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Probe Engineer

Astera Institute· Neuro
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Alameda$200k - $350kFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Probe engineers design and build recording hardware for neural interfaces, including flexible high-density neural probes, insertion needles, and precision robotic systems for large-scale brain recording while protecting tissue.

Responsibilities

  • Design flexible, high-density neural probes; thin-film polymer arrays patterned with hundreds to thousands of microelectrodes, from layout through fabrication and encapsulation.
  • Build probe-to-chip integration and the readout signal chain, bonding high-density electrode arrays to amplifier and acquisition electronics, and developing the low-noise front-end that amplifies, digitizes, and streams microvolt neural signals to the acquisition system.
  • Design insertion needles and needle-pincher mechanisms; micro-machined and electrochemically etched tools that grasp, insert, and release flexible probes at micron-scale placement accuracy.
  • Develop insertion strategies that solve the hard mechanics of putting a flexible thread into soft tissue; managing bending stiffness and buckling, temporarily stiffening the probe for insertion, and mitigating the forces that build up across many closely spaced insertions.
  • Build a precision insertion robot; multi-axis motion, servo and linear-motor drives, and the real-time control that makes placement fast, accurate, and repeatable.
  • Develop machine-vision guidance for the robot; imaging and computer vision that locate targets, guide the needle to them, and avoid surface vasculature during insertion.
  • Build electrode characterization and process pipelines, impedance and electrochemistry (e.g., Pt, PEDOT coatings), yield, and reliability testing that turn a working prototype into a manufacturable part.

Qualifications

  • Strong hands-on engineering across mechanical design and prototyping; you move fluently between CAD, the machine shop, and the benchtop.
  • Experience building precision electromechanical or robotic systems (multi-axis motion, servo/linear-motor control, tight tolerance stacks).
  • Familiarity with microfabrication and thin-film processes (photolithography, deposition, etching, cleanroom work), or a demonstrated ability to pick them up fast.
  • Comfort with real-time control and the software that drives hardware (Python plus C/C++ or comparable; embedded, FPGA, or RTOS a plus).
  • Working knowledge of the signal-acquisition chain – how low-level analog signals are amplified, digitized, and acquired – and comfort collaborating with electronics engineers on it.
  • Genuine interest in building instruments for neuroscience, and in the tissue-mechanics constraints that make this problem hard.

Skills

Required:Mechanical design and prototypingPrecision electromechanical/robotic systemsMicrofabrication and thin-film processesReal-time control softwareSignal acquisition chain

Benefits

  • Astera Neuro provides a comprehensive benefits package and total compensation that is competitive and commensurate with the level of experience and qualifications.
Last updated Sep 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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