About this opportunity
Lever, Inc. lists this Sr. Manufacturing Software Engineer opportunity in santa cruz, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
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
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Worksite address
santa cruz, CA, 95061, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.