Lead Research & Development Engineer, Vascular

americas-cookmedical; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

americas-cookmedical is seeking a Lead Research and Development Engineer in West Lafayette, Indiana. This role involves providing technical leadership for Balloon Expandable Covered Stent projects within the vascular division.

The successful candidate will lead project teams, drive improvement initiatives, and work closely with cross-functional groups to achieve project goals. A Bachelor's degree in engineering with extensive experience in medical device development is required.

Qualifications

• 7 years’ relevant experience or 5 years with a Master's degree or 4 years with a PhD.
• Experience in Product Development projects in Medical Device or regulated industry.
• Proven project/technical leadership and experience working closely with project managers.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams for medium to large-scale R&D projects.
• Drive improvement initiatives within area of expertise.
• Manage project team activities to ensure timely completion.

Skills

Project management methodology and skills

Technical leadership

Knowledge of balloon expandable stent designs

Fluency in AI and data concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master’s Degree

PhD

Job description

Overview

The Lead Research and Development Engineer will be responsible for providing technical leadership and driving the Balloon Expandable Covered Stent projects within the vascular division. These projects involve collaborating with a global cross‑functional team and external contract manufacturers.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams or provide technical leadership for medium to large‑scale R&D projects, collaborate to provide technical leadership across the department and/or multiple projects in a specific area or subject matter expertise.
• Drive improvement initiatives in area of expertise, which may include process ownership for department.
• Responsible for approval of work product or work for project teams.
• Manage the activities of the project team and drive project tasks to ensure timely completion of project milestones and business metrics are achieved in collaboration with project manager (when one is assigned).
• Work closely to build effective relationships with cross functional groups to achieve project and company goals.
• As part of project/technical leadership, responsible for leading technical development of projects; leading all key design decisions to ensure quality of design selection to meet customer needs; retrospective project reviews to understand lessons learned; managing device evaluations and compliance with Quality, Regulatory and company policies and systems.
• May represent Cook in industry standards, working groups and present on Cook’s behalf in industry conferences.
• Act as a mentor to other personnel in the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field required and 7 years’ relevant experience.
• Master’s Degree and 5 years’ relevant experience.
• PhD and 4 years’ relevant experience.
• Experience in Product Development projects within Medical Device or regulated industry/adjacent experience.
• Proven project/technical leadership.
• Project management methodology and skills.
• Proven experience working closely with project managers.
• Knowledge of balloon expandable stent designs and materials.
• Knowledge of common medical coverings materials such as ePTFE, PET, etc.
• Knowledge of self expanding stent designs and materials.
• Knowledge of medical device quality standards ISO13485/FDA practices, EUMDR, GMP and similar regulated industry standards.
• This role requires fluency in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data concepts, including the ability to critically evaluate AI outputs, improve workflows using approved tools, identify and mitigate bias or inaccuracies, and communicate AI-driven insights clearly and responsibly to peers and managers.
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized in the United States. Cook does not intend to provide sponsorship for employment visa status’ for this employment position.