Catheter Engineering Technician

Role details

Job Title:R&D Catheter Engineering Technician

Location:San Diego - onsite 5x/week

Compensation:$90,000 - $110,000

Sponsorship:Not available at this time

Position Overview

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.

Responsibilities

Neurovascular Prototype Fabrication Prototype builds

• 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

Testing and characterization

• 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

Documentation and quality

• 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

Lab operations

• 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.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications

• 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)