JOB TITLE: Software Controls Engineer
LOCATION: Hawthorne, NY (on-site)
TYPE: Full time, regular
COMPENSATION: $120,000 - $160,000/yr
Clarapath is a medical robotics company based in Westchester County, NY, dedicated to transforming and modernizing laboratory workflows. Our mission is to improve patient care by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing the quality and consistency of laboratory processes.
Our portfolio includes SectionStar™ and TrimStar Pro™, innovative electro-mechanical systems designed to automate and elevate critical steps in the histology workflow. SectionStar™ delivers high-quality, consistent tissue sections, while TrimStar Pro™ streamlines and standardizes the trimming process - together enabling laboratories to operate with greater precision, throughput, and reliability.
At Clarapath, we bring together experts across engineering, data science, robotics, healthcare innovation, and laboratory operations. Our R&D team drives innovation, product enhancements, and a strong pipeline of new solutions, while our manufacturing team oversees production and quality control at our ISO-certified facility. Also based in our New York headquarters are our sales, marketing, administrative, and service teams, who work closely together to ensure every customer receives a seamless, personalized experience at every touchpoint.
Role Summary:
The Software Controls Engineer will play a key role in the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the control systems and embedded software that power Clarapath's advanced SectionStar™ and TrimStar Pro™ platforms. This individual will contribute to all phases of the product development lifecycle, from system architecture and algorithm development through implementation, testing, verification, manufacturing support, and field deployment. Working closely with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, quality, and customer-facing teams, the Software Controls Engineer will develop reliable, scalable, and maintainable control software that meets performance, safety, and regulatory requirements. We are seeking a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex automation and motion control challenges, thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, and is passionate about developing innovative medical device and robotics technologies that improve laboratory workflows and patient outcomes.
Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, implement, and maintain embedded software and control algorithms for motion control systems, actuators, sensors, and peripheral devices
- Develop software architecture and control logic using C/C++, Python, and other appropriate programming languages
- Design and optimize closed-loop control systems for precision motion applications utilizing servo motors, stepper motors, encoders, and other electromechanical components
- Collaborate with Electrical and Mechanical Engineering teams to integrate hardware and software into complete system solutions.
- Develop communication interfaces using protocols such as CAN, RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, USB, SPI, I2C, and UART.
- Create software requirements, design specifications, verification protocols, and technical documentation in compliance with medical device design controls
- Participate in system architecture discussions and technical design reviews
- Perform software debugging, root cause analysis, and issue resolution throughout development and post-release support
- Develop automated testing tools and software validation procedures to improve product quality and reliability
- Support prototype development, system integration, and engineering verification testing
- Assist Manufacturing and Service teams with software releases, troubleshooting, and continuous product improvements.
- Participate in risk management activities including software hazard analysis, FMEA, and mitigation implementation
- Support regulatory submissions and compliance efforts by generating appropriate documentation and maintaining design history files.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on software quality, maintainability, cybersecurity, and system performance.
- Provide technical support during customer installations, field investigations, and product issue resolution as needed
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- 3–7 years of experience developing embedded software or control systems for electromechanical products
- Strong programming experience in C/C++
- Experience with embedded Linux or real-time operating systems (RTOS)
- Experience developing motion control software for precision electromechanical systems
- Strong understanding of software architecture, object-oriented programming, and software design principles
- Experience interfacing with sensors, motors, actuators, and industrial communication protocols
- Familiarity with source control systems such as Git
- Experience using debugging tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
- Experience developing software for medical devices or other regulated industries, a plus
- Knowledge of IEC 62304 software lifecycle processes, a plus
- Familiarity with ISO 13485 quality management systems, a plus
- Experience with FDA Design Controls and Design History Files (DHF), a plus
- Experience developing software for robotics, automation, or precision instrumentation, a plus
- Knowledge of machine vision integration, image processing, or computer vision, a plus
- Experience with Python scripting for automation and test development, a plus
- Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices for connected medical devices, a plus
- Experience with Agile software development methodologies, a plus
- Knowledge of Jira, Confluence, and requirements management tools, a plus
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing or simulation environments, a plus
Company Offers:
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and education
- Comprehensive benefits package available: (healthcare, vision, dental and life insurances; 401k; PTO and holidays)
- A collaborative and diverse work environment where our teams thrive on solving complex challenges
- Ability to file IP with the company
- Connections with world class researchers and their laboratories
- Collaboration with strategic leaders in healthcare and pharmaceutical world
- A mission driven organization where every team member will be responsible for changing the standards of delivering healthcare
Clarapath is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, Clarapath complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.