Catheter Engineering Technician; opens tab

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R&D Admin - TV Full Time San Diego, CA, US

$90,000 - $110,000 Annually

Job Title: R&D Catheter Engineering Technician

Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000

Sponsorship: Not available at this time

The R&D Neurovascular Catheter Technician at Synchron plays a hands-on role in developing next-generation neurovascular delivery systems that enable the company’s minimally invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. This role focuses on precision prototyping, micro-scale assembly, and bench testing of catheter and microcatheter systems used to navigate the cerebral vasculature for safe deployment of Synchron’s next generation implantable devices. The technician works closely with R&D engineers and clinical experts to advance device concepts from early feasibility through design refinement, contributing directly to Synchron’s mission of restoring functional independence for people with paralysis.

• Build catheter prototypes and sub-assemblies under magnification, including liner prep, braid and coil reinforcement, polymer jacket reflow lamination, tipping, and marker band placement
• Perform bonding operations with UV-cure adhesives and epoxies, and apply hydrophilic coatings per work instructions
• Set up and run lab equipment such as reflow/heat-shrink stations, hot-air and tipping machines, UV cure systems, and coating fixtures
• Design and fabricate simple fixtures, mandrels, and tooling with engineers

• Run bench tests including tensile/bond strength, kink resistance, torque response, flexibility, burst/leak, and coating lubricity and particulate
• Run simulated-use testing in tortuous neurovascular anatomical models to evaluate trackability, pushability, and device delivery
• Perform dimensional inspection using optical comparators, vision systems, micrometers, and pin gauges
• Collect, organize, and do first-pass analysis of test data; summarize results for engineering review

• Record work accurately in lab notebooks, build travelers, and test data sheets following Good Documentation Practices
• Draft and red-line work instructions, test methods, and build procedures
• Support design verification builds, process characterization, and design transfer to manufacturing partners
• Perform receiving inspection on incoming components and materials such as tubing, polymers, and coatings

• Maintain cleanroom and lab housekeeping, gowning, and equipment calibration/maintenance status
• Track lab inventory and help order materials and components
• Follow EHS, chemical handling, and cleanroom protocols
• Early Process Development:
  Provide input on developing scalable fabrication techniques that can transition into pilot manufacturing.
• Identify critical process parameters and assist in building repeatable, early-stage processes.
• Support feasibility work that informs later-stage process validation.

• Experience with neurovascular, endovascular, or peripheral interventional catheters and delivery systems
• Familiarity with catheter materials such as PTFE liners, Pebax, nylon, and polyimide, and with hydrophilic coatings
• Experience running simulated-use testing in anatomical or tortuous-path models
• Exposure to design controls, design verification, and test methods aligned with ISO 10555
• Experience with electrode leads, fine-wire interconnects, or active implantable devices
• Experience with laser welding, laser cutting, or nitinol components
• Basic statistics (Minitab or JMP) a plus
• Physical requirements and work environment:
  On-site role in an R&D lab and cleanroom; full gowning required in controlled areas; able to sit or stand at a microscope workstation for extended periods and do repetitive fine-motor tasks; able to lift up to 25 lbs.; corrected vision adequate for detailed work under magnification, including color discrimination; works with adhesives, solvents, and UV/heat equipment using the required PPE;
  
  occasional extended hours to support build or test milestones; cleanroom experience (ISO Class 7 or
  8)