Embedded Systems Engineer (Firmware & Electronics)

At the Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (RELab) of ETH Zurich, we are developing ax|ReCover, a modular smartphone-based rehabilitation platform that aims to turn everyday smartphones into intelligent therapy devices for people with upper-limb impairments following neurological or traumatic injuries. Our unique solution combines modular hardware, embedded electronics, physiological and biomechanical sensing, and mobile software to make rehabilitation more accessible, engaging and personalised. We are looking for a new team member who wants to develop products that directly improve people's lives.

Project background

In the context of an Innosuisse funded project, we are looking for an Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong electronics background to lead the development and improvement of the embedded sensing platform of ax|ReCover. The funding for this specific position is limited to 16 months, and linked to specific work packages within that Innosuisse project. Working closely with our research team, you will be responsible for the embedded firmware and electronics that power our modular rehabilitation system, with the objective of transforming research prototypes into a robust, manufacturable product. This is a highly hands-on role spanning embedded software, electronics, sensors, prototyping and product development, in the field of neurorehabilitation technologies.

Job description

• Develop embedded firmware for our modular rehabilitation platform ax|ReCover.
• Design, implement and validate reliable sensor acquisition pipelines
• Integrate biomechanical and physiological sensors into embedded systems
• Develop Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication between ax|ReCover and the smartphone
• Implement synchronised sensor acquisition and data streaming
• Design and iterate electronic schematics and PCBs for new hardware revisions
• Select electronic components and contribute to electronics architecture decisions
• Bring up and validate custom PCBs
• Develop low-level drivers for sensors and communication peripherals
• Collaborate closely with the research team on electronics integration and prototype development
• Use oscilloscopes, logic analysers, mustimeters and other laboratory equipment to diagnose hardware and firmware issues
• Optimise power consumption, communication reliability and embedded system performance
• Support electronics testing, validation and design verification
• Help establish engineering processes and documentation for future regulatory development

Profile

• An MSc or BSc in Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Engineering, Robotics or a related discipline
• Strong C/C++ programming skills
• Experience developing and testing firmware for ARM Cortex-M or similar microcontrollers
• Experience with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
• Experience with SPI, I²C, UART, ADCs, DMA, interrupts and timers
• Experience designing or iterating custom embedded electronics, including schematic capture and PCB design using KiCad, Altium Designer or similar EDA software
• Experience bringing up and debugging custom PCBs
• Strong electronics experience, including reading and understanding electronic schematics, digital and basic analogue electronics, sensor integration, component selection, power management fundamentals, and hardware bring-up and validation
• Comfort using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, multimeters and other laboratory equipment
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills across both hardware and firmware
• Experience integrating sensors into embedded systems
• Willingness to work closely with a small, multidisciplinary research team, and a strong interest in digital health and neurorehabilitation
• Independence and a get-things-done mentality, with a self-starter attitude and comfort developing and testing novel ideas
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with first-rate written and spoken English and solid German skills.

Nice to have:

• Experience with Nordic nRF52/nRF54 or STM32 development, Zephyr RTOS or FreeRTOS, NFC or USB, low-power embedded design would be advantages
• Experience with battery-powered medical or wearable devices
• Familiarity with medical device development and regulations, including ISO 13485, IEC 60601 or related standards
• Experience with signal processing, particularly for physiological signals such as EDA (electrodermal activity) or ECG

We offer

• A unique and stimulating environment within a small, highly motivated team, with significant ownership over the product and engineering culture
• The opportunity to take a research prototype into a real, manufacturable medical product used by patients and clinicians
• Close collaboration with clinicians, industry partners and the RELab research environment at ETH Zurich
• Competitive salary

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining your motivation and experience in the field.
• CV including certificates (e.g., Master's and/or Bachelor's degree).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about ax|ReCover and the Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (RELab) can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to alexandra.retevoi@hest.ethz.ch (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
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