In this paper we investigate issues related to the control of linear multivariate systems which contain structured, parametric-type uncertainties. The objective is to construct parameter-independent proper compensators that provide ‘robust control’. Specifically, we consider the question of robust pole assignment. Systems are described by matrix fraction representations which involve a structured parametric form of uncertainty. We suggest conditions for robust pole assignability and demonstrate how to construct the required proper compensators. For the problem considered, we show that the class of systems which satisfy these conditions is quite large and we include results on generic solvability. The method is demonstrated by a physical example.