Robotics Software Engineer – ROS2 (PhD required)

Location: Barcelona, Spain (incorporation in January 2027)

About Us: We are a pioneering start-up that creates lightweight, quick-to-adjust, and accessible robotic exoskeletons for rehabilitation. Our mission is to democratize access to this technology, improving rehabilitation, health and quality of life for millions of people with mobility impairments.

Position Overview

ABLE Human Motion's R&D team is seeking a Robotics Software Engineer to contribute to the development of advanced control and software technologies for our robotic exoskeletons.

Responsabilities

• Support the transition from an embedded Python system to a ROS2-based architecture, from high-level design to implementation and validation.
• Design and implement new control strategies and functionalities for robotic lower-limb exoskeletons.
• Define and promote ROS2 best practices, including node architecture, communication patterns, lifecycle management, and deployment strategies.
• Contribute to the definition of robust software maintenance and scalability strategies, including modularity, testing, and long-term maintainability.
• Design and implement testing strategies using simulation environments to validate control and system behavior.
• Participate in research projects related to Reinforcement Learning applied to robotic systems, particularly through simulation-based approaches.
• Contribute to code reviews, technical documentation and software development processes.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams (control, mechanical design, clinical partners, physiotherapists).

Requirements

• Completed PhD in Robotics, Control Engineering, Computer Science or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of professional or research hands-on experience developing robotic systems using ROS 2 beyond just academic/simulation work.
• Strong programming skills in modern C++ and Python.
• Strong understanding of software architecture in robotic systems.
• Experience with Git and modern development workflows, including CI/CD.
• Familiarity with motion-control communication protocols such as CANOpen or EtherCAT, as well as general communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, etc.).
• Legal authorisation to work in Spain.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with software development in regulated/safety-critical environments (e.g. IEC 62304, ISO 13485).
• Experience working with Raspberry Pi or similar embedded computing platforms.
• Experience using Docker in robotics or embedded systems.
• Hands-on experience with robot simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Ignition, or similar).
• Experience applying or researching Reinforcement Learning in robotics.
• A strong Maker / DIY mindset - you enjoy building, experimenting, and bringing ideas to life.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on physical robotic systems used in real clinical environments.
• Meaningful work developing technology that directly improves people's mobility and rehabilitation.
• A technically challenging role at the intersection of robotics, control, and human interaction, with significant influence over architecture, technical direction, and best practices.
• A collaborative, research-driven environment with room to explore new ideas.
• Full-time contract with competitive compensation aligned with experience and responsibilities. And flexible hours, with the option of telework 2 days a week.

How to Apply? Send an email to [email protected] attaching your CV with the subject "Robotics Engineer ROS2".