Junior Control Systems Engineer

DEKA Research and Development is seeking a Junior Control Systems Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will contribute to the design and development of cutting-edge automation and robotics systems across two key domains: embedded medical devices and PLC-driven manufacturing automation. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of engineers to bring innovative prototypes from concept to reality.ResponsibilitiesEmbedded Medical Device DevelopmentDesign and develop control systems for prototype medical devices running on embedded compute platformsImplement real-time control algorithms on embedded targets (e.g., ARM Cortex, FPGA, or DSP-based systems)Write and validate embedded firmware in C/C++ for safety-critical medical applicationsCollaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate sensors, actuators, and embedded hardware into functional prototypesSupport design verification and validation (V&V) activities in compliance with medical device development standards.Create and maintain system requirements, software design documentation, and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)Manufacturing AutomationDevelop, program, and commission PLC-based automation systems for internal manufacturing equipmentIntegrate industrial sensors, drives, servo systems, and actuators into automation solutionsTroubleshoot and optimize existing automation systems to improve reliability and throughputCollaborate with manufacturing engineers to translate process requirements into automated control solutionsDocument control system architectures, ladder logic, and functional specificationsGeneralApply linear, non-linear, and optimal control techniques across both embedded and industrial platformsDevelop and maintain control systems for automation and robotic productsSupport testing, debugging, and continuous improvement of prototype and production systemsRequired QualificationsB.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Biomedical EngineeringFoundational knowledge of linear and optimal controls theoryExperience applying control algorithms in robotics or automation applicationsProficiency in Python and C/C++Familiarity with embedded systems concepts (real-time OS, hardware peripherals, firmware development)Experience with automation sensors, drives, and actuatorsStrong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skillsPreferred QualificationsPLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)Exposure to medical device development processes or regulated industries (FDA, ISO 13485, IEC 62304)Experience with real-time operating systemsFamiliarity with communication protocols used in embedded and industrial systems (CAN, SPI, I2C, EtherCAT, Modbus, PROFINET)Knowledge of design verification and validation (V&V) methodologiesFamiliarity with version control systems (Git) and engineering documentation practices