Staff Engineer, Product Engineer

Reports to: CEO

Vine Medical is the world’s first medical soft robotics company, translating cutting‑edge research from leading universities (Stanford, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego) into next‑generation medical robots. Our initial product is the first‑ever comprehensive intubation system, leveraging soft robotic autonomy to deliver unparalleled airway outcomes with a single device, regardless of patient condition, provider expertise, or clinical setting. Our technology represents a paradigm shift for interventional medicine across the human body.

We’re hiring a hands‑on Staff Engineer to lead and execute two things in parallel:

• NPI for our current product (manufacturing introduction to scalable production), and
• New product development (concept through early verification and transfer readiness).

This is a technical leadership role with direct execution. You’ll set direction, own critical engineering tasks, and deliver high‑impact design and test work.

• Lead cross‑functional execution of product development and NPI work streams.
• Manage and mentor a small engineering team while staying deeply hands‑on.
• Own complex mechanical assemblies and cross‑functional interfaces.
• Drive DFM/DFA/DFS decisions for high‑volume disposable manufacturing.
• Create and review requirements, design specs, and engineering change packages.
• Build and mature V&V strategy: test methods, fixtures, protocols, reports, and traceability.
• Run root‑cause investigations for design/manufacturing failures and close corrective actions.
• Partner with suppliers/CMs on tooling, process windows, pilot builds, and transfer plans.
• Manage product lifecycle from clinical to commercial stage.

• 8+ years in medical device or similarly regulated product development.
• Proven track record taking products from concept to launch/transfer.
• Strong experience with high‑volume manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, machining, stamping, assembly automation).
• Deep expertise in tolerance analysis/GD&T, design for reliability, and manufacturability.
• Strong protocol/report writing and data‑driven decision making (DOE/statistics a plus).
• Comfortable leading in ambiguity: high ownership, clear communication, fast execution.
• Experience with disposables and polymer‑heavy designs.
• Experience building systems that combine mechanical + electromechanical elements.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485 / 21 CFR 820 design control environments.