Senior Embedded LinuxCNC & Kinematics Engineer

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced engineer to work on advanced CNC, motion-control, and industrial automation systems. This role sits at the intersection of open-source CNC, real-time Linux, industrial fieldbus communication, and machine-tool kinematics.

The position is suited to someone who enjoys low-level systems work, understands both software and hardware, and is comfortable taking ownership of modules used in high-precision industrial machines.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain control systems for industrial automation using EtherCAT.
• Develop and maintain control algorithms and software for CNC and motion-control applications.
• Work closely with hardware and software engineers to integrate control systems reliably.
• Perform system testing, debugging, latency analysis, and performance optimisation.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, design specifications, test plans, and user documentation.
• Provide troubleshooting and technical support for control systems in production environments.
• Take ownership of software modules used in machines serving precision manufacturing applications.
• Stay current with developments in real-time systems, robotics, industrial fieldbus technologies, and machine-tool control.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience, excluding education.
• Strong C programming skills and working knowledge of C++ on Linux.
• Comfort working across the Linux kernel/userspace boundary.
• Strong understanding of real-time behaviour including determinism, jitter, priority inversion, and lock-free patterns.
• Understanding of kinematics and related linear algebra, including coordinate frames, homogeneous transforms, rotation representations, and singularities.
• Hands-on comfort with hardware-level debugging and working directly on machines.
• Experience with Git, code review, technical documentation, and disciplined engineering practices.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and independent working skills.

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on LinuxCNC experience, including HAL configurations, kinematics modules, or machine retrofits.
• Experience with PREEMPT_RT or RTAI, including latency measurement and tuning on real hardware.
• Protocol-level experience with EtherCAT, CANopen, or another industrial fieldbus.
• Knowledge of G-code and RS274NGC concepts such as look-ahead, tool compensation, and canned cycles.
• Experience with servo tuning, vibration or resonance analysis, or motion trajectory planning.
• Python for tooling and test automation; CAD/CAM familiarity; ROS or robotic-arm exposure.
• Open-source contributions that demonstrate relevant engineering capability.

Education

B.E. / B.Tech / M.E. in Computer Science, E&TC, Electronics, Electrical, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline.