Software Engineer Intern, Robotics

Neuralink; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth potential

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Paid holidays

Meals provided

Equity (RSUs)

401(k) plan

Parental leave

Flexible time off

Job summary

Neuralink in South San Francisco is seeking a Software Engineer Intern on the Robot Software Team to write software that runs on a real surgical robot, not just simulation, with emphasis on high-precision motion and safety-critical design.

You will own a project from design to implementation under mentorship, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, biological, and neuroscience teams to advance robot operation and device reliability while growing your career in a cutting-edge field.

Qualifications

• Exceptional ability in engineering or computer science.
• Experience writing performant applications in C, C++, and Rust.
• Ability to work on mission-critical and safety-critical systems.
• Strong bias for action and first principles thinking.

Responsibilities

• Develop safety-critical software for the robot; you are responsible for contributing directly to surgery-ready software as an intern.
• Take ownership of a project integral to robot functioning from design to implementation under mentorship.
• Jump on problems when they arise with a strong bias for action to support robot operation by non-software teams.
• Work across different engineering disciplines; your software may involve interactions with the mechanical, electrical, biological, and neuroscience teams.

Skills

C

C++

Rust

Systems programming

Safety-critical

Tools

Linux

Job description

We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.

Team Description:

The Robot Software Team builds software that enables scalable neurosurgery that allows safe implantation of the N1 device, ranging from core control, sensors and perception, autonomy, surgery analytics, and more. This role tightly integrates with the robot hardware team, surgery engineering team, as well as the BCI applications team which rely on us to deliver safe and effective implantation of the N1 device.

Neuralink strives to be a meritocratic environment: we require honest and transparent communication to ensure the best ideas win out, and we believe the best solutions emerge and the best teams are created when you assemble high-performing individuals and allow them to engage in rigorous and thoughtful inquiry. We want to work with exceptional people, and, to the extent that you excel, we want you to take on more responsibility and help all of us succeed. If this speaks to you, come join us.

Job Description and Responsibilities

As a Software Engineer Intern on the Robot Software Team, you will be responsible for writing software and making sure your code works on an actual surgical robot, not just simulation. Our robotics integrate actuated devices with microelectromechanical systems as well as novel surgical procedures. These applications place strong emphasis on high-precision, high-repeatability mechanical motion, as well as high reliability and fail-safe design. You will be expected to:

• Develop safety-critical software for the robot; you are responsible for contributing directly to surgery-ready software as an intern
• Take ownership of a project that is integral to robot functioning from design to implementation under the guidance of a robot software team member
• Jump on problems when they arise with a strong bias for action to support robot operation by non-software teams
• Work across different engineering disciplines; your software may involve interactions with the mechanical, electrical, biological, and neuroscience teams

Required Qualifications

• Evidence of exceptional ability in engineering or computer science
• Experience in writing performant applications in a system language like C, C++, and Rust
• Ability to work on mission-critical and safety-critical systems
• Strong bias for action and first principles thinking

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with robotics or high‑reliability systems
• Experience coding in Linux and debugging on Linux systems
• Experience in computer vision
• Experience in kinematics and motion planning
• Experience working on medical robots
• Experience working in a high‑precision environment

Pay Transparency

Based on California law, the following details are for California individuals only:

California Hourly Rate

$35/hr USD

What We Offer

Full‑time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
• Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
• Paid holidays
• Meals provided
• Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
• 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
• Parental leave *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
• Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded