Principal R&D Engineer - Articulating Surgical Instruments

Principal R&D Engineer - Dynamic Articulating Surgical Instruments

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Principal R&D Engineer

Dynamic Articulating Surgical Instruments

Company Overview

Join a well‑capitalized Boston‑area surgical robotics startup pioneering the next generation of endoluminal surgical solutions. We are developing advanced robotic systems that enable minimally invasive procedures through natural body openings, combining cutting‑edge robotics, advanced materials, and sophisticated control systems to transform patient outcomes. This new start‑up is currently sitting on over $450M+ in secured private equity funding along with a structured build‑to‑buy contract with a global market leader in surgical solutions.

Position Summary

We are seeking an exceptional Principal R&D Engineer to lead the design and development of dynamic articulating surgical instruments for our endoluminal robotic platform. This role demands a rare combination of mechanical design expertise, deep understanding of surgical workflows, and innovative problem‑solving to create instruments that operate in the uniquely constrained environments of endoluminal surgery. You will drive technical strategy, mentor engineers, and deliver breakthrough solutions that define the future of minimally invasive surgery.

• Lead end‑to‑end design and development of articulating surgical instruments with multiple degrees of freedom for endoluminal applications, from concept through clinical validation and manufacturing transfer
• Drive innovation in mechanism design for miniaturised articulating joints, cable‑driven actuation systems, and force transmission architectures that maintain performance through tortuous anatomical pathways
• Establish design requirements by collaborating closely with surgeons, clinical specialists, and product management to translate surgical needs into rigorous engineering specifications
• Architect instrument systems that integrate seamlessly with robotic control platforms, including mechanical interfaces, sensor integration for force and position feedback, and compliance mechanisms for safe tissue interaction
• Develop and execute comprehensive testing protocols including bench testing, cadaveric studies, and design verification activities to demonstrate safety, efficacy, and reliability under physiological conditions
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers working on instrument development
• Drive resolution of complex technical challenges involving material selection, sterilisation compatibility, biocompatibility, fatigue life, and manufacturing feasibility for precision miniaturised components
• Contribute to intellectual property development through patent disclosures and support regulatory submissions including design history files, risk analyses, and technical documentation for FDA 510(k) or PMA pathways

• PhD or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field with 10+ years (MS) or 7+ years (PhD) of progressive experience in medical device R&D
• Demonstrated expertise in designing articulating surgical instruments, catheter‑based devices, or endoscopic tools with proven track record of bringing products from concept to market
• Deep knowledge of mechanism design for miniaturised systems including cable‑driven architectures, compliant mechanisms, and multi‑axis articulation joints
• Proficiency with CAD tools (Solid Works, NX, or Creo) and experience with FEA, kinematic simulation, and tolerance analysis for precision assemblies
• Strong understanding of medical device materials including stainless steels, nitinol, advanced polymers, and coating technologies relevant to surgical applications
• Working knowledge of medical device design controls, risk management (ISO 14971), and regulatory requirements for Class II/III devices

• Experience specifically with robotic surgical systems or teleoperated instruments
• Background in endoluminal, endoscopic, or catheter‑based device development
• Hands‑on experience with sensor integration including force/torque sensing, position feedback, and haptic systems
• Familiarity with biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993), sterilisation validation, and human factors engineering
• Published patents in surgical instrumentation or related fields
• Experience working in fast‑paced startup environments with ability to balance innovation with practical constraints