Ultrasound Engineer

About the role

In this role, you will own the end-to-end development and validation of ultrasound transducer systems and their interaction with biological tissue at Nudge. You will advance acoustic field simulations by integrating empirical bench data to refine models that directly influence hardware decisions and device safety. You will partner closely with research and clinical teams to design and execute experiments that test device performance under realistic conditions. Your work will translate raw signal data into actionable insights by developing robust software tools for beamforming, signal processing, and image reconstruction. You will take responsibility for characterizing key performance metrics that prove our devices meet both regulatory standards and clinical utility. You will contribute to the architectural decisions that define next-generation products by bridging the gap between theoretical models and physical prototypes. You will document your findings and methodologies in a way that supports scalable manufacturing and long-term product iteration. Ultimately, your contributions will shape the core technology platform that enables non-invasive brain stimulation and imaging at unprecedented resolution and depth.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the creation and maintenance of detailed acoustic models for phased array transducer designs, incorporating measured tissue properties and boundary conditions.
• Design and execute a comprehensive test plan that evaluates acoustic output, beam characteristics, and spatial field properties against established safety and performance criteria.
• Analyze in-vitro and in-vivo measurement data to correlate simulated acoustic behavior with observed physical outcomes and drive iterative device improvements.
• Develop and validate software modules for real-time signal processing, enabling precise control of beamforming, apodization, and dynamic focusing strategies.
• Implement advanced beamforming algorithms and holographic reconstruction methods that enhance image quality, resolution, and penetration depth for deep brain targets.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to translate device design constraints into electrical and mechanical requirements that optimize acoustic performance and manufacturability.
• Establish repeatable metrology procedures and calibration routines that ensure measurement accuracy across transducers, test fixtures, and experimental runs.
• Partner with research scientists to prototype new imaging modes and stimulation sequences, providing technical feedback that influences system-level architecture.
• Document test protocols, analysis methods, and results in a clear, reproducible format that supports regulatory submissions and internal knowledge sharing.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing hands-on guidance in ultrasound physics, software implementation, and experimental best practices.
• Evaluate emerging tools and libraries for acoustic simulation and signal processing, recommending integrations that improve team efficiency and model fidelity.
• Define and track key performance indicators for device prototypes, translating qualitative observations into quantitative design targets.
• Lead root cause analysis for anomalies in acoustic field measurements, using data-driven methods to isolate variables and validate corrective actions.
• Communicate technical trade-offs to cross-functional stakeholders, aligning device capabilities with clinical needs, timelines, and regulatory expectations.

Requirements

You must hold a PhD in a relevant engineering discipline such as biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering with an emphasis on acoustics or ultrasound. You should bring a strong foundation in engineering and physics first principles, allowing you to derive and apply models that describe wave propagation, scattering, and attenuation in complex media. Your background must include hands-on experience with ultrasound metrology, covering transducer characterization, field measurements, and safety assessment protocols. You must have demonstrated experience with acoustic modeling software, such as COMSOL, FEniCS, or comparable tools, to simulate beam patterns and tissue interactions. A proven history of exceptional technical contribution is essential, shown through publications, patents, or shipped products that have advanced the state of the art in biomedical ultrasound. You must have high integrity and strong professional judgment, consistently making decisions that prioritize patient safety, regulatory compliance, and scientific rigor. Your work should reflect a deep understanding of biomedical applications of ultrasound, including diagnostic imaging, therapy, and emerging neuromodulation techniques. You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where requirements evolve based on experimental results, clinical feedback, and regulatory considerations.

Nice to have

Experience with in-vitro phantoms and optical or hydrophone measurement methods is strongly preferred. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as FDA or IEC standards for ultrasound devices is highly valued. Knowledge of programming languages commonly used in scientific computing, such as Python, MATLAB, or Julia, is considered a definite advantage. Experience with version control, continuous integration, and automated testing for scientific software will help you integrate smoothly with the engineering workflow. Background in neuromodulation or brain imaging applications is appreciated but not required.

Practical notes

This role is based in San Francisco and is offered as a full-time position. We currently anticipate a standard office schedule with the expectation that team members will be available during core working hours to support collaboration and meetings. Travel may be required for clinical studies, supplier visits, or regulatory engagements, and candidates should be prepared for occasional domestic travel within the United States. Visa sponsorship may be considered for eligible candidates, subject to role and business needs. Nudge is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds to join us in building breakthrough neurotechnology.