About this role
Job Title: Mechatronics Software EngineerJob DescriptionThe Mechatronics Software Engineer supports and advances TwinCAT-based robotic systems by diagnosing and resolving issues, enhancing motion control performance, and integrating new electromechanical components. This role combines hands-on work with high-voltage equipment, embedded software development, and close collaboration with controls, mechanical, and electrical teams to ensure large-scale robotic systems operate reliably and efficiently. The engineer works primarily on firmware-level C/C++ code and mechatronic systems, contributing to both robotics and broader mechatronics platforms in a fast-growing organization. Responsibilities • Contribute to sustaining engineering efforts for TwinCAT-based robotic systems by independently triaging, diagnosing, and resolving software, electrical, and mechanical issues. • Design, integrate, and validate electromechanical systems for large-scale robotics applications, ensuring reliable performance and safety. • Configure, tune, and commission servo drives, motors, encoders, and related motion hardware within an EtherCAT-based control architecture. • Develop and maintain low-level embedded software for motion control, I/O management, and hardware interfacing using C/C++ or equivalent real-time environments. • Collaborate closely with controls engineers to translate motion requirements into drive configurations, tuning parameters, and electrical implementations. • Support the design and layout of electrical panels, cable assemblies, and interface hardware in coordination with mechanical and electrical teams. • Develop and execute hardware integration and acceptance test procedures across robotic subsystems to verify functionality and performance. • Contribute to simulation environments by providing accurate actuator and drive models that reflect real-world hardware behavior. • Maintain comprehensive electrical documentation, including wiring diagrams, bills of materials (BOMs), drive configuration records, and commissioning checklists. • Participate in design and code reviews to maintain consistency, quality, and best practices across hardware and software deliverables. • Work hands on with high-voltage (up to 480 V) devices, including wiring, integration, and safety-conscious debugging. • Integrate new devices into existing systems by modifying and extending software so that new hardware is recognized and properly controlled. • Perform hands-on troubleshooting to determine whether issues originate from software, mechanical, or electrical systems and drive root cause analysis. • Review and update firmware-level C++ control code to ensure systems are running, tuned, and functioning as intended, including adjusting commands to achieve desired behaviors. • Support testing and troubleshooting of deployed systems in field or test environments, providing ongoing support for both robotics and mechatronics platforms. Essential Skills • At least 3 years of experience in software engineering using C++ and/or C in real-time or embedded environments. • Hands-on experience with EtherCAT-based control architectures. • Experience with TwinCAT, including troubleshooting and commissioning of motion systems. • Proven experience with motion control and multi-axis systems. • Background in robotics, including an understanding of kinetics and applied mathematics relevant to motion control. • Embedded software or firmware development experience for hardware control and interfacing. • Demonstrated ability to work hands on with high-voltage devices (up to 480 V), including wiring and safe handling. • Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, and control systems, including root cause analysis. • Ability to configure, tune, and commission servo drives, motors, encoders, and related motion hardware. • Comfort working at the firmware level in C++ to update, modify, and maintain control code. • Ability to independently triage, diagnose, and resolve issues in complex robotic or mechatronic systems. • Effective collaboration skills for working with controls, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications • Experience designing, integrating, and validating electromechanical systems for large-scale robotics applications. • Familiarity with hardware integration and acceptance testing procedures for robotic subsystems. • Experience contributing to simulation environments by creating accurate actuator and drive models. • Ability to maintain detailed electrical documentation, such as wiring diagrams, BOMs, and commissioning checklists. • Experience supporting the design and layout of electrical panels, cable assemblies, and interface hardware. • Exposure to both robotics and broader mechatronics systems, including fielded systems in test environments. • Interest in working in a growing organization and contributing to the evolution of both software and hardware platforms. • Comfort in a role that blends sustaining engineering, support, and continuous improvement of existing systems. Work EnvironmentThis is a fully onsite role that requires daily presence at the facility to work hands on with robotic and mechatronic products. The engineer works directly with high-voltage (up to 480 V) equipment, servo drives, motors, encoders, and EtherCAT-based control hardware, as well as embedded and firmware-level C/C++ software. The environment includes lab, shop, and test-area settings, including a back-lot test area where systems are deployed for testing and troubleshooting. The role is highly collaborative, involving frequent interaction with controls, mechanical, and electrical teams, and offers the opportunity to support and refine systems already in the field. The organization is growing, providing a dynamic setting with expanding teams and responsibilities, and offers benefits such as paid holidays and dedicated paid time for certain activities. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $58.00 - $72.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.