Sr. Principal Engineer- Mechanical

Join to apply for the Sr. Principal Engineer
- Mechanical role at Baxter International Inc.

As the Sr. Principal Engineer
- Mechanical, you will play a pivotal role in the development and integration of world‑class mechanical systems at Baxter Healthcare Corporation. Situated in Round Lake, this position offers the outstanding opportunity to lead innovative projects that directly impact patient care and outcomes. You will be part of a collaborative and ambitious team, committed to delivering flawless and reliable healthcare solutions.

• Own the mechanical subsystem architecture from concept to production, ensuring it meets clinical needs and system performance targets.
• Clearly outline and strictly follow functional and non‑functional requirements, encompassing precision in flow rates and detecting occlusions.
• Evaluate and select actuation mechanisms and pumping strategies, ensuring efficient performance and compliance.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to successfully implement and optimize the pump drive system.
• Conduct DFMEA and FTA to determine and ensure subsystem safety and reliability.
• Apply expertise in Plastics Injection Molding, Sheet metal & casting part builds, and strong knowledge of DFM and DFA or equivalent experience.
• Guide development validation against regulatory standards such as ISO 28620, IEC 60601, and IEC 62304.
• Support regulatory submissions by contributing to risk management files and development history documentation.
• Lead technology scouting and feasibility evaluations for next‑generation or wearable pump builds.
• Serve as a technical mentor, reviewing critical development decisions and guiding teams.
• Perform in‑depth mechanical analysis, including tolerance, load, fatigue life, and thermal modeling.
• Lead troubleshooting and problem‑solving efforts related to mechanical development aspects.
• Develop and communicate design/test plans, manage time and resources to meet schedule achievements.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in medical device development, with at least 5 years in infusion pump or drug delivery systems.
• Extensive knowledge in micro‑mechanical systems, actuation using motors, and fluid pumping technologies.
• Proven experience with building for reliability, miniaturization, and high‑precision motion control.
• Deep knowledge of materials, tolerance stack‑up, and DFM or equivalent experience in high‑volume production.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards: IEC 60601, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, FDA QSR.

The position entails leading the development of a secure, reliable, and compliant mechanical subsystem that meets drug delivery accuracy requirements and successfully completes V&V with minimal iterations. You will establish yourself as the main technical expert for all mechanical aspects of infusion systems architecture.

baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well‑being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short‑term and long‑term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) with company matching, Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and paid holidays, paid time off, family and medical leaves, and paid parental leave.

Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits.

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.

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Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the USA. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.