Lead R&D Engineer

Lead R&D Engineer

Date:
Jun 3, 2026

Location(s):

Libertyville, IL, US,

Location(s):

Libertyville, IL, US,

Company:
Hollister Incorporated

We Make Life More Rewarding and Dignified

Location:

Libertyville

Department:
Research & Development

Summary:

Hollister Incorporated is an independent, employee-owned company that develops, manufactures and markets healthcare products and services worldwide. Hollister dedicates itself to being a company that looks outward to the needs of healthcare professionals and the people they serve. This dedication is based on our Mission:
To help healthcare professionals deliver better products and services, and to make life more rewarding and dignified for those who use our products. The Global Research & Development (R&D) organization contributes to the achievement of the Mission and our Corporate Objectives through the successful commercialization of customer-preferred new products.

The Lead R&D Engineer is a member of the Hollister Ostomy New Product Development team. The Lead R&D Engineer will lead or participate in new product development project teams to drive and develop product solutions that provide meaningful value to our customers and business, while maintaining the high level of quality Hollister products are known for. The role requires a collaborative individual who has experience being a technical leader within cross-functional teams that include colleagues from across the organization including marketing, engineering, operations, project management, and quality.

The Lead R&D Engineer's main job responsibilities include concept development, design refinement, 3D modeling, design verification and validation, statistical analysis, and technical leadership. The position operates under minimal supervision for technical tasks and demonstrates a sound understanding of structured problem-solving methodology to make sound decisions in assigned work.

Hollister Incorporated operates in a hybrid work environment. Employees are expected to come into the office a minimum of 4 days per week. Sponsorship to work in the US is not available at this time.

Responsibilities:

* Collaborate with clinicians and end-users to gain a deep understanding of their needs. Support the creation of user needs and ensure the optimization of product functionality and performance based upon their feedback.

* Independently design & execute complex technical assignments and processes supporting functional goals.

* Lead or support project teams in effective decision making, scenario planning, and strategic analysis

* Demonstrate advanced proficiency in product development processes such as Stage Gate, design controls, risk management, design of experiments (DOEs), and structured problem solving.

* Provides a level of business acumen and understands how a project or product may impact current and future projects / product portfolio.

* Use CAD Software (i.e. Solidworks) to develop and design concepts, components, and systems which will meet customer needs.

* Create detailed engineering specifications and drawings.

* Develop prototypes and conduct hands-on testing to evaluate the performance of the device.

* Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments to ensure products meet performance requirements, regulatory requirements, and safety standards

* Develop and conduct testing protocols to verify and validate device performance against design inputs and user needs.

* Conduct analysis of data and develop detailed reports documenting results, conclusions, and recommendations

* Collaborate with engineering to optimize the product design for efficient and cost effective manufacturing processes.

* Prepare technical documentation in accordance with regulatory and design control requirements

* Application of both new and existing technologies, materials, and processes to deliver a final product

* Collaborate cross-functionally with the planning, execution, and documentation of usability engineering activities throughout the product development lifecycle.

* Develop and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional team members (i.e. marketing, design assurance, global engineering, operations, project management, clinical) and ensure that products meet all necessary requirements

* Collaborate with intellectual property (IP) team and have a basic understanding of IP

* Support continuous improvement initiatives for the Global R&D organization and Hollister Ostomy NPD team.

Essential Functions of the Role:

* Ability to work in a laboratory setting and use prototype machinery.

* Ability to lift 15 - 25 kg.

* Ability to travel as needed to Hollister manufacturing facilities and vendor locations.

Education and Experience Requirements:

* Bachelor's degree in technical discipline with 8 years minimum of related medical device experience OR

* Master's Degree in technical discipline with 6 years minimum of related medical device experience

Specialized Skills/Technical Knowledge:

* Advanced understanding of best practices in interviewing, focus group…