R&D Mechanical Engineer at Distalmotion SA · Epalinges

As a R&D Mechanical Engineer within our Mechanical team, you will lead development of mechanical systems and subsystems of our next-generation surgical robot from the early concept to the to a verified product.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

R&D & Mechatronic Subsystem Design

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of high-precision mechatronic subsystems for surgical robotics, translating clinical and industrial design inputs into simple and robust mechanical solutions.

• Execute detailed design work utilizing 3D CAD (Solidworks), finite element analysis (FEA), and worst-case tolerance stack-up analyses. And applying DFM/DFA principles to optimize cost, yield, and assembly efficiency.

• Collaborate within cross-functional R&D teams (Electrical, Software, Systems, and Clinical) to rapidly prototype, validate, and iterate robotic platforms and subsystems.

Verification, Testing & Tooling

• Architect, build and document custom mechatronic test benches and automated test fixtures for design verification, fatigue testing, and end-of-line production testing.

• Author and execute verification protocols and reports to prove subsystem performance against medical device requirements.

Design Transfer & Supply Chain

• Support Design Transfer to Contract Manufacturers, by transferring technical knowledge to industrialization teams, reviewing Work Instructions and pFMEAs, and supporting process-specific tool development.

• Support mechanical supplier selection and qualification, support root-cause analyses for supplier-related quality issues (NC/CAPA).

Medical Device Compliance & Lifecycle

• Maintain full compliance with medical device standards (e.g., ISO 13485, IEC 60601-1, ISO 14971) and author compliant Design History File (DHF) documentation.

• Plan and execute Engineering Change Requests, ensuring robust risk management and traceability.

• Chair formal technical design reviews and present architectural decisions to cross-departmental stakeholders and leadership.

Work Experience and Education requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related engineering discipline.

• Relevant Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of professional mechanical design experience, with ideally direct expertise in collaborative robots (cobots), robotics platforms, or high-precision robotic joints/actuators.

• Full-Lifecycle DFX Mastery: Proven track record in end-to-end product design, incorporating Design for Excellence principles:

o Design for Manufacturability & Assembly (DFM/DFA)

o Design to Cost (DTC)

o Design for Reliability & Serviceability (DFR/DFS)

• Testing & Prototyping: Demonstrated hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, physical assembly, formal design reviews, and reliability/verification testing.

• Language Skills: Professional proficiency in written and spoken English, with strong technical communication skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities required:

• SolidWorks & Multi-Process Manufacturing: Expert-level proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks) with deep domain knowledge in designing components for diverse manufacturing processes, including:

o CNC Machining & Precision Milling

o Metal Casting, Forging & Sheet Metal Fabrication

o Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing

o Injection Molding

• Cross-Functional & Supplier Management: Strong ability to lead technical execution with external development partners, contract manufacturers, and component vendors, as well as collaborating across interdisciplinary R&D teams (Software, Electrical, Systems, Quality).

• Analytical Problem Solving: Passion for dissecting complex mechanical challenges and engineering elegant, simple, high-reliability solutions for robotics.

• Drive & Ownership: Self-motivated engineer with high autonomy who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment, maintaining accountability, technical curiosity, and a positive team culture

What we offer:

• A dynamic, innovative environment with cutting-edge medical technology that is shaping the future of robotic surgery.
• Fast-growing Company where innovation meets agility.
• Structured onboarding program and training, ensuring a confident start.
• High degree of autonomy and flexibility.