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.

Responsibilities

Embedded Medical Device Development

Design and develop control systems for prototype medical devices running on embedded compute platforms

Implement 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 applications

Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate sensors, actuators, and embedded hardware into functional prototypes

Support 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 Automation

Develop, program, and commission PLC-based automation systems for internal manufacturing equipment

Integrate industrial sensors, drives, servo systems, and actuators into automation solutions

Troubleshoot and optimize existing automation systems to improve reliability and throughput

Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to translate process requirements into automated control solutions

Document control system architectures, ladder logic, and functional specificationsGeneral

Apply linear, non-linear, and optimal control techniques across both embedded and industrial platforms

Develop and maintain control systems for automation and robotic products

Support testing, debugging, and continuous improvement of prototype and production systemsRequired Qualifications

B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Biomedical Engineering

Foundational knowledge of linear and optimal controls theory

Experience applying control algorithms in robotics or automation applications

Proficiency in Python and C/C++

Familiarity with embedded systems concepts (real-time OS, hardware peripherals, firmware development)

Experience with automation sensors, drives, and actuators

Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skillsPreferred Qualifications

PLC 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 systems

Familiarity with communication protocols used in embedded and industrial systems (CAN, SPI, I2C, EtherCAT, Modbus, PROFINET)

Knowledge of design verification and validation (V&V) methodologies

Familiarity with version control systems (Git) and engineering documentation practices