Kethos

Company Description

Kethos is a pre-market startup in active development, focused on building innovative automation technology that improves the safety, reliability, and efficiency of cleaning and handling surgical tools. Team members at Kethos collaborate across disciplines to design advanced systems that support high standards of cleanliness and infection control. We value innovation, quality, and practical solutions that directly impact patient safety and healthcare operational excellence.

Role Description

We are seeking a Robotics Engineer (1099 Contractor / Part-Time) based in the Holland, MI area. This role offers flexible hours with a hybrid arrangement combining remote work and hands-on, on-site integration in the local Holland area. While this is an initial 1099 contract position without benefits, there is strong potential to transition into a full-time role—with future state employment potentially including employee equity options as our development scales.

In this role, you will take the lead on programming and commissioning an EPSON 6-axis robot and managing broader machine automation tasks for our prototype systems. Your focus will be programming control routines, setting up machine safety systems, integrating vision systems, and managing various sensors and actuation controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, debug, and optimize an EPSON 6-axis robot using EPSON RC+ / SPEL+.
• Own the integration of core machine automation subsystems, including vision systems, safety interlocks, sensors, and actuator controls.
• Write, maintain, and troubleshoot control software and hardware interfaces for prototype cells.
• Take full ownership of the controls development process, running on-site testing and documenting sequence of operations with minimal oversight.
• Work flexibly between remote development/simulation and on-site integration in the Holland, MI area.

Qualifications

• Core Expertise: Hands-on experience programming EPSON 6-axis industrial robots (EPSON RC+ / SPEL+).
• General Machine Automation: Practical experience integrating vision systems, industrial sensors, pneumatic/electric actuation controls, and machine safety systems.
• Autonomy & Leadership: Highly driven, self-directed professional who takes initiative without needing step-by-step management. We are seeking a proactive technical lead who can grow into the future leader of the Kethos controls engineering team.
• Contractor Status: Available for 1099 part-time contract work with regular on-site access to the Holland, MI area.
• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent hands-on industry experience in controls and automation.
• Bonus: Familiarity with surgical instruments, medical device handling, or regulated healthcare/factory environments.