Staff Robotics Controls Engineer

iota Biosciences; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative medical device company is seeking a Staff Robotics Controls Engineer to develop cutting-edge brain-computer interface systems. This role involves designing advanced control algorithms and translating user intent into precise movements. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance the capabilities of wearable robotics, ensuring safety and responsiveness. The position offers a unique opportunity to influence the design and success of pioneering medical implants, contributing to transformative solutions in healthcare. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to improving patient outcomes through technology.

Benefits

Comprehensive health coverage

Dental and vision insurance

Onsite Gym

Generous vacation pay

Paid parental leave

Flexible work schedules

Annual Bonus Plan

Long Term Incentive Plan

401k plan with employer match

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in control systems for robotics.
• Strong programming skills in C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink.

Responsibilities

• Design advanced control algorithms for robotic systems.
• Translate brain signals into real-time movements of a wearable.

Skills

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Control Theory

Robotic Middleware (ROS)

Embedded Systems

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

M.S. in related field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

ROS

Job description

iota Biosciences, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astellas Pharma US, is a medical device company pioneering bioelectronic solutions across a range of medical therapies and diagnostics. Bioelectronic medical implants are the start of an entirely new form of medicine, treating chronic diseases through non-pharmaceutical mechanisms not previously accessible to clinicians.

iota Biosciences, Inc. was acquired by Astellas Pharma US in November 2020.Astellas Pharma US, Inc. is an affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc., a top 20 global pharmaceutical research company.Astellas is committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. iota’s core proprietary technology stack leverages ultrasonic energy to communicate with and power custom implantable devices, enabling completely new clinical approaches to treating diseases. At iota Biosciences you will be given the opportunity to substantially influence the design and success of these pioneering Class III medical implants, as the company expands the reach of its novel technology while bringing new solutions to the clinic. At iota Biosciences, we take pride in providing equal employment opportunities to everyone, inclusive of race, ethnicity, beliefs, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, citizenship status, age, veteran status or disability.

We are seeking a Staff Robotics Controls Engineer to take part in developing a brain computer interface system by designing and testing control systems that convert brain signals into precise, real-time movements of a wearable. The successful candidate will work closely with teams specializing in brain decoding, mechanical design, and clinical translation, playing a critical role in bringing human intent to life through precision robotics.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the design of advanced control algorithms (e.g., PID, adaptive control, model predictive control) for multi-degree-of-freedom robotic systems in a human-interactive environment.
• Translate high-level user intent (e.g., from brain decoding algorithms) into system-level control strategies that are safe, intuitive, and clinically usable.
• Incorporate sensory feedback from force sensors, IMUs, or other modalities into closed-loop control strategies to improve dexterity, stability, and user responsiveness.
• Simulate, validate, and tune control architectures using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, ROS, or Gazebo prior to hardware deployment.
• Collaborate with the firmware and embedded systems teams to support the implementation and integration of control algorithms onto hardware platforms.
• Ensure system robustness, responsiveness, and stability across variable user and environmental conditions.
• Lead hands-on testing and iterative refinement of control strategies through benchtop and human-in-the-loop experiments.
• Document system architecture, control logic, validation protocols, and test results to support future development and regulatory readiness.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship across multidisciplinary teams, supporting strategic planning and critical design decisions.

Key Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of post-Ph.D. experience, or M.S. with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and shipping control systems for a commercial or clinical robotic product, preferably involving wearable robotics, assistive devices, or human-interactive systems.
• Deep expertise in classical and modern control theory (e.g., PID, LQR, MPC, nonlinear/adaptive control) and its real-world implementation.
• Strong programming skills in C++, Python, and/or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Proven ability to develop and deploy real-time embedded systems using robotic middleware (e.g., ROS) and hardware-in-the-loop test setups.
• Experience integrating and tuning closed-loop control systems with sensor feedback (e.g., force, IMU, EMG) under dynamic conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering efforts and influence product architecture.
• Strong system-level thinking and understanding of how control strategies interface with mechanical, neural, and user constraints.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with human-robot interaction, brain-machine interfaces, or neuroprosthetic systems.
• Familiarity with musculoskeletal biomechanics, wearable robotic actuation methods, or neurorehabilitation technologies.
• Prior involvement in a product development lifecycle from early concept through verification, validation, and deployment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excited to embrace a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment focused on innovation and clinical impact.

$165,000 - $215,000 a year

Final base salary will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and location.Opportunity for additional compensation through bonus and long-term incentive plans.

iota offers a very competitive benefits package that includes the following:

Health & Wellness

Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, covered at 100%

Access to quality dental and vision

Onsite Gym in Alameda

Work-Life Balance

Generous vacation pay

Paid parental leave

Options for flexible work schedules

Competitive Compensation

Annual Bonus Plan

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

401k plan with employer match