low‑level programming, with the goal of ensuring safety, reliability and usability in real clinical scenarios.

Main responsibilities include:

• Designing and developing software solutions for exoskeleton control and monitoring.
• Full‑stack development, from user interface applications (Qt/C++) to low‑level control systems (C) managing motors and communication protocols (CAN, WiFi – UDP/TCP).
• Implementing and optimizing high‑level controllers, including finite state machines (FSM), trajectory planning algorithms and software architectures.
• Developing low‑level control functions such as DC motor control, PID algorithms, and bare‑metal C programming.
• Ensuring compliance with IEC 62304 throughout the software development process, including documentation and code writing.
• Collaborating with hardware engineers, clinicians and end‑users to validate software functionality and usability in real patient scenarios.
• Writing high‑quality code with a strong focus on safety, clarity and robustness, aware of its critical impact in medical devices.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a candidate with a background in computer engineering, robotics or mechatronics, motivated to work on software development for medical robotic devices such as prostheses and exoskeletons.

Required skills

• Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science or related fields.
• At least 2 years of work experience.
• Experience in software development for embedded systems, especially in C/C++.
• Experience in control algorithms and software architectures for robotic devices.
• Knowledge of theoretical principles of collaborative robot control (e.g., compliant control, dynamic modeling, observers).
• Knowledge of Linux/Unix and Windows operating systems.
• Familiarity with software development best practices (version control, testing, documentation).
• Proficiency in English.

Preferred (not mandatory) skills

• Strong command of Linux, including command line operations, system configuration and software development on Linux‑based platforms.
• Familiarity with the Qt framework and experience in GUI development.
• Experience in developing software for medical devices and knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., IEC 62304).

We are looking for someone with a proactive attitude and a results‑oriented mindset, able to adapt to multidisciplinary and international environments, working autonomously when needed and collaborating effectively within a team. Strong communication skills, analytical thinking and a growth mindset complete the profile. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed a PhD or have similar experience.

What We Offer

The position is offered as a fixed‑term contract with an end date of 31 December 2026.

Compensation package includes:

• A gross annual salary between 26,000 and 35,000 euros, with potential bonuses, depending on role and contract; the actual salary will be based on skills and experience.
• Private health insurance, depending on role and contract.
• Up to 2 remote‑working days per week and flexible working hours, depending on the position.
• Meal vouchers, depending on the contract.
• Candidates holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree who have not resided in Italy in the last 3 years and relocate to start employment may qualify for a tax reduction of 50 percent on taxable income, if they meet the legal requirements.

More information: https://www.iit.it/en/work-at-iit

Recruitment Process

• Complete and submit the application form at the end of the announcement; it takes about 5 minutes.
• We will evaluate your application by assessing the match between your skills and experience and what we are looking for. For this reason, we recommend filling in the form with information that immediately helps us understand whether you could be the right person.
• We will contact only the candidates who match the position (check your Spam folder).

The position is open to candidates of any gender, in accordance with Legislative Decree no. 198/2006 and subsequent amendments, and Legislative Decrees no. 215 and 216 of 2003 on equal treatment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.