Controls Engineer - Surgical Robotics

Established Search; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Established Search is partnering with an innovative robotic surgery company to design real-time control systems for surgical platforms. You will implement motion control for robotic arms and end-effectors, integrating sensors and embedded tech with cross-functional teams to ensure safety and performance in real-time environments.

The role emphasizes HIL testing, regulatory compliance (FDA/ISO), and advanced control methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field with strong foundation in control theory and robotics.
• Experience designing real-time control systems for safety-critical applications.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C++, and/or Python; familiarity with ROS/ROS2 is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop real-time control systems for robotic surgical platforms.
• Implement motion control algorithms for robotic arms, instruments, and end-effectors.
• Develop and tune feedback control loops (PID and adaptive control).
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and embedded systems into control architectures.
• Collaborate with software engineers on system-level robotics integration.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation, and validation.
• Contribute to system safety, risk management, and failure mode analysis.
• Optimize performance of robotic systems in real-time surgical environments.
• Work within FDA/ISO medical device development processes.

Skills

Control theory

Real-time systems

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Python

Robotics

Embedded systems

Kinematics & Dynamics

ROS/ROS2

HIL testing

Medical devices knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Control Systems / Robotics / EE / ME

Job description

We are partnering with an innovative surgical robotics company developing next-generation technology designed to improve precision, stability, and safety within minimally invasive surgery.

This role sits at the core of the robotics engineering team, focusing on the design and implementation of control systems that govern robotic motion, force feedback, and real-time surgical instrument behaviour.

You will work closely with software, hardware, and systems engineers to develop high-performance, safety-critical control algorithms used directly in surgical environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop real-time control systems for robotic surgical platforms
• Implement motion control algorithms for robotic arms, instruments, and end-effectors
• Develop and tune feedback control loops (e.g., PID and advanced adaptive control methods)
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and embedded systems into control architectures
• Collaborate with software engineers on system-level robotics integration
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation, and validation activities
• Contribute to system safety, risk management, and failure mode analysis
• Optimise performance of robotic systems in real-time surgical environments
• Work within regulated medical device development processes (FDA / ISO standards)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Control Systems, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Strong experience in control theory and real-time system design
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C++, and/or Python
• Experience with robotics, mechatronics, or embedded systems development
• Understanding of kinematics, dynamics, and motion control principles
• Exposure to ROS / ROS2 or similar robotics frameworks preferred
• Experience working with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments
• Knowledge of medical devices, surgical robotics, or regulated systems highly desirable
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in cross-functional teams