Principal R&D Engineer

Venova Medical, Inc. is a privately held clinical-stage company headquartered in Los Gatos, California, dedicated to addressing the challenges of vascular access in hemodialysis patients by developing the Velocity™ Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistula (pAVF) System. This next-generation technology is designed to simplify and accelerate the creation of functional dialysis access—reducing the need for follow-up interventions, improving patient outcomes, and lowering healthcare costs

Department: R&D

Reports to:

Vice President, Engineering

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Version: A – 5/19/26

Responsible for the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of medical devices in accordance with the company’s Quality Manual (i.e., the quality system). This position will ensure that products are manufactured to consistently and reliably meet specifications, which may require solving complex problems dealing with the design and manufacturing process of medical devices. Interact with other disciplines within the company to ensure appropriate process development and feedback.

Direct interface with suppliers as well as customers (physicians) may be required. This position requires professionalism, technical competency, and the ability to work independently on assigned projects and tasks.

• Support the design and development of new products, product enhancements, and manufacturing processes consistent with quality, reliability, and cost objectives.
• Use structured processes to troubleshoot and resolve processing and component issues.
• Develop and execute plans that collect and analyze data and clearly communicate conclusions and recommendations.
• Modify and validate manufacturing processes, including the development of fixtures and tooling.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills that ensure activities are completed on schedule in compliance with Quality System Procedures.
• Support project management to reduce timelines by recommending innovative activities with realistic task durations. Communicate issues with management early and propose alternative options.
• Develop test methods and perform test designs to validate the ability to function as intended. Document activities and results in test protocols and test reports.
• Design and implement new methodologies, materials, machines, processes or products.
• Actively participate and contribute to idea generation such as through brainstorming and IP development.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute technical input to cross-functional development activities.
• Create detailed documentation throughout the various stages and steps in research and development.
• Provide technical support for regulatory submissions, clinical activities, manufacturing, and sales/marketing efforts when required.
• Document invention disclosures to build intellectual property.
• Support company goals and objectives, policies and procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices, ISO, and FDA regulations.

• Education and/or Job
  
  Experience:
• 8+ years of engineering experience with a Bachelor’s; 6+ years with a Master’s.

• Proficiency in Solid Works for solid models and dimensioned drawings.
• Strong computer skills and electronic data capture experience.
• Ability to adjust to shifting priorities with flexibility required in a start-up environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint.

Venova offers competitive salaries, a good equity program, and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off (PTO), and 401(k). Legal authorization to work in the US is required. We are not able to sponsor individuals for employment visas for this job. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification form upon hire.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $135K-$165K. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications, skills, location, and internal equity.