Senior Control Engineering Lead in Prosthetics and Orthotics (d/f/m)
Business Unit: Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA
Location:
Duderstadt, NI, DE, 37115
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Contract Type: regular
Scope of employment: full-time
Contact Person: Lea Urbanczyk
Contact Information: [email protected]
Job ID: 8535
Summary Statement
The Global Research Hub Germany at Ottobock is seeking an experienced Senior Control Engineering Lead in Prosthetics and Orthotics (d/f/m) to lead a dedicated research group focused on next-generation control strategies for prosthetics and orthotics. Our department sits at the intersection of mechatronics, biomechanics, and human-machine interaction, and is committed to developing technologies that measurably improve the quality of life for people with mobility impairments.
This role is an opportunity to apply methods developed for demanding dynamic systems to one of the most impactful challenges in healthcare: help people maintain or regain freedom of movement and autonomy through intelligent assistive devices.
The position is located in our headquarter in Duderstadt near Göttingen.
Duties & Responsibilities
Take responsibility for a cross-project specialized topic on a global level
Lead projects on the topic of control and sensing for prosthetic and orthotic devices; scope research projects, define individual objectives, coordinate timelines, and ensure quality of output
Develop and maintain a multi-year research roadmap aligned to the department’s and broader technology vision; represent the group in departmental and cross-functional planning processes as well as externally
Advise internal partners and identify, initiate, and manage collaborations with external academic institutions and technology partners; contribute to grant applications and joint research programs where relevant
Investigate, design, and validate novel control architectures for lower- and upper-limb prosthetics and orthotics, integrate classical methods (model predictive control, impedance/admittance control, observer design) with AI/ML techniques (reinforcement learning, recurrent networks, data-driven system identification)
Develop and apply state estimation methods , including nonlinear Kalman filter variants, sensor fusion, and neural observers, to accurately characterise user intent, limb state, and terrain context from on-device sensor data
Design and coordinate experimental validation studies, including human subject testing under relevant protocols; analyse and interpret results and iterate on control designs accordingly
Evaluate and integrate intelligent sensor technologies (IMUs, EMG, force/torque, soft sensors) into control pipelines; assess signal quality, latency, and robustness requirements relevant to patient use
Benchmark control performance against state of the art; track competitor developments and emerging methodologies in wearable robotics, human-robot interaction, and assistive technology
Collaborate with product development, biomechanics, and clinical affairs teams to ensure research outputs are grounded in real user needs and compatible with regulatory and safety requirements (EU MDR, EU AI Act)
Prepare technical reports, and present results to internal leadership and external partners
Contribute to intellectual property processes including patent assessments and invention disclosures
Qualifications
PhD (or equivalent research experience) in Control Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
Minimum 5 years industry experience in control systems development for dynamic, safety-critical applications
Demonstrated experience leading or co-leading a research team, project group, or multi-person technical workstream
Advanced proficiency in nonlinear control design and analysis: model predictive control, impedance/admittance control, robust and adaptive control, stability analysis for time-varying systems
Strong background in state estimation for nonlinear systems: Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF), Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), particle filters, or equivalent Bayesian estimation methods
Demonstrated ability to integrate AI/ML methods into control or estimation pipelines: recurrent neural networks for dynamics modelling, convolutional or classification networks for context recognition, reinforcement learning for policy optimisation
Experience with system identification techniques, both model-based (frequency domain, parameter estimation) and data-driven (neural observers, regression models), applied to real hardware
Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for modelling and controller design; familiarity with Python-based ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, or equivalent) for AI-integrated pipelines
Practical experience designing and running experimental validation studies on physical mechatronic systems under realistic operating conditions
Strong systems-engineering mindset: able to move between mathematical formalism and implementation-level constraints without losing rigour
Collaborative and interdisciplinary orientation; comfortable working with biomechanists, clinical partners, software engineers, and product developers as peers
Clear and precise communicator in technical and non-technical contexts; able to present complex control concepts to varied audiences including clinicians and device users
High degree of intellectual curiosity and willingness to engage with a new application domain; prior experience in wearable robotics, orthotics, or prosthetics is advantageous but not required
Proficiency in English (working language of the department) and German language
Benefits
Competitive compensation package
30 days of vacation
Flexibility: Flexible work hours and the opportunity for remote work
Retirement benefits: Company pension plan, capital-forming benefits
Health and well-being: EGYM Wellpass, company sports (e.g., yoga, volleyball, tennis), external counseling for personal and professional matters
Mobility: Carpooling platform, access to the company vehicle pool for business trips, bicycle leasing (JobRad & Bikeleasing)
Discounts & perks: Corporate benefits and offers from local partners
Onboarding & professional development: Personalized onboarding during the Ottobock Welcome Days & training opportunities at the Ottobock Academy
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Diversity at Ottobock
We believe in mutual respect, enjoyment at work, and a culture where everyone feels valued. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and welcome all applications - regardless of gender, age, nationality, disability, ethnic or social background, religion, or sexual orientation. We give special consideration to individuals with severe disabilities when equally qualified.
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Your future at Ottobock
Ottobock’s products and services combine over 100 years of tradition with outstanding innovation in the fields of prosthetics, neuro-orthotics, and exoskeletons. Ottobock develops innovative fitting solutions for people with limited mobility and is driving the digitalisation of the industry. Founded in Berlin in 1919, the company has business activities in 45 countries with nearly 9,300 employees worldwide and operates the largest international patient care network with around 400 patient care clinics. Ottobock’s mission of improving freedom of movement, quality of life and independence is deeply rooted in the company's DNA, as is its social commitment: Ottobock has been a partner and supporter of the Paralympics since 1988.
Apply now! Your ideas and commitment will inspire your colleagues and staff, and will further the interests of Ottobock. Be part of a dynamic, growing company with flat hierarchies. We offer a richly diverse field of work, individual development opportunities and extensive qualification programs in our Ottobock Academy.
Please only apply via our online job portal at jobs.ottobock.com. Please quote the Job-ID for the position in question, and also state your earliest starting date and salary requirements. We look forward to receiving your application!
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