Scientist – Soft Robotics & Smart Textiles in London

We are a deep-tech startup developing next-generation wearable robotic systems that combine soft actuation and textile-integrated sensing. Our mission is to create adaptive apparel that enhances human movement, health, and performance in everyday and clinical environments. Operating in stealth mode, we are building a founding technical team to shape breakthrough technology from the ground up. We are seeking a Scientist specialising in soft robotics and smart textiles to drive research, prototyping, and integration of our textile-embedded actuation and sensing systems.

Responsibilities

• R&D & Core Technology Development
  • Lead research in textile-integrated soft robotics, focusing on compliant actuation and embedded sensing.
  • Design, build, and iterate multilayer textile prototypes, including composites, functional textiles, and smart materials.
  • Explore and characterise adaptive actuation systems suited for wearable use (e.g., pneumatic, compliant, or shape-changing mechanisms).
  • Develop and validate sensing concepts (e.g., strain, pressure, EMG, IMU) embedded directly into textile structures.
• Integration & System Engineering
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, and software teams to integrate actuation systems, textile-based sensors, and control electronics and algorithms.
  • Support development of closed-loop wearable systems (sensing to interpretation to actuation).
  • Translate human-movement insights into requirements for fit, actuation behaviour, and sensing placement.
• Biomechanics, Physiology & Testing
  • Conduct body-on tests to evaluate performance, comfort, and mechanics of prototypes.
  • Support development of protocols to assess durability, movement response, safety, and long-term behaviour.
  • Work with clinical or human-performance partners to refine testing methodologies.
• Prototyping & Validation
  • Produce prototypes, rigs, and demonstrators to accelerate technology readiness.
  • Define material behaviours, failure modes, and performance criteria.
  • Contribute to internal documentation, publications, and IP generation.
• Strategic Contribution
  • Shape long-term technical roadmaps and influence product direction as part of the early founding team.
  • Help build lab capabilities, tools, and processes for ongoing R&D.

Your profile

Essential Requirements

• PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Textile Engineering, or equivalent industry R&D experience.
• Strong hands-on skills in smart textile fabrication (knitting, weaving, embroidery, lamination, bonding, or textile-integrated electronics).
• Experience with soft actuators (e.g., pneumatic, compliant, or shape-changing mechanisms).
• Ability to translate research into functional prototypes.
• Experience with mechanical characterisation, experimental design, or materials testing.
• A solution-driven mindset and comfort working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Desirable

• Experience with wearable robotic systems, exosuits, or textile-embedded sensors (pressure, strain, EMG, IMU).
• Familiarity with multilayer textile composite construction, bonding, or advanced fabrication techniques.
• Understanding of biomechanics, ergonomics, or human–machine interaction.
• Prior industry or startup experience developing physical products.
• Rapid prototyping, iteration, and user-testing experience.

Why us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to help define foundational technology at a stealth startup at the forefront of robotics.
• Significant scope for growth and leadership as part of the early team.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Visa sponsorship for candidates.