Motion Controls & Robotics Software Engineer

Accuray; Deming (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Accuray in Deming, New Mexico is seeking a Motion Control Engineer to lead software and hardware development of control systems for radiation therapy products. The role requires collaboration with various engineering disciplines, providing technical leadership and contributing to product development.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of four years of software development experience. Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, and MATLAB is essential, along with strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of software development experience with electro-mechanical control systems.
• Familiarity with Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Engineering design principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop core software for control systems in radiation therapy products.
• Prepare analysis reports and debug control systems.
• Collaborate closely with other engineering teams.

Skills

Software development experience

C++ proficiency

Python proficiency

MATLAB proficiency

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

3D CAD modeling software

Real-Time Operating Systems

Job description

Role Overview

The Motion Control Engineer is responsible for the research, planning, design, and development of the core software elements that control the critical motion mechanisms contributing to the function and performance of Accuray’s radiation therapy products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Software and hardware development of control systems, including robotic manipulators, precision positioning systems, thermal and pneumatic control systems.


• Preparation of detailed analysis reports (design reviews, control system models, DFMEA, etc.), debugging, reliability cycling, system integration and formal testing.


• Research, analysis, planning and implementation of control system design in accordance with product requirements from marketing, manufacturing, reliability, and customer specification documents.


• Distillation of system-level requirements into subsystem and component-level requirements.


• Development and execution of comprehensive test plans, including manual and automated tests, to rigorously verify developed hardware and software against defined requirements and specifications.


• Hands‑on, data‑driven problem solving, commonly working directly with motion hardware to advance development efforts.


• Assistance with hardware prototype builds and troubleshooting as needed.


• Documentation, implementation and testing of applicable design requirements for production, including transfer of relevant design output documents, recommended assembly and test instructions, and service troubleshooting support.


• Collaboration closely and frequently with Embedded Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering throughout the product development lifecycle.


• Provision of subject‑matter expert input and guidance for field service escalations into engineering.


• Support of the Mechanical Systems Manager in establishing or updating project and departmental deliverables.

Leadership

• Provision of technical leadership, leading by example, and mentoring other employees within the Mechanical Systems group and Product Development.


• Serving as lead engineer on projects and coordinating the work of other engineers, technicians, or contributors.


• Assurance that quality processes are followed on projects and within the Mechanical Systems group.


• Contribution to the development or improvement of processes.

Safety and Quality

• Ensure safety and quality considerations and requirements are proactively addressed and implemented in product design.


• Address and manage in a timely fashion safety and quality issues raised by customers or staff.


• Support of Accuray’s Quality System and Safety and Health Program by following procedures and mentoring others.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related technical field.


• At least 4 years of software development experience, working directly with electro‑mechanical control systems.


• Familiarity with Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Engineering design principles.


• Proficiency in object‑oriented programming such as C++, Python, and MATLAB.


• Track record of on‑time, high‑quality production launches of released software and associated components.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Ability to effectively present technical concepts to individuals that are not subject‑matter experts and assist as needed.


• Proof of authorization to work in the country on a permanent basis without sponsorship.

Preferred or Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related technical field.


• At least 8 years of design and development experience in a highly regulated, safety‑critical industry.


• Demonstrated ability to test and verify developed hardware and software against requirements.


• Ability to develop system‑level requirements for motion control systems and effectively integrate both individual components into a system and subsystems into a larger system.


• Extensive experience working with automated systems, their components (motor controllers, drive electronics, etc.) and writing low‑level firmware and mid‑level software interfaces/device drivers, and robot controls middleware.


• Experience programming digital motion controllers, including configuration and utilization of digital I/O for motion control applications.


• Self‑starter who works independently to solve problems, manage workload and resolve roadblocks – collaborating with peers and management as appropriate.


• Experience in strategic infrastructure planning, developing roadmaps to achieve long‑term objectives, and successfully implementing those plans.


• Demonstrated experience working in Linux‑based environments.


• Exposure to 3D CAD modeling software (SolidWorks preferred) and virtualization tools for robotics applications.


• Exposure to Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and parallel computing concepts.


• Proficiency with linear algebra and rigid transformation and/or robotics experience with serial link manipulators.


• Proficiency in working with databases, including querying, data manipulation, and schema design.


• Strong foundational knowledge in control theory combined with hands‑on experience developing data‑driven control strategies.


• Comfortable and proficient in utilizing AI tools to enhance productivity and problem solving.


• Understanding of fundamental learning algorithm concepts (ML/RL) and their potential utility in advancing robotic capabilities.


• Formal product reliability qualification and testing background.

EEO Statement

At Accuray, our commitment to patient‑first outcomes drives an inclusive and collaborative work environment where the best ideas rise to the top. We value diversity in both the professional and personal backgrounds of our employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.