Junior Control Systems Engineer at DEKA Research… · Manchester

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 specifications

General

• 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 systems

Required 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 skills

Preferred 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