Software Engineer, Robotics
Job description
About the role
Software Engineer, Robotics
This role centers on defining real behavior for surgical machines where code executes on metal and tissue inside live robots. You own the control stack from sensor streams to actuator commands while maintaining patient safety. The position demands engineers who build reliable motion control under strict biological constraints.
About Neuralink
Neuralink is developing devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices aim to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world. The robotics team integrates actuated devices with microelectromechanical systems and novel surgical procedures. Applications emphasize high-precision, high-repeatability mechanical motion alongside high reliability and fail-safe design. Engineers in this role write software that must function on actual surgical robots, not merely in simulation. The company fosters a meritocratic environment that values honest and transparent communication to ensure the best ideas prevail. Best solutions emerge when high-performing individuals engage in rigorous and thoughtful inquiry.
Team Description
Neuralink seeks exceptional individuals who excel in engineering or computer science. The role requires hands-on experience with robotics or high-reliability systems. Candidates must demonstrate experience coding in Linux using system languages such as C, C++, or Rust. A strong understanding of engineering first principles is essential. A proven history of shipping products is required.
Key Facts
Location options include Austin, Texas, United States, and South San Francisco, California, United States. Engagement is full-time. Compensation includes a base salary range of $119,000 to $200,000 USD plus equity.
What You'll Do
You will design low-latency control paths to ensure motion precision and safety during procedures. Responsibilities include implementing drivers and firmware for electromechanical systems operating in demanding surgical settings. You will instrument pipelines to capture, replay, and analyze robot behavior from live operations. The role involves guiding validation routines that confirm mechanical and software integrity before patient contact. You will ship features through controlled rollouts while monitoring for anomalies in real time. Collaboration with clinicians and researchers will translate medical requirements into testable robotic behaviors. Refining actuator paths and coordination logic will improve accuracy and reduce mechanical risk. Documentation of interfaces and failure modes will allow other teams to integrate and extend the platform.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrate exceptional ability in engineering or computer science through shipped work and code.
- Possess hands-on experience with robotics or high-reliability systems with a record of safe operation.
- Code in Linux using system languages such as C, C++, or Rust with strong performance awareness.
- Understand engineering first principles and apply them to motion, sensing, and control.
- Show a proven history of shipping products that reach real users and handle edge cases.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in computer vision.
- Experience working on medical robots.
- Experience with high precision systems.
What We Offer
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. Opportunities exist to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields. Growth potential is significant for team members who have an outsized impact. Benefits include excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan. Paid holidays, commuter benefits, and meals are provided. Equity in the form of RSUs is offered to full-time employees. Temporary employees and interns are excluded from equity, parental leave, and flexible time off benefits. A 401(k) plan is available, though interns are initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours.
About the company
We build brain interfaces that link nervous systems with digital tools. Our teams work to restore autonomy for people with unmet medical needs, using implants that record and stimulate neural activity.
Across product, science, and engineering, we focus on long term safety and precise outcomes. We invest in durable hardware, software, and clinical workflows so the technology integrates responsibly into medical practice.