Controls & Systems-Design Consultant
Astera
Posted
Jul 23, 2026
Location
Remote
Type
Contract
Mission
What you will drive
- Define control-system requirements and constraints for the DNA Origami actuatorโsensor system, including sensor bandwidth, noise floor, latency, actuator drive-signal range, and end-to-end observability.
- Review field-effect position-sensor and electrostatic drive-stack designs through a controls lens to flag choices that hinder stabilization, identification, or estimation.
- Specify data logging requirements for early experiments to support system identification and ML modeling.
- Sketch closed-loop control architecture and simulation/estimation plan for handoff to incoming full-time Controls engineer.
Impact
The difference you'll make
This role directly enables the development of a DNA-origami electrostatic actuator, advancing molecular-scale control systems that could revolutionize fields like nanomedicine, materials science, and biotechnology, steering science toward an abundant future.
Profile
What makes you a great fit
- PhD or MS (or equivalent industry depth) in controls, robotics, electrical engineering, or related field with hands-on closed-loop control-system design.
- Track record translating plant and sensor characteristics into design constraints, ideally for noisy, nanoscale, or precision-instrumentation systems.
- Strength in system identification and estimation (Kalman filters/observers) and specifying data capture for later modeling.
- Comfort advising a physics and wet-lab team fractionally with occasional on-site collaboration.
Benefits
What's in it for you
Competitive contract rate commensurate with experience and scope. Remote-friendly with occasional on-site collaboration in Emeryville, CA. Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology at a high-velocity, mission-driven foundation.