Principal Engineer, Mechanical Design

Role Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Pr. DE) will work as a key member of the research and development (R&D) mechanical design engineering (MDE) team in the design, development, testing and integration of electro-mechanical biodevice products. This position requires a highly creative, innovative and seasoned leader with a proven track record in creating new product concepts, and a strong ability to transform concepts into realizable product. The Pr. DE has the primary responsibility from Proof of Concept (POC) through to completion of the prototype phase (Alpha), and may act as Project Team Lead (PTL). The Pr. DE will apply best practice development strategies with advanced technical problem-solving techniques and have a history of working within cross-functional teams to resolve issues throughout the product development life cycle.

This role will provide technical leadership and influence the design efforts of other engineers, as well as drive the development team to create optimal products while adhering to committed project plans. The Pr. DE will also work cross-functionally with internal and external teams to define and ensure customer and product requirements are met while scaling the product for a successful market launch.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Pr. DE has a wide and far-reaching responsibilities, including:

• Responsible for conceptual design & development through completion of the functional prototype phase milestone of the stage gate process. Ensure designs can be implemented into a producible/viable product, in a support role, starting at the final development phase.
• Design and development of electromechanical systems and mechanisms, fluid, pneumatic, and hydraulic drive systems, while understanding the interface to electrical control systems and underlying biological process needs.
• Facilitate concept and technology development strategies for new biodevice products including establishing POC feasibility goals and protecting associated intellectual property. Communicate complex technical strategies in an understandable way to all organization levels.
• Apply the stage-gate development process for new product development and create deliverables in accordance with the process.
• Provide technical guidance to ensure robust and reliable designs are developed with seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and software sub-systems.
• Ensure designs meet or exceed product specifications, regulatory requirements, and international standards.
• Collaborate with cross function teams (product engineering, biology, testing/reliability, electrical engineering, manufacturing, quality, and service) to develop innovative products and processes for Biodevice products.
• Identify and develop new and emerging technologies as well as internal/external competencies and develop these technologies into product concepts to advance Biodevice products.
• Function as technical liaison to suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Work with project teams to identify and mitigate development risks.
• Perform assessment of system level risks, proposing, evaluating, and implementing mitigations using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) methods.
• Develop design specifications, conduct engineering parameter assessments, develop test plans and application of design robustness disciplines.
• Oversee the development of detailed drawings, BOM’s and release in collaboration with the CAD and PLM team.
• Seek strategic opportunities to build new product offerings across the portfolio, consistent with the Zoetis strategy to drive a continuum of care (predict, prevent, detect, and treat) in addressing unmet customer needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, MSME preferred. Minimum of 10 years demonstrated engineering experience in a complex product development environment.
• Strong first principles mechanical engineering knowledge and skills with minimum 5 years in lead engineering role. Previous experience with automated biodevice equipment highly desired.
• Continuous Improvement Certifications such as Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) and/or Manufacturing Six Sigma (MSS) a plus
• Prior experience in a regulated industry such as healthcare, medical devices, or pharmaceutical companies desirable.

TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience with SolidWorks 3D Design Software [or similar]
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience using finite element analysis (FEA) tools [Solidworks Simulation, Ansys, or similar] for R&D and new product development
• Com