Mechanical Engineer

Cognito Therapeutics, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Wellness perks

Virtual medical support

Health, dental & vision insurance

Job summary

Cognito Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Mechanical Engineer to join our growing R&D team tasked with supporting the design and implementation of complex wearable electro-mechanical systems from concept to production.

Responsible for specification, testing, and documentation of mechanical subsystems from system to component level. Must work within project timelines to develop system requirements, prototype, test, debug, and release designs to production.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering with 5–8 years experience or MS with equivalent experience.
• Experience owning mechanical subsystem development from concept to production release.
• Hands-on experience integrating mechanical, electrical, and firmware subsystems in wearables.
• Experience with CAD, tolerance analysis, and system-level simulation preferred.
• Wearables or portable electronics packaging design experience preferred.
• Familiarity with FDA QSR (21 CFR 820), ISO 13485, EU MDR, IEC 60601-1 preferred.
• Experience integrating sensors, displays, audio, and optics into enclosures is a plus.
• Experience with CMMs, force/torque gauges, environmental chambers desirable.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, architecture, integration, and verification of wearable subsystems and enclosures.
• Own mechanical component selection, design verification, and system-level testing, including prototype bring-up.
• Investigate and resolve field, manufacturing, and reliability issues via root cause analysis.
• Lead DFM/DFA and design transfer with Manufacturing Operations and contract manufacturers.
• Provide schedule and budget input to support project management.
• Collaborate with systems, electrical, firmware, software, and mechanical engineers on new designs and changes.
• Define and drive the mechanical architecture and technical direction for new product development.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

System-level simulation

Job description

Cognito Therapeutics, Inc. is a venture-backed (Morningside Ventures, FoundersX, IAG, Starbloom) late clinical stage company translating scientific findings from MIT into therapeutic approaches for brain health, including Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. We were awarded a Breakthrough designation by the FDA in December 2020 based upon our feasibility data that showed our therapy’s strong safety profile and a notable preservation of cognition and function in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. We completed enrollment in our pivotal study, HOPE, in June 2025 and expect to release topline data from the trial in summer 2026. We are a fast-moving, highly motivated team of innovators with the ambitious goal of helping millions of patients and caregivers around the world who are impacted by neurodegenerative conditions. With our patented brain stimulation technology, we are committed to developing convenient, safe and effective neuroprotective therapies to improve brain health and well-being for all.

About The Job

Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., is seeking a detail-oriented Mechanical Engineer to join our growing R&D team tasked with supporting the design and implementation of complex wearable electro-mechanical systems from concept to production. Responsible for specification, testing, and documentation of mechanical subsystems from system to component level. Must work within project timelines to develop system requirements, prototype, test, debug, and release designs to production.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, architecture, integration, and verification of complex wearable electro-mechanical subsystems and enclosures.
• Own mechanical component selection, design verification, and system-level integration testing, including prototype bring-up.
• Investigate and resolve field, manufacturing, and reliability issues through root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Lead DFM/DFA and design transfer activities in partnership with Manufacturing Operations and contract manufacturers.
• Provide schedule and budget input to support project management.
• Work closely with systems, electrical, firmware, software, and mechanical engineers on new designs and design changes.
• Define and drive the mechanical architecture and technical direction for new product development.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline, with 5–8 years of experience (or MS with equivalent experience) developing complex hardware products in a highly regulated industry is required.
• Demonstrated experience independently owning mechanical subsystem development from concept through production release, including prototype development, verification, design transfer, and manufacturing support is required.
• Hands-on experience integrating mechanical, electrical, and firmware subsystems in a wearable or portable electronic product is required.
• Experience with CAD tools for mechanical design, tolerance analysis, and system-level simulation is preferred.
• Experience with wearables, portable battery-operated products, and mechanical packaging/enclosure design is preferred.
• Familiarity with FDA Quality System Regulation (21 CFR 820), ISO 13485, EU MDR, and IEC 60601-1 or similar compliance standards is preferred.
• Experience integrating sensors, displays, audio, and optics into mechanical enclosures is a plus.
• Expertise working with mechanical test and measurement equipment, including coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), force/torque gauges, and environmental test chambers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional engineering teams.

Competitive Benefits

Taking care of our own is one of our highest priorities. That’s why we offer benefits including unlimited PTO, wellness perks, virtual medical support, and health, dental, and vision insurance.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• This role is primarily performed in an office or home-office setting. Essential physical requirements include the ability to work at a computer for extended periods, communicating effectively in written and verbal formats, and participate in video and in-person meetings.
• Occasional travel to Cognito’s Cambridge, MA office or partner sites may be required.

Cognito Therapeutics is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail].

Cognito Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job requirements. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.