Scientist – Soft Robotics & Smart Textiles

We are a deep-tech startup developing next-generation wearable robotic systems that combine soft actuation and textile-integrated sensing. Our mission is to create adaptive apparel that enhances human movement, health, and performance in everyday and clinical environments.
Operating in stealth mode, we are building a founding technical team to shape breakthrough technology from the ground up.
We are seeking a Scientist specialising in soft robotics and smart textiles to drive research, prototyping, and integration of our textile-embedded actuation and sensing systems.

Key Responsibilities
R&D & Core Technology Development

• Lead research in textile-integrated soft robotics, focusing on compliant actuation and embedded sensing.
• Design, build, and iterate multilayer textile prototypes, including composites, functional textiles, and smart materials.
• Explore and characterise adaptive actuation systems suited for wearable use (e.g., pneumatic, compliant, or shape-changing mechanisms).
• Develop and validate sensing concepts (e.g., strain, pressure, EMG, IMU) embedded directly into textile structures.

• Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, and software teams to integrate:
  • Actuation systems
  • Textile-based sensors
  • Control electronics and algorithms
• Support development of closed-loop wearable systems (sensing to interpretation to actuation).
• Translate human-movement insights into requirements for fit, actuation behaviour, and sensing placement.

• Conduct body-on tests to evaluate performance, comfort, and mechanics of prototypes.
• Support development of protocols to assess durability, movement response, safety, and long-term behaviour.
• Work with clinical or human-performance partners to refine testing methodologies.

• Produce prototypes, rigs, and demonstrators to accelerate technology readiness.
• Define material behaviours, failure modes, and performance criteria.
• Contribute to internal documentation, publications, and IP generation.

• Shape long-term technical roadmaps and influence product direction as part of the early founding team.
• Help build lab capabilities, tools, and processes for ongoing R&D.

Essential Requirements

• PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Textile Engineering, or or equivalent industry R&D experience.
• Strong hands-on skills in smart textile fabrication (knitting, weaving, embroidery, lamination, bonding, or textile-integrated electronics).
• Experience with soft actuators (e.g., pneumatic, compliant, or shape-changing mechanisms).
• Ability to translate research into functional prototypes.
• Experience with mechanical characterisation, experimental design, or materials testing.
• A solution-driven mindset and comfort working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

• Experience with wearable robotic systems, exosuits, or textile-embedded sensors (pressure, strain, EMG, IMU).
• Familiarity with multilayer textile composite construction, bonding, or advanced fabrication techniques.
• Understanding of biomechanics, ergonomics, or human–machine interaction.
• Prior industry or startup experience developing physical products.
• Rapid prototyping, iteration, and user-testing experience.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to help define foundational technology at a stealth startup at the forefront of robotics.
• Significant scope for growth and leadership as part of the early team.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Visa sponsorship for candidates.