The Role
Hands-on manufacturing engineer supporting build, test, and continuous improvement of a surgical robotic system. Troubleshoot electro-mechanical assemblies, perform root cause analysis, execute end-of-line testing, analyze build/test data with scripting, document non-conformances, and implement corrective actions to improve yield and reliability.
Summary Generated by Built In
Reports to: Sr. Manager of Capital Manufacturing and System Integration
Workplace Type: Onsite
At Capstan Medical, we’re building one of the most exciting and innovative companies in medtech—developing a first-of-its-kind robotic platform for minimally invasive heart valve treatment. Our team combines surgical robotics, catheter-based delivery, and next-generation implants to transform complex procedures into safer, lower-stress solutions for patients and clinicians alike. As a highly collaborative, hands-on team, we move fast, wear multiple hats, and believe the best ideas can come from anyone.
Based in Santa Cruz, our unique workspace blends cutting-edge Bay Area innovation with a lifestyle-driven environment near trails, beaches, and open space—creating the perfect place to do meaningful, career-defining work.
The Role:
As a Manufacturing Engineer – Robot, you will support the build, test, and continuous improvement of Capstan’s robotic system across all phases of manufacturing – from sub-assemblies (eg. actuator stack) through full system integration. This is a hands-on, onsite role ideal for an early-career engineer who thrives in troubleshooting complex electro-mechanical systems and learning by doing.
You will work closely with senior manufacturing engineers and cross functional partners to debug issues on the manufacturing line, execute testing, analyze build and test data, and document non-conformances. Over time, you will grow your ability to independently investigate failures, improve processes, and contribute to scalable manufacturing solutions for our novel surgical robotic platform.
If you are eager to use your mechanical, electrical and software superpowers to make a difference, come join us!
Key Responsibilities:
- Troubleshoot and debug complex failures across actuator stacks, brakes, sensors, PCBs, power, and motion modules
- Perform root cause investigations using structured methods (5 Whys, DMAIC, Fishbone)
- Execute and refine end-of-line testing for robotic systems
- Support documentation and investigation of non-conformances
- Implement corrective actions in collaboration with design and quality teams
- Support qualification of fixtures
- Support the development and refinement of MPIs and test procedures
- Drive continuous improvements by tracking KPIs such as yield, reliability, and cycle time
- Analyze build/test data using scripting tools (eg. Python) to identify trends, anomalies and opportunities for improvement
- Assist with investigation of returned sub-assemblies/robots from the field
What You’ll Need:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 1-3 years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, system integration or reliability engineering for complex electro-mechanical products (robotics, medical devices, or similar)
- Hands-on experience assembling, testing, or debugging electro-mechanical systems (eg. PCBs, actuators, motors, sensors)
- Ability to troubleshoot across mechanical, electrical and software interfaces
- Strong scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
- Experience with CAD (SolidWorks or similar) for fixture/tooling design
- Demonstrated success leading root cause investigations and implementing design/process fixes
- Strong attention to detail and comfort working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
- Comfortable collaborating with engineers, technicians and cross-functional teams
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Hands-on mindset with a passion for building and improving real hardware
- Eagerness to learn and push the envelope to bring a novel surgical robotic platform to market
- Familiarity with medical device regulations (eg. ISO 13485) preferred
Why Join Us:
- We offer a fun, fast-paced, collaborative environment where you will be working on transformational technologies in the cardiac healthcare space that can make a meaningful impact for patients
- We offer outstanding benefits with medical, dental, and vision covered at 100% for you and your family, as well as flex time off
- We thrive in our work-hard, play-hard environment. Bring your bike or running shoes if you’d like or just be ready to enjoy a fun office outing. We enjoy time inside the office and out!
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and disability, or other legally protected status.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
- 1-3 years relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, system integration, or reliability engineering for electro-mechanical products
- Hands-on experience assembling, testing, or debugging electro-mechanical systems (PCBs, actuators, motors, sensors)
- Ability to troubleshoot across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces
- Strong scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
- Experience with CAD (SolidWorks or similar) for fixture/tooling design
- Demonstrated success leading root cause investigations and implementing design/process fixes
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Strong attention to detail and comfort working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
- Familiarity with medical device regulations (eg. ISO 13485)
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The Company
What We Do
Capstan Medical is a developer of robotic-enabled, minimally invasive solutions for treating structural heart disease. By merging surgical robotics with catheter-based technology and next-generation implants, the company aims to provide a patient-optimized approach to repair and replace heart valves, offering a significantly less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery to improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times.
