Neuralthread · 12 hours ago
R&D Engineer – Neurotechnology, Surgical, Robotics, & Microassembly
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$100K/yr - $135K/yr
2+ years expNeuralthread develops advanced neural interface systems for research environments, focusing on high-performance hardware and innovative design. They are seeking a Neurotech R&D Engineer to lead the development of surgical test systems and robotic assembly processes for neural interface technologies, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and technical ownership.
Biotechnology Research
Hiring Manager
Joey Novello
Responsibilities
Design, prototype, and validate surgical test systems for various research models, with an emphasis on usability, precision, and reliability
Develop, refine, and scale micron-level robotic and mesoscale assembly workflows, including custom tooling, fixtures, and motion-control subsystems
Perform microscopy-driven microassembly of ultraflexible neural implants, ensuring tight tolerances and consistent quality
Collaborate closely with neuroscientists, microfabrication engineers, and software developers to integrate instrumentation into preclinical workflows and experimental pipelines
Contribute to mechanical system design for surgical delivery tools, micro-manipulators, alignment jigs, and other precision instruments
Assist in the architecture and implementation of automated or semi-automated robotic systems, including motion stages, sensing subsystems, and embedded electronics for implant assembly and delivery
Support bench-level and surgical testing of neural interface systems, including data capture, troubleshooting, and iterative refinement
Maintain rigorous standards for documentation, reproducibility, system validation, and disciplined design iteration
Own the full lifecycle of select instrumentation, from concept generation to prototype builds to validated systems deployed in research labs
Contribute to defining and executing technical milestones such as alignment precision improvements, assembly throughput improvements, and surgical workflow integration
Qualification
Required
Hands-on Neurotech R&D Engineer to lead the design, development, and validation of surgical test systems, precision instrumentation, and robotic micro and mesoscale assembly processes for next-generation neural interface technologies
Inherently interdisciplinary, combining mechanical design, mechatronics, microscale robotics, and electronics or PCB development with biological system integration in a fast-paced, research-driven engineering environment
Significant technical ownership, including end-to-end development of critical surgical and microassembly tools that do not exist today
Work on frontier problems involving micron scale alignment, motion control, and integration of flexible implant technologies into high-reliability experimental workflows
Report directly to the CEO, offering the opportunity to take full ownership of instrumentation and processes from concept through deployment while shaping the technical direction of the company
Inventive, detail-oriented engineer who is excited to build high-reliability tools that directly support advanced neural interfacing experiments, from concept through fully validated systems
Expect rapid iteration cycles, direct collaboration with scientific users, and the ability to influence instrument architecture from day one
Design, prototype, and validate surgical test systems for various research models, with an emphasis on usability, precision, and reliability
Develop, refine, and scale micron-level robotic and mesoscale assembly workflows, including custom tooling, fixtures, and motion-control subsystems
Perform microscopy-driven microassembly of ultraflexible neural implants, ensuring tight tolerances and consistent quality
Collaborate closely with neuroscientists, microfabrication engineers, and software developers to integrate instrumentation into preclinical workflows and experimental pipelines
Contribute to mechanical system design for surgical delivery tools, micro-manipulators, alignment jigs, and other precision instruments
Assist in the architecture and implementation of automated or semi-automated robotic systems, including motion stages, sensing subsystems, and embedded electronics for implant assembly and delivery
Support bench-level and surgical testing of neural interface systems, including data capture, troubleshooting, and iterative refinement
Maintain rigorous standards for documentation, reproducibility, system validation, and disciplined design iteration
Own the full lifecycle of select instrumentation, from concept generation to prototype builds to validated systems deployed in research labs
Contribute to defining and executing technical milestones such as alignment precision improvements, assembly throughput improvements, and surgical workflow integration
Preferred
B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
2-5+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design and, or manufacturing, including R&D or prototyping work in surgical instrumentation, medical devices, micro-robotics, or precision mechatronic systems
Experience with electronics or PCB integration, embedded sensing, or motion control is highly valued
Proficiency in mechanical design (CAD), rapid prototyping, and assembly of precision mechanical or electromechanical systems, with demonstrated ownership from concept through implementation
Comfort with microscope-based assembly, micro-fixtures, and manipulation of components with micron-level tolerances
Exposure to microfabrication, cleanroom processes, polymer or chemistry-based materials, or flexible device manufacturing is a plus
Familiarity with neuroscience, neural interfaces, or preclinical research models is desirable but not required
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, with a mindset oriented toward creativity, technical rigor, and hands-on problem solving
Experience with precision motion systems, optomechanics, or multi-axis micro-positioning platforms is strongly preferred
Ability to balance rapid prototyping with methodical validation, documentation, and transition to production-ready processes
Software development experience in Python is a plus, especially for robotics, user interface development, automation, or signal processing workflows
Benefits
Equity or ownership opportunities to participate in the company’s growth and success.
Flexible health benefits through an ICHRA.
Flexible work arrangements to support productivity and personal balance.
Professional development support, including conferences, training, and technical workshops.
Hands-on access to cutting-edge equipment and direct impact on next-generation neural interface technologies.
Collaborative, mission-driven culture that values creativity, precision, and scientific impact.
Company
Neuralthread
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase