Principal Mechanical / Industrial Designer

Abbott; Clonmel; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott Ireland is seeking a Principal Mechanical / Industrial Designer to lead the creation of breakthrough medical device technologies across a multi-year pipeline, from concept to commercialization, within a dynamic R&D team.

You will apply human factors and usability principles, mentor engineers, develop concepts with SolidWorks, and collaborate with physicians and senior leaders to shape Abbott's portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 7 minimum) in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Industrial Design, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 6+ years' experience with complex medical devices.
• Experience in regulated product development environments.
• Proven track record developing medical devices from concept through commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical and industrial design of novel medical devices from concept generation through commercialization.
• Drive innovation through user-centered solutions that meet clinical and customer needs.
• Apply human factors, ergonomics, and usability principles throughout device development.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple R&D projects.
• Develop concepts and detailed designs using SolidWorks.
• Lead prototyping activities using injection moulding, extrusion, additive manufacturing, and metal 3D printing.
• Drive material selection and sourcing activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver successful product outcomes.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Mentor engineers and designers across the organization.
• Act as a technical representative with physicians, partners, and senior leaders.
• Support verification and validation activities.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends.

Skills

Technical leadership

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

3D printing

Job description

Abbott in Ireland

Abbott has maintained a strong presence in Ireland since 1946 and celebrates its 80th anniversary in the country in 2026. The company supports the Irish healthcare sector with a broad portfolio spanning diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. Today, Abbott employs more than 6,200 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Abbott Ireland Vascular Division Clonmel

Abbott Vascular is one of the world's leading vascular care businesses. Abbott Vascular is uniquely focused on advancing the treatment of vascular disease and improving patient care by combining the latest medical device innovations with world-class pharmaceuticals, investing in research and development and advancing medicine through training and education.

Our broad line of vascular devices- which includes vessel closure, endovascular and coronary technologies, are used to treat vessel diseases of the heart, carotid arteries and peripheral blood vessels. These vessel diseases can lead to heart attack, stroke, critical limb ischemia and other serious vascular conditions.

• Please note any offer of employment for this position is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening, conducted by a medical practitioner designated by the Company.

Purpose Statement

Join a dynamic and highly visible R&D team at the forefront of medical device innovation. The Principal Mechanical / Industrial Designer will lead the creation of breakthrough device technologies across a multi-year pipeline of clinical and commercial products, transforming unmet clinical needs into meaningful healthcare solutions. This role combines technical leadership, creative problem-solving, and human-centered design to drive the development of novel devices from concept through commercialization. As a recognized design leader, you will influence product strategy, collaborate with physicians and senior business leaders, and play a key role in shaping the future of Abbott's medical device portfolio

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical and industrial design of novel medical devices from concept generation through commercialization
• Drive innovation through user-centered solutions that meet clinical and customer needs
• Apply human factors, ergonomics, and usability principles throughout device development
• Provide technical leadership across multiple R&D projects
• Develop concepts and detailed designs using SolidWorks
• Lead prototyping activities using injection moulding, extrusion, additive manufacturing, and metal 3D printing
• Drive material selection and sourcing activities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver successful product outcomes
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Mentor engineers and designers across the organization
• Act as a technical representative with physicians, partners, and senior leaders
• Support verification and validation activities
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 7 minimum) in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Industrial Design, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline
• Minimum 6+ years' experience of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Proven track record developing complex medical devices from concept through commercialization
• Experience working in regulated product development environments

Technical / Business Knowledge (Job Skills)

• Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks and mechanical design methodologies
• Strong knowledge of human factors engineering and ergonomics
• Hands-on experience with advanced prototyping and manufacturing technologies
• Expertise in material selection and design for manufacturability
• Strong problem-solving and innovation skills
• Demonstrated technical leadership and stakeholder influence
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Understanding of design controls, risk management, verification, and validation
• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally
• Continuous improvement mindset and awareness of emerging technologies

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives : Abbott in Ireland | Benefits

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