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Staff Mechanical Engineer

Job description

 

Now Hiring | Staff Mechanical Engineer | Medical Device | San Diego, CA

We are partnering with a venture-backed medical device start-up developing a Class II electromechanical medical device. Our client is looking for a hands-on, experienced Staff Mechanical Engineer to play a pivotal role in the design and development of their capital equipment and disposable products.

If you're passionate about building life-changing medical technology and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment — let's talk.


What You'll Do

As a Staff Mechanical Engineer, you'll own mechanical design and development from concept through production, working across a highly collaborative cross-functional team spanning electrical, software, clinical, and manufacturing.

  • Lead mechanical design and development of electromechanical components and subsystems
  • Translate user needs and system requirements into technical specifications
  • Own full product lifecycle activities including prototyping, testing, and design validation
  • Guide hardware design verification and validation activities, including IEC 60601-1 compliance
  • Conduct risk assessments (DFMEA) and implement design mitigations for thermal, mechanical, and safety-related hazards
  • Troubleshoot complex mechanical issues across prototype and production systems
  • Generate detailed technical documentation and work instructions
  • Collaborate with supply chain and procurement to select and qualify critical vendors and components
  • Partner with internal and external manufacturing teams to ensure manufacturability and scalability
  • Support audits, inspections, and quality control initiatives throughout the development process

What We're Looking For

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field required; M.S. preferred
  • 6+ years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience, with increasing levels of responsibility
  • Experience in a highly regulated industry — preferably Class II medical devices
  • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics as applied to precision thermal control systems
  • Proven ability to select materials compatible with chemically aggressive fluids and repeated thermal cycling
  • Strong proficiency in CAD, preferably SolidWorks, with a track record of production-ready designs
  • Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control, and medical device regulatory compliance
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams or mentor junior engineers
  • Excellent cross-functional communication skills and ability to engage with executive leadership
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced start-up environment

Bonus Points For

  • Knowledge of FDA regulations and ISO standards for medical devices
  • Hands-on experience designing closed-loop fluid systems operating at sub-zero temperatures
  • Experience in thermal insulation design, condensation management, and low-temperature environment controls
  • Background in refrigeration systems, cryogenics, or laboratory chillers in biomedical or industrial applications
  • Contributions to intellectual property — invention disclosures or patent filings