Sr. Manufacturing Software Engineer

Lever, Inc.; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Capstan seeks an experienced test engineering lead to shape and scale the validation of a novel surgical robot. You will own manufacturing tests from subassemblies to full system integration, interfacing closely with R&D to translate evolving requirements into robust, validated testing platforms.

You will build and maintain HW/SW test systems, drive verification and manufacturing readiness, and help push a groundbreaking robotic platform toward patient use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience; medical device or similar safety-critical system experience preferred.
• Experience with Python and C++.

Responsibilities

• Define, from first principles, how a first-of-its-kind surgical robot is tested in production.
• Develop manufacturing tests for robotic subassemblies and systems, working with R&D from development through design transfer.
• Own and maintain deployed manufacturing tests, including updates, bug fixes, and production-line support.
• Derive manufacturing software test requirements from higher-level product and design requirements with traceability.
• Lead verification and validation of manufacturing test software, including protocols, execution, and reports.
• Design and develop hardware-in-the-loop test systems to automate software and hardware testing.
• Develop test methods at the hardware/software interface (e.g., brake calibration, encoder and brake health checks).
• Implement tools to retrieve and analyze device and controller data (logs/diagnostics over EtherCAT).
• Support bring-up, debug, and commissioning of manufacturing test fixtures and equipment.
• Deliver manufacturing test readiness on schedule for planned development and clinical builds.
• Manage test software releases with versioning and disruption-free rollout.
• Analyze test data to identify trends, anomalies, and yield drivers.
• Influence firmware/software teams to implement diagnostic hooks and manufacturing-friendly features.
• Document and communicate work through design reviews and released docs.

Skills

Python

C++

Git

ROS

Linux

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Engineering/Electrical/Mechatronics/CS

Tools

EtherCAT

CAN

Serial

DAQs

Job description

There is no playbook for what we're building. Capstan is bringing a first-of-its-kind surgical robot to
patients, and the way to build and test it at scale doesn't exist yet – you'll help invent it. This isn't
maintaining tests for a mature product on a settled line. You'll join a newly formed team that works
alongside R&D while the design is still evolving, defining from first principles how we prove a novel
robot is ready for the patient, every single time.
In this role, you'll own the software and test systems that make that proof possible – from
subassemblies through full system integration. Working at the interface of hardware and software,
you'll partner with R&D to turn evolving design requirements into robust, validated manufacturing tests.
You'll architect and develop the hardware-in-the-loop systems that automate how we test, bring up the
fixtures that run them, and make sure every test software change reaches the production line cleanly.
You'll thrive here if you love getting your hands on real hardware, debugging across mechanical,
electrical, and software boundaries, and letting data drive your decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define, from first principles, how a first-of-its-kind surgical robot is tested in production – there is no industry template to copy, so you'll shape the test strategy, architecture, and standards the team builds on
• Develop manufacturing tests for robotic subassemblies and systems, working closely with R&D from early development through design transfer
• Own and maintain deployed manufacturing tests, including updates, bug fixes, and support on the production line
• Derive manufacturing software test requirements from higher-level product and design requirements provided by R&D, with traceability between them
• Lead verification and validation of manufacturing test software, including protocols, execution, and reports
• Design and develop hardware-in-the-loop test systems to automate software and hardware testing
• Develop test methods at the hardware/software interface, such as brake calibration, encoder and brake health checks, and motion and sensor characterization
• Implement tools to retrieve and analyze device and controller data (eg. logs and diagnostics over EtherCAT)
• Support bring-up, debug, and commissioning of manufacturing test fixtures and equipment
• Deliver manufacturing test readiness on schedule for planned development, verification, and clinical builds
• Manage test software releases so that updates are versioned, verified before reaching the line, and rolled out without disrupting production
• Analyze test data using scripting tools (eg. Python) to identify trends, anomalies, and yield drivers
• Influence firmware/software teams to implement diagnostic hooks and manufacturing-friendly features
• Document and communicate work through design reviews and released documents as part of the product development process
• Identify gaps and pitch in as needed to ensure the team meets its goals and objectives
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in test development, debugging, and best practices

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics,
  Computer Science, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience, medical device or similar safety critical system experience preferred (higher degree can offset years of experience)
• Experience with Python and C++
• Proficiency with software development practices: version control (Git), code reviews, and release management
• Proven experience working at the hardware/software interface – motors, encoders, brakes, sensors, and motion control
• Experience designing and building hardware-in-the-loop or automated test systems
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (eg. EtherCAT, CAN, serial) and lab instrumentation (DAQs, power supplies, oscilloscopes)
• Hands‑on debugging of integrated electro‑mechanical systems using schematics, logs, and instrumentation
• Experience deriving test requirements and writing and executing test protocols and reports
• Familiarity with Linux and robotics software frameworks (eg. ROS) preferred
• Familiarity with medical device regulations and software validation (eg. ISO 13485, IEC 62304, 21 CFR 820) preferred
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Comfortable working cross‑functionally with R&D, Quality, and Production teams
• Hands‑on, detail‑oriented, and able to work independently in a fast‑paced environment
• Eagerness to learn and push the envelope to bring a novel surgical robotic platform to market