Senior Research Engineer (Memphis - Brooks RD, TN)

Senior Research Engineer  (Memphis - Brooks RD, TN)

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.   

This position has responsibility for working on project teams to test Orthopeadic products and product enhancements.  Investigating, analyzing, and testing designs and solutions for medical implants.  Participating in design control verification analysis of existing and returned products or materials for safety, efficacy and performance. Orthopeadic products may include Hip, Knee, Trauma, and Extremities devices and instruments. Analysis methods include mechanical testing and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Job responsibilities include addressing complex problems of large scope.

What will you be doing?

• 40% - Develop testing and analysis protocols and methods and perform necessary testing, analysis, and/or simulation of existing products, materials, or manufacturing processes for safety, efficacy and performance. Accountable to utilize up-to-date knowledge of competitive products, clinical, regulatory, manufacturing, quality assurance, and marketing issues. Perform necessary testing that may include static, torque, dynamic, fatigue, abrasion, fretting, thermal/chemical analysis, hardness, and coating adhesion tests. Testing responsibilities may also include reviewing literature, identifying outside vendors, ordering test parts, preparing test specimens, designing test fixtures, taking measurements, performing hand calculations, performing data acquisition, complying with standards, documenting test results, and publishing results per publication plans.

• 30% - Perform FEA and MRI compatibility and safety analysis on medical device components, sub-assemblies, systems, and instruments using state-of-the-art modeling and analysis software (ABAQUS, Unigraphics, and CST Studio Suite®). Medical devices may include, but are not limited to, Hip, Knee, Trauma, and Extremities devices (including Shoulders, Ankles, screws, plates, IM nails, and External Fixation devices). Development and validation of detailed computational models for due diligence, ideation, concept selection, requirements identification and generation, design evaluation and optimization, and generating design output elements for verification / risk management and regulatory submissions.

• 10% - Participate in cross-functional project teams. Contribute to the Design Control Process for existing, modified and returned products, materials or processes for safety, efficacy, and performance. Follow company and departmental procedures and policies in performing this function. Responsible for maintaining complete and accurate records for all controlled documentation.

• 5% - Participate in ASTM and/or other standards groups, keeping management abreast of the latest biomedical technology and standards.

• 5% - Perform retrieval analysis that may include photographing components, archiving parts and files, reviewing literature, reviewing QC/Mfg records, conducting SEM/EDAX analyses, reviewing clinical records, documenting findings, and other administrative tasks.

• 5% - Participate in the coordination of biomechanical contract studies by reviewing literature, obtaining study quotes, collecting study data and documenting study results.

• 5% - Perform testing of orthopedic products using cadaveric or animal specimens as necessary.

What will you need to be successful?

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering, or other appropriate discipline with at least 6 years of relevant work experience.

• Master of Science in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering, or other appropriate discipline with at least 3 years of relevant work experience.

• Must have good team and communication skills.

• Requires use of e-mail, Internet and standard Microsoft Office Software.

• Experience with mechanical testing required.

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis preferred.

• Experience with SEM and EDAX analysis preferred.

• Must have good time management skills.

• As this position works with international product groups, flexibility with meeting times is often required.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

You Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.    

• Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).

• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement  

• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  

• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program 

• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)  

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship  

• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!  

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Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.