Lead R&D Catheter Engineer

MedTech Startup; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

MedTech Startup in Minneapolis is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to lead the development of next-generation steerable microcatheter and guidewire technologies for minimally invasive vascular interventions. This role requires hands-on leadership from concept through design verification, validation, and clinical readiness.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in medical device product development and have led steerable catheter or guidewire projects, with expertise in catheter architecture and

Qualifications

• 7+ years of medical device product development experience.
• Experience leading development of steerable microcatheters or steerable guidewires.
• Experience with devices ≤3.5 Fr and related catheter-based technologies.
• Knowledge of polymer extrusion, braiding/coiling, slotted hypotubes and design controls with V&V.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of steerable microcatheter and guidewire platforms.
• Drive projects from concept through design transfer.
• Develop prototypes and conduct hands-on bench testing.
• Define product requirements and engineering specifications.
• Lead design verification and validation activities.
• Support manufacturing scale-up and process development.
• Collaborate closely with regulatory, quality, clinical, and operations teams.
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers while influencing future R&D growth.

Skills

Steerable catheter design

Medical device product development

Project leadership

Bench testing & prototyping

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical/Biomedical/Materials Eng

Tools

Polymer extrusion technologies

Braiding and coiling

Slotted hypotubes

Job description

A venture-backed medical device company is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to lead the development of next-generation steerable microcatheter and guidewire technologies for minimally invasive vascular interventions.

This is a highly visible technical leadership role where you will own product development from early concept through design verification, validation, and clinical readiness. The ideal candidate has successfully led the development of steerable catheter, microcatheter, or guidewire systems and possesses deep expertise in catheter architecture, shaft design, steering mechanisms, polymer extrusions, braiding, coiling, slotted hypotubes, handle design, and device performance optimization.

Must have been a primary technical contributor or technical lead on the development of a steerable microcatheter, steerable guidewire, or similar actively steerable intravascular device. Experience limited to standard catheters, sheaths, balloons, or structural heart delivery systems will generally not be sufficient.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of steerable microcatheter and guidewire platforms.
• Drive projects from concept through design transfer.
• Develop prototypes and conduct hands-on bench testing.
• Define product requirements and engineering specifications.
• Lead design verification and validation activities.
• Support manufacturing scale-up and process development.
• Collaborate closely with regulatory, quality, clinical, and operations teams.
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers while influencing future R&D growth.

Required Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of medical device product development experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading development of steerable microcatheters, steerable guidewires, or similar highly navigable intravascular devices.
• Significant experience with devices ≤3.5 Fr and/or neurovascular, peripheral vascular, embolization, interventional radiology, electrophysiology, or related catheter-based technologies.
• Polymer extrusion technologies
• Braiding and coiling
• Slotted hypotubes
• Design controls and V&V

Preferred Background

Candidates coming from neurovascular, peripheral vascular, embolization, interventional radiology, or advanced catheter delivery system organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location

On-site position in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.