---
title: 'Probe Engineer at Astera Institute'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/probe-engineer-astera-institute-alameda-v8cj3qr564xq'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-08'
---

# Probe Engineer at Astera Institute

- **Company:** Astera Institute
- **Location:** Alameda, CA
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-09-01
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-08
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/astera/aa21faf2-6494-4dcf-9857-6eeaa84e5865

## Job description

Company Overview

Astera Neuro seeks to understand and engineer consciousness. We believe consciousness is the process by which the brain builds a coherent internal model of the world and the self. We aim to understand this model and to develop the technologies to write experience directly into the brain. By combining large-scale neural recording, causal perturbation, and brain-based AI, we seek to move neuroscience from observing correlates of experience to engineering it. The same tools carry direct therapeutic promise for neurological and psychiatric diseases that alter perception, thought, and sense of self. Because the science and tools required do not yet exist, we are assembling a founding team of neuroscientists, theorists, and engineers to create them. We do high-risk, high-reward science in a well-resourced, collaborative environment with competitive pay, and share everything openly under Astera's Open Science Policy.

Position Summary

Working closely with our experimental, surgical, and software teams, probe engineers here design and build the recording hardware – the probes, insertion mechanisms, and robotics that determine how much of the brain we can see, and how well.

The role spans three tightly coupled problems: the probe (thin, flexible, high-density electrode arrays), the needle (the micro-machined tool that carries a probe past the meninges without damaging it or the tissue), and the robot (the precision system that places many probes quickly, accurately, and repeatedly while avoiding vasculature). You will move fluidly across mechanical design, microfabrication, and control, and you will own hardware from initial concept through benchtop validation and into the recording rig.

We are hiring at multiple levels. As an Engineer, you will lead well-defined hardware projects with regular guidance. As a Senior Engineer, you will own hardware lines end-to-end, drive design decisions, and set fabrication and test strategy. As a Principal Engineer, you will define the probe and robotics roadmap, mentor engineers, and shape how mechanical, fabrication, and control work fit together at Astera. We will calibrate scope and title to your experience.

## What You’ll Do

- Design flexible, high-density neural probes; thin-film polymer arrays (polyimide, Parylene C, or comparable) patterned with hundreds to thousands of microelectrodes, from layout through fabrication and encapsulation.
- Build probe-to-chip integration and the readout signal chain, bonding high-density electrode arrays to amplifier and acquisition electronics, and developing the low-noise front-end that amplifies, digitizes, and streams microvolt neural signals to the acquisition system.
- Design insertion needles and needle-pincher mechanisms; micro-machined and electrochemically etched tools that grasp, insert, and release flexible probes at micron-scale placement accuracy.
- Develop insertion strategies that solve the hard mechanics of putting a flexible thread into soft tissue; managing bending stiffness and buckling, temporarily stiffening the probe for insertion, and mitigating the forces that build up across many closely spaced insertions.
- Build a precision insertion robot; multi-axis motion, servo and linear-motor drives, and the real-time control that makes placement fast, accurate, and repeatable.
- Develop machine-vision guidance for the robot; imaging and computer vision that locate targets, guide the needle to them, and avoid surface vasculature during insertion.
- Build electrode characterization and process pipelines, impedance and electrochemistry (e.g., Pt, PEDOT coatings), yield, and reliability testing that turn a working prototype into a manufacturable part.

## Who You Are

Required:

- Strong hands-on engineering across mechanical design and prototyping; you move fluently between CAD, the machine shop, and the benchtop.
- Experience building precision electromechanical or robotic systems (multi-axis motion, servo/linear-motor control, tight tolerance stacks).
- Familiarity with microfabrication and thin-film processes (photolithography, deposition, etching, cleanroom work), or a demonstrated ability to pick them up fast.
- Comfort with real-time control and the software that drives hardware (Python plus C/C++ or comparable; embedded, FPGA, or RTOS a plus).
- Working knowledge of the signal-acquisition chain – how low-level analog signals are amplified, digitized, and acquired – and comfort collaborating with electronics engineers on it.
- Genuine interest in building instruments for neuroscience, and in the tissue-mechanics constraints that make this problem hard.

Preferred/Nice to Have:

- Flexible/thin-film electrode microfabrication (polyimide, Parylene C, PDMS) and electrode electrochemistry.
- Micro-machining and electrochemical etching of fine metal tooling (e.g., tungsten, tungsten-rhenium).
- Low-noise analog/mixed-signal front-end design for recording microvolt-scale signals (amplification, filtering, multiplexing, digitization).
- High-density interconnect and packaging; bonding fine-pitch electrode arrays to electronics (e.g., flip-chip, wire bonding, ACF, or comparable).
- Precision motion control, machine vision, or real-time closed-loop robotics.
- Surgical or medical-device hardware, including sterilization, sterile workflow, and design under regulatory constraints.
- Neural interfaces, MEMS sensors, or other implantable devices.
- Contributions to open-source hardware, instrumentation, or scientific-computing projects.

Additionally Expected at Senior / Principal Level

- A track record of taking hardware from concept to working, validated device; owning design tradeoffs, fabrication, and test.
- Experience making and defending tradeoffs across precision, reliability, manufacturability, and biocompatibility.
- Comfort working across the stack, from mechanical design and fabrication to control software and system integration.
- A history of mentoring engineers or leading technical initiatives (Principal level).

Education

PhD with 3 to 12+ years of experience. Backgrounds in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or materials engineering, mechatronics, robotics, applied physics, MEMS/microfabrication, or related fields are all welcome. Graduate work or research experience is a plus but not required. We value demonstrated skill and relevant experience above credentials.

## Compensation

The posted salary range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location. · Benefits summary

## Why Join Us

Astera Neuro is hiring a probe engineer to design the flexible neural probes, insertion needles, and precision robotics that make large-scale recording possible: devices that place thousands of electrodes with micron precision while sparing the tissue around them. If you want to build the physical instrument at the heart of a new neuroscience, let’s talk.

Astera Neuro provides a comprehensive benefits package and total compensation that is competitive and commensurate with the level of experience and qualifications.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion!

## About Astera Institute

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Astera Institute is a nonprofit organization that funds and conducts high-impact scientific research and engineering projects focused on neuroscience, artificial general intelligence (AGI), and open science to accelerate positive futures for humanity.
- **Entity Type**: Private nonprofit (501(c)(3) private foundation)
- **Headquarters**: Berkeley, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2020
- **Founders**: Jed McCaleb (also co-founder of Stellar Development Foundation and founder of Vast)

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Research services, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, life sciences, grantmaking
- **Target customers**: Not applicable (nonprofit; serves the research community and the public through open science and foundational advances)
- **Mission / purpose**: Empower visionary, high-leverage science and technology projects with the capacity to create transformative progress for human civilization. Focus on areas like AGI, science, and climate that lack natural homes in the existing innovation ecosystem.

## Products & Services
Astera operates three main divisions (not commercial products):
- **Neuro & AGI**: Directed neuroscience and AI research effort to understand biological intelligence and engineer safe, successful general intelligence systems. [astera.org](https://astera.org/)
- **Radial**: Life sciences research division that funds and runs high-impact fundamental scientific challenges, testing new models for how science is conducted. [astera.org](https://astera.org/)
- **Foundation**: Centralized operational, financial support, and ecosystem-building for Neuro-AI, Science, and Strategic Investments. Also leads Residency and Fellowship programs. [astera.org](https://astera.org/)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not applicable (nonprofit)
- **Key Metrics**: 
  - **Total assets** (2023): $2,003,858,714 [causeiq.com](https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/astera-institute,845162617/)
  - **Total expenses** (2023): $27,504,754 [causeiq.com](https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/astera-institute,845162617/)
  - **Investment income and dividends** (2023): $58,598,494 [causeiq.com](https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/astera-institute,845162617/)
  - **Headcount**: 55 employees (+63.4% YoY) [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/astera-institute)
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Funded primarily by founder Jed McCaleb (grants contributed $131M in 2022). Key leaders include Prachee Avasthi (Head of Open Science), Doris Tsao (Chief Scientist – Neuro), Seemay Chou (CEO – Radial), and Dileep George (Co-Founder, Neuro & AGI). [astera.org](https://astera.org/team/)
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - 63.4% employee growth year-over-year (55 people) [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/astera-institute)
  - 23 active job postings (up 1050% YoY) [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/astera-institute)
  - LinkedIn followers grew 128.9% yearly [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/astera-institute)
  - Presence in Netherlands and United Kingdom [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/astera-institute)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Unique model**: Nonprofit foundation that internally incubates and directly funds high-risk, high-leverage research across neuroscience, AI, and life sciences — without the pressure of commercial returns.
- **Top-tier leadership**: Led by accomplished scientists (e.g., Doris Tsao, Dileep George) and experienced operators from organizations like Stellar, Google, and Arcadia Science. [astera.org](https://astera.org/team/)
- **Open science focus**: Strong commitment to open access research and new models for scientific collaboration, attracting talent who value transparency and impact.
- **Substantial capital base**: Over $2B in assets provides long-term runway for ambitious, multi-year projects.

## Strategic Focus
- Deepen understanding of biological intelligence through large-scale neural circuit analysis and causal manipulation (Neuro & AGI). [astera.org](https://astera.org/)
- Continue incubation of radical science projects via Radial, particularly in aging, biotech, and platforms. [causeiq.com](https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/astera-institute,845162617/)
- Expand the Residency and Fellowship programs to attract diverse scientific and engineering talent. [astera.org](https://astera.org/)
- Scale operations and hiring: current job postings span roles from vivarium operations manager to research scientists in energy-based models and distributed simulation systems. [jobs.ashbyhq.com](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/astera)

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-driven work**: Directly contribute to foundational research that could reshape humanity’s future with AGI and novel science.
- **Benefits**: Full-time W2 employees receive top-tier medical/dental/vision insurance, 403(b) retirement plans, long-term disability plan, health/dependent-care FSAs, and commuter pre-tax accounts. [astera.org](https://astera.org/careers/)
- **Culture**: Described as an equal opportunity employer committed to equity and inclusion, encouraging diverse applicants. Emphasis on open science, experimentation, and high-leverage impact. [astera.org](https://astera.org/careers/)
- **Work setup**: Headquarters in Berkeley, CA; also has staff in the Netherlands and UK. Specific remote/hybrid policy not disclosed but multiple job postings suggest flexible arrangements.
- **Team composition**: Highly technical and research-oriented (21 researchers, 10 technical staff, 6 medical). Staff previously from Google, Stanford, UCSF, Arcadia Science, Relay Therapeutics. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/astera-institute)
- **Rapid growth**: 63% YoY headcount increase and 1050% growth in job postings signal an expanding organization with ample career opportunities.

## Sources
1. [astera.org](https://astera.org/) – Homepage and division descriptions
2. [astera.org](https://astera.org/team/) – Leadership team details
3. [astera.org](https://astera.org/careers/) – Benefits and culture
4. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/astera-institute) – Company page with headcount, growth, job postings, and talent sources
5. [causeiq.com](https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/astera-institute,845162617/) – Financials (990-PF: revenues, expenses, assets, program areas)
6. [jobs.ashbyhq.com](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/astera) – Active open positions list

## Other roles at Astera Institute

- [Open Science Data Steward](https://feeny.ai/job/open-science-data-steward-astera-institute-emeryville-an38zx6jn5yj) — Emeryville, CA
- [Open Science Policy and Operations Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/open-science-policy-and-operations-manager-astera-institute-emeryville-e9favr4btbyy) — Emeryville, CA
- [Scientific Writer, Life Science (Radial)](https://feeny.ai/job/scientific-writer-life-science-radial-astera-institute-emeryville-fs8456g7v3fx) — Emeryville, CA
- [Principal AI Scientist (Polytope Bio)](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-ai-scientist-polytope-bio-astera-institute-remote-5wqeq3z45wdk)
- [Senior Research Associate or Scientist 1 (Polytope Bio)](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-research-associate-or-scientist-1-polytope-bio-astera-institute-dcpccg9h5c24) — Emeryville, CA
- [Research Scientist, Multiregional Electrophysiology of Rodent Cognition](https://feeny.ai/job/research-scientist-multiregional-electrophysiology-of-rodent-cognition-astera-cqc9p1d3hhvq) — Alameda, CA
- [Research Scientist/Engineer, Deep Brain Two Photon Imaging and Optogenetics](https://feeny.ai/job/research-scientist-engineer-deep-brain-two-photon-imaging-and-optogenetics-67dzysn3hyam) — Alameda, CA
- [Lead Scientist, Primate Whole-Brain Mapping & Atlas Development](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-scientist-primate-whole-brain-mapping-atlas-development-astera-institute-cxkjfnk72fvb) — Alameda, CA
- [Research Scientist, All-Optical Investigation of Rodent Cognition](https://feeny.ai/job/research-scientist-all-optical-investigation-of-rodent-cognition-astera-6mt4g8pwc4hn) — Alameda, CA
- [Optical Engineer, Precision Instrumentation](https://feeny.ai/job/optical-engineer-precision-instrumentation-astera-institute-alameda-t3gpdst5ecvz) — Alameda, CA