Are you a seasoned R&D Engineer with a passion for innovation in interventional cardiology? Our client, a high-growth medical device company based in Galway, is developing a groundbreaking structural heart device and is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer – Catheter Development to play a pivotal role in designing and advancing their catheter technology.
About the Role
As a Senior R&D Engineer – Catheter Development, you will lead the design and development of a next-generation interventional catheter system, driving innovation from concept through to manufacturing. You'll work cross-functionally to design, prototype, test, and refine device components, processes, and materials – all within a fast-paced start-up environment that values creativity and technical excellence.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact on patient lives through the development of a first-in-class device.
Key Responsibilities
1. Design and develop the Catheter System based on clinical and user input, applying engineering first principles and materials science expertise.
2. Produce functional prototypes throughout all phases of the product development lifecycle.
3. Develop assembly and manufacturing processes for catheter production, ensuring scalability and robustness.
4. Identify technical risks and mitigation strategies early in the design process.
5. Lead the creation of DFMEAs, PFMEAs, and related risk management documentation.
6. Manage relationships with external development partners, suppliers, and manufacturers.
7. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones and deliverables.
8. Lead and/or support testing activities (feasibility, verification, validation, and root cause analysis).
9. Maintain clear technical documentation including lab notebooks and technical reports.
10. Drive process efficiency across R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams.
Requirements
11. Degree in Mechanical, Biomedical, Polymer, or Materials Engineering – NFQ Level 9 or higher preferred; NFQ 7/8 with strong experience will be considered.
12. Minimum 5 years' experience in catheter and/or balloon system development, ideally within structural heart or interventional cardiology.
13. Demonstrated expertise in:Design and development of reinforced catheters, braided shafts, and multi-lumen tubingMaterials and processing of thin plastic films, membranes, balloons, and composite tubesBonding techniques, insert moulding, and overmouldingDevelopment of custom test methods for novel catheter technologiesApplication of design controls, preferably with V-model knowledgeUse of DOE, statistical methods, and data analysis in product development
14. Strong supplier and vendor network relevant to catheter components.
15. Excellent communication, project management, and documentation skills.
16. Self-driven, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in an agile and collaborative environment.
Why Join?
17. Contribute to the development of a revolutionary medical device with real clinical impact
18. Join a scaling company with strong investment and a culture of technical excellence
19. Flexible working environment, strong autonomy, and visibility across the full R&D lifecycle
20. Opportunity to shape the technology and team from the ground up
For more details on this role, feel free to reach out to Emma Cawley at