Biomechanical Research and Testing Engineer II

Alphatec Spine Inc.; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Alphatec Spine Inc. seeks a mechanical engineer to support biomechanical evaluations of spinal implants and instrumentation for new product development.

You will plan and execute testing to generate high-quality data and communicate results to cross-functional teams. Responsibilities include designing cadaveric spine studies, coordinating with R&D, Regulatory, and Marketing, performing implant testing, analyzing data, and preparing technical documentation for internal and external audiences

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of medical device industry or biomechanical research experience.
• Cadaveric spine testing experience and protocol development.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and test hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of cadaveric biomechanical studies.
• Collaborate with R&D, Regulatory, Marketing, and Sales to align studies with objectives.
• Perform implant mechanical testing of moderate scope per standards.
• Analyze complex datasets and present results to teams and regulators.
• Prepare accurate technical documentation and test reports.

Skills

Cadaveric spine testing

Protocol development

Data analysis

Teaching/communication

Programming

Education

BS, MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Excel

Job description

Contribute to the advancement of ATEC's technologies by supporting biomechanical evaluation of spinal implants and instrumentation for new product development and biomechanics research. This involves planning and executing testing of devices according to recognized standards, and the design and execution of mechanical and cadaveric studies to evaluate device performance to generate high-quality experimental data, and interpreting/communicating results to cross-functional teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of cadaveric biomechanical studies.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams (e.g. R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, Sales) to identify evidence gaps and align research studies with product and business objectives.
• Conduct implant mechanical testing of moderate scope, according to recognized standards and internal procedures.
• Organize and analyze complex data sets, and contribute to the dissemination of scientific findings through presentation and writing for both internal and external audiences, including reports, conference abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, product collateral.
• Prepare clear, complete and accurate technical engineering documentation.
• Responsible for aspects of calibration, safety, maintenance, and efficient utilization of testing equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Design and oversee fabrication of test fixtures for routine and custom testing requirements.
• Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new projects or assignments.

• Proven cadaveric spine testing expertise, including protocol development and experiment preparation, execution and analysis.
• Experience with experimental test system function and design (e.g., controllers, sensors, actuators, data acquisition systems)
• Programming and data analysis experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Excel)
• Demonstrated experience with test system programming and automation (e.g., LabVIEW or similar data acquisition and control software)
• Experience working with motion capture systems
• Experience with operating servohydraulic test machines (e.g., Instron, MTS).
• Robust solid mechanics fundamentals.
• Knowledge of testing standards relevant to spinal devices.
• Understanding of regulatory pathways.
• Experience performing research literature reviews and developing test protocols for biomechanics research.
• Strong technical writing skills with ability to communicate test results to internal customers and regulatory agencies.
• Detail-oriented, resourceful problem solver, with effective organizational skills.
• Experience with a 3D CAD system, preferably SolidWorks.
• Ability to be work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Education and Experience

• BS, MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 2+ years of medical device industry or relevant biomechanical research experience in orthopaedic field, preferably spine.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Other Disclosures

ATEC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to its employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state or local laws. Further, ATEC will make reasonable accommodations that are necessary to comply with disability discrimination laws.

For roles based in the United States that require access to hospital facilities, must be eligible for and maintain credentials at all required hospitals, including meeting any applicable physical requirements or vaccination requirements (including the COVID-19 vaccine, as applicable).

At this time, ATEC Spine does not sponsor employment visas for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer sponsorship.

Salary Range

Alphatec Spine, Inc. complies with state and federal wage and hour laws and compensation depends upon candidate's qualifications, education, skill set, years of experience, and internal equity. $95,000 to $105,000 Full-Time Annual Salary