Robotics Engineer/Scientist

Job Title: Robotics Engineer/Scientist – Acoustic Manipulation & Robotics

Location : London, UK

Industry : Deep Tech, Acoustic Levitation, Holography, Robotics & Computer Vision, Real-time High Performance Software/Hardware Systems, AI/ML, Physical AI

Employment Type : Full-time

Reports to: Cross-Product R&D Division

About AcoustoFab

AcoustoFab is a contact-free robotics company that is pioneering the next generation of lab automation and precision handling solutions through sound-based levitation technology. We are a rapidly growing, deep-tech life sciences company building machines that move matter using sound waves. As we prepare for future commercial instrument launches, we are looking for engineers excited by the intersection of high-performance computing and real-world device engineering.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth, with a strong focus on refining our hardware designs, optimizing production processes, and scaling our technology to meet the demands of real-world applications. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of acoustic technology, contributing directly to groundbreaking advancements in lab automation, contactless robotics and beyond.

Role Overview

We are looking for a hands-on, Applied R&D Engineer/Scientist to help advance the development of next-generation contactless sample handling systems based on acoustic levitation. This particular role sits at the intersection of applied physics, control systems, and experimental robotics and lab automation.

Working within our R&D team, this role is ideal for someone who thrives in experimental, high-autonomy environments and is eager to explore, challenge and implement complex ideas independently—without needing tightly defined tasks or constant direction. You’ll be expected to pick up an understanding of the fundamental physics, the challenges at play, maybe dig into existing codebases, prototype new approaches quickly, and help drive innovation in acoustic and holographic systems across AcoustoFab’s core applications.

We’re not just looking for a researcher or engineer—we want someone who enjoys building stuff. Someone who codes, tests, and iterates. Someone who can challenge ideas constructively, contribute independently, and move fast, while complementing a deep-tech R&D culture.

The ideal candidate is someone who has already built real-world experimental systems where software, sensing, control and hardware had to work together. We are looking for someone who can take an uncertain technical objective, understand the physics, write or modify the code, interface with hardware, run experiments, analyse failures, and iterate quickly.

We understand that people come from very varied backgrounds and taken different journeys - so we are open to all applied enthusiasts of engineering and science who are good at implementing real-world things - so don’t worry if your background doesn’t necessarily tick every single box. We’d love to hear from you. For example, the role will probably suit:

• Physicists who love going beyond just theory, and enjoy building real-world implementations with software, hardware and mechanical prototypes.
• Engineers (software, electronics, mechanical) who love building novel ground-breaking technology based on applying different types of physics and science to create near-magical outcomes.

We build real world systems, not just theoretical models - so this particular role is all about building practical, fast, robust real world systems – typically using C++ specialised hardware, computer-vision, embedded systems, FPGA’s – whatever it takes to build the worlds’ best, most unique way to levitate and manipulate real objects and materials in the air!

Typical Responsibilities

• Design and implement closed-loop control systems , integrating imaging and sensor feedback for real-time droplet tracking and adaptive actuation
• Design, implement and optimise algorithms for acoustic field synthesis, and control algorithms for stable levitation and manipulation of droplets, powders and small solids including real-time and near-real-time applications.
• Work with C++, OpenCL, CUDA, Python, and OpenGL as necessary to develop and optimize software for high-performance rendering and acoustic control systems. This may also include the application of Machine Learning and AI technologies where appropriate.
• Prototype and test new ideas independently, rapidly exploring feasibility and performance of novel algorithms or approaches. P rovably validate/characterise innovation in a data driven way.
• Conduct experimental validation of multi-material handling workflows (e.g. merging, transport, integrity, analysis, reaction monitoring).
• Help Improve system robustness and repeatability across varying environmental conditions and material properties.
• Collaborate on data telemetry , integration with analytical instruments and lab workflows, enabling end-to-end automation and data collection.
• Contribute to prototype development, technical documentation, patents and scientific publications. Facilitate and support new feature hand-off to product teams as appropriate.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly within a multidisciplinary team, including providing input into software architecture, research planning, and technical demos.

Qualifications [Required Profile]

Education

• Degree (Masters, PhD a bonus) in Computer Science/Engineering, Physics, Engineering, Robotics, Cybernetics, or a related field. Equivalent industry or research experience also considered.

Experience [Ideal Profile]



Strong background and real-world experience in at least two of :

• Control systems or Robotics (feedback, high-speed real-time systems, optimisation and tuning)
• Computer vision or sensing for physical systems
• Applied Machine Learning/AI or Physical AI
• Experience with experimental hardware systems and rapid prototyping
• Acoustics / ultrasonics / wave physics
• High Proficiency in C++ , Python, Rust or similar for real-time sensing, control and modelling
• Ability to translate research insights into working prototypes

You’ll stand out if you have:

• Practical experimental experience with acoustics, phased arrays, FPGA systems, fluidics, aerodynamics or real-time signal processing
• Familiarity with microfluidics, lab automation, or bio/chemical workflows
• Exposure to applied machine learning, AI or adaptive control methods
• Data science techniques, data preparation of real-time and/or post-capture telemetry
• Experience with cloud-hosted functions (e.g. AWS, Azure, GCP etc)

What We Offer

• Hybrid Working: Access to our central London lab with a flexible hybrid culture.
• Technical Impact: The chance to work hands-on with breakthrough technology where your code directly controls physical matter.
• Growth: Clear progression potential into senior product, systems, or software engineering leadership roles.
• Innovation: A well-funded start-up environment where you can contribute to patents and high-impact products.

Join Us

If you are excited about building the fundamentals of a programmable, contact-free manipulation platform - where different kinds of materials can become software-defined objects - enabling new experimental paradigms in chemistry, biology and other domains – we’d love to hear from you.