Mechatronics Engineer

• Job Description Job Title: Mechatronics / Robotics Systems Design Engineer
• Experience 2-5 years
• Location : Chennai

About Us Thryv Mobility is an early-stage startup focussed on developing the next generation of deep tech assistive devices. The team at Thryv Mobility includes engineers, scientists, academics and business and finance professionals based out of India and the UK. The startup is currently working on projects based on developing wheelchairs, power assists and smart mobility solutions. Thryv Mobility is a spin-out from the R2D2 lab at IIT Madras, and is also incubated at IITM Pravartak.

R2D2 is the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development at IIT Madras, headed by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The group is involved in research related to human movement and the design and development of rehabilitation and assistive devices for people with movement impairments. R2D2 engineers affordable products for rehabilitation needs in India and beyond, works with end-users, clinicians, NGOs and hospitals to field-test the designs, and fosters a research environment to evaluate assistive device designs from biomechanical and functional standpoints. Using appropriate technology, scientific methods and innovative translational models, R2D2 aims to enable easy accessibility and affordability of assistive devices and rehabilitation technologies. R2D2 has successfully transferred technology to like minded industrial partners such as Phoenix Medical Systems, and its own startups like NeoMotion and Thryv Mobility.

Role Summary The appointee to this post will work on designing and prototyping passive mechanical and active robotic/mechatronic assistive devices. The position is aimed to work on a range of devices from wheelchair accessories and power assists, to more advanced mobility solutions such as exoskeleton technologies amongst others. The appointee to this position would be expected to have a strong grasp on designing devices from first principles, and with a team of other engineers will work to refine and validate solutions in simulation, design and develop prototypes, interface with different sensing and actuation technologies, and program control systems for the same. As part of a team, the appointee would realize high TRL prototypes, submit publications to refereed journals and support attracting external research funding.

Key Responsibilities

I. Research, Conceptualization & Simulation System Design: Initiate and conceptualize ideas at both system and subsystem levels using physics-informed first principles. Physics Modeling: Simulate system dynamics by coding from first principles (MATLAB, Python, C/C++, etc.) or utilizing advanced simulation platforms (ROS Gazebo, Unity, MuJoCo). Design Iteration: Develop mechanical structures via CAD (eg. SolidWorks, Onshape, Fusion360) and refine designs through rigorous FEA/Simulation (Ansys/SimScale).

II. Prototyping & Systems Integration Advanced Fabrication: Execute the fabrication of developed designs using CNC machining, 3D printing, and other conven tional/modern manufacturing techniques. Hardware Integration: Realize full-scale prototypes by interfacing mechanical structures with diverse sensing and actuation technologies. Control Systems: Collaborate with the research team to program mechatronic platforms and implement control strategies ranging from traditional methods (PID, Optimal Control) to Learning Controls (Deep RL).

III. Testing, Data & Validation Experimental Protocol: Establish testing protocols and lead extensive validation sessions for developed robotic platforms. Data Integrity: Manage high-volume data acquisition pipelines, ensuring the absolute validity, reliability, and security of all experimental findings. Documentation: Maintain organized, accurate, and complete records of all technical data, codebases, and experimental iterations.

IV. Leadership, Collaboration & Strategy R&D Planning: Take initiative in planning the R&D roadmap and coordinate effectively with the broader engineering team to meet project milestones. Scientific Contribution: Draft technical reports for research sponsors, contribute to new grant applications, and author papers for high-impact refereed journals and conferences. Knowledge Sharing: Actively participate in group research meetings, internal seminars, and foster collaborations within the college and the wider scientific community. Mentorship & Safety: Conduct work with appropriate autonomy while complying with all Division and Unit safety practices; attend and lead safety training as required.

V. Professional Development Continuous Learning: Proactively upskill in emerging topics including Machine Learning, advanced control theory, and electronics to keep the project at the cutting edge.

Flexibility: Undertake any other duties as reasonably deemed necessary by the Head of Group or Division.

*Payscale is negotiable but will be primarily decided in accordance with the guidelines and policies set out by IIT Madras, which are fundamentally based on experience and education.

Person Specification Requirements

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate the following

Education

A undergraduate degree or MSc/MTech (or their equivalents) in Engineering; candidates with demonstrable experience in design and prototyping of mechatronics/robotics systems, DIY projects, etc.).

Experience/Knowledge

Excellent grasp of physics first-principles and designing mechanical/mechatronic systems using the same. Strong programming experience required to code equations obtained from free-body diagrams and modelling of dynamic systems using programming language of choice (MATLAB, Python, C/C++, etc.). Simulate and optimize developed devices either by programming them using first-principles or using simulation platforms like ROS Gazebo, Unity, Mujoco, etc.

Coordinate with technicians and other team members to realize prototypes using conventional/new fabrication methods including 3D printing, laser cutting, etc.

Integrating and interfacing mechanical structures with actuators and sensors to realize a robust and practical mechatronic/robotic system.

Strong experience programming mechatronic systems using a range of development boards as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP, Nvidia Jetson, STM32

Experience developing and programming control strategies for the developed mechatronic/robotic systems

Design mechanical parts and assemblies in CAD software (eg. SolidWorks, Fusion360, Onshape) and optimise using CAE software (eg. Ansys, SimScale).

Experience developing and programming machine-learning-base control strategies for the developed mechatronic/robotic systems.

Experience in planning and conducting user trials and reiterating developed designs.

Skills & Abilities

Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature (research papers, patents, etc.).

Ability to learn/apply new concepts, and have a creative approach to problem-solving.

Good verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people.

Good written communication skills and the ability to write succinctly for publication.

Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce a high standard of work.

Ability to organize own work with minimal supervision, and prioritize deadlines.

Other

Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative.

Flexible attitude towards work.

Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times.

Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role.

Willingness to travel both within India and abroad to conduct research, trials and attend conferences, work shops, exhibitions, etc.

*Please note that job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.