ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc.
Software Control Engineer
ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc., San Carlos, California, United States, 94071
ZAP Surgical Systems is a pioneering surgical robotics company based in San Carlos, CA. Our flagship product, the ZAP-X, utilizes a revolutionary gyroscopic motion platform and a self-shielded design, disrupting conventional radiosurgery and enabling advanced care in new clinical settings. At ZAP, innovation happens at the intersection of diverse disciplines. You’ll join a collaborative, mission‑driven team committed to developing the most advanced stereotactic radiosurgery product in the world.
About the Role We are seeking a
Senior or Staff level Controls Software Engineer
to work on the next‑generation Dynamic Treatment Delivery application for the ZAP‑X radiosurgery system. This position is a hands‑on technical role for an individual who excels in high‑stakes environments. You will implement core components of a safety‑critical system in Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 Structured Text for real‑time control, deterministic performance, and fault tolerance. You will also collaborate with clinical, service, and hardware engineers to understand and document requirements. Your experience in regulated domains such as medical devices, automotive, or aerospace will help us deliver precise, reliable, and life‑saving treatments to patients with brain tumors, metastatic cancers, and functional diseases.
Key Responsibilities
Design and build a control system consisting of real‑time, safety‑critical and motion control subsystems using Beckhoff PLCs and TwinCAT3 software.
Implement Modules and HMIs using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 Structured Text and HMI framework for real‑time motion control.
Enable data exchange and control of TwinCAT Systems from Software (C#) using ADS protocol.
Collaborate with clinical and service engineers to understand user needs and investigate discrepancies in system behavior.
Apply agile methodologies to manage development cycles, bug fixes, and feature rollouts. Collaboratively break‑down work items into manageable pieces.
Optimize system performance for low‑latency, high‑reliability execution across multiple threads and processes.
Document software architecture, communication protocols, and safety logic to meet medical device regulatory standards.
Required Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering.
Experience
At least 5 years in control software development, including at least 3 years in real‑time or safety‑critical systems.
Proven track record of developing complex applications in regulated domains (e.g., medical, automotive, aerospace).
Strong proficiency in PLC programming using TwinCAT 3 Structured Text.
Experience building motion control systems using Beckhoff PLCs and Controllers.
Experience working with various hardware and networking interfaces (e.g., ADS, EtherCAT, Serial Comm, RS485, Modbus, TCP/IP).
Experience writing applications in C#, .Net to interface with Beckhoff PLC over ADS.
Familiarity with deterministic programming and fault‑tolerant system design.
Other Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration.
Operates effectively in a regulated environment with design control and testing.
Knowledge of safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508, ISO 14971) and risk management practices.
Experience developing software that controls radiotherapy/diagnostic medical devices.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Industries Medical Equipment Manufacturing; Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Benefits
Medical insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Disability insurance
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About the Role We are seeking a
Senior or Staff level Controls Software Engineer
to work on the next‑generation Dynamic Treatment Delivery application for the ZAP‑X radiosurgery system. This position is a hands‑on technical role for an individual who excels in high‑stakes environments. You will implement core components of a safety‑critical system in Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 Structured Text for real‑time control, deterministic performance, and fault tolerance. You will also collaborate with clinical, service, and hardware engineers to understand and document requirements. Your experience in regulated domains such as medical devices, automotive, or aerospace will help us deliver precise, reliable, and life‑saving treatments to patients with brain tumors, metastatic cancers, and functional diseases.
Key Responsibilities
Design and build a control system consisting of real‑time, safety‑critical and motion control subsystems using Beckhoff PLCs and TwinCAT3 software.
Implement Modules and HMIs using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 Structured Text and HMI framework for real‑time motion control.
Enable data exchange and control of TwinCAT Systems from Software (C#) using ADS protocol.
Collaborate with clinical and service engineers to understand user needs and investigate discrepancies in system behavior.
Apply agile methodologies to manage development cycles, bug fixes, and feature rollouts. Collaboratively break‑down work items into manageable pieces.
Optimize system performance for low‑latency, high‑reliability execution across multiple threads and processes.
Document software architecture, communication protocols, and safety logic to meet medical device regulatory standards.
Required Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering.
Experience
At least 5 years in control software development, including at least 3 years in real‑time or safety‑critical systems.
Proven track record of developing complex applications in regulated domains (e.g., medical, automotive, aerospace).
Strong proficiency in PLC programming using TwinCAT 3 Structured Text.
Experience building motion control systems using Beckhoff PLCs and Controllers.
Experience working with various hardware and networking interfaces (e.g., ADS, EtherCAT, Serial Comm, RS485, Modbus, TCP/IP).
Experience writing applications in C#, .Net to interface with Beckhoff PLC over ADS.
Familiarity with deterministic programming and fault‑tolerant system design.
Other Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration.
Operates effectively in a regulated environment with design control and testing.
Knowledge of safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508, ISO 14971) and risk management practices.
Experience developing software that controls radiotherapy/diagnostic medical devices.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Industries Medical Equipment Manufacturing; Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Benefits
Medical insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Disability insurance
#J-18808-Ljbffr