Role Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Sr. DE) will work as a key member of the research and development (R&D) mechanical design engineering (MDE) team in the design, development, testing and integration of electro-mechanical automated biodevice products. This position requires a highly creative, innovative and seasoned leader with a proven track record in creating new product concepts, and a strong ability to transform concepts into realizable product. The Sr. DE has the primary responsibility from Proof of Concept (POC) through to completion of the prototype phase (Alpha), and may act as Project Team Lead (PTL). The Sr. DE will apply best practice development strategies with advanced technical problem-solving techniques and have a history of working within cross-functional teams to resolve issues throughout the product development life cycle.
This role will provide technical leadership and influence the design efforts of other engineers, as well as drive the development team to create optimal products while adhering to committed project plans. The Sr. DE will also work cross-functionally with internal and external teams to define and ensure customer and product requirements are met while scaling the product for a successful market launch.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The Sr. DE has the following responsibilities:
- Responsible for conceptual design through completion of the functional prototype phase (alpha) milestone of the stage gate process.
- Design, integration, testing and deployment of automation systems for handling, conveyance, vaccine/drug delivery, and assessments/treatments of biological entities.
- Design and development of electromechanical systems and mechanisms, fluid, pneumatic, and hydraulic drive systems, while understanding the interface to electrical control systems and underlying biological process needs.
- Facilitate concept and technology development strategies for new biodevice products including establishing POC feasibility goals and protecting associated intellectual property.
- Communicate complex technical strategies in an understandable way to all organization levels.
- Apply the stage-gate development process for new product development and create deliverables in accordance with the process.
- Provide technical guidance to ensure robust and reliable designs are developed with seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and software sub-systems.
- Ensure designs meet or exceed product specifications, regulatory requirements, and international standards.
- Collaborate with cross function teams (product engineering, biology, testing/reliability, electrical engineering, controls engineering, manufacturing, quality, and service) to develop innovative products and processes for Biodevice products.
- Identify and develop new and emerging technologies as well as internal/external competencies and develop these technologies into product concepts to advance Biodevice products.
- Function as technical liaison to suppliers and key stakeholders.
- Work with project teams to identify and mitigate development risks.
- Perform assessment of system level risks, proposing, evaluating, and implementing mitigations using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) methods.
- Develop design specifications, conduct engineering parameter assessments, develop test plans and application of design robustness disciplines.
- Create detailed drawings, BOM's and release in collaboration with the CAD and PLM teams.
- Seek strategic opportunities to build new product offerings across the portfolio, consistent with the Zoetis strategy to drive a continuum of care (predict, prevent, detect, and treat) in addressing unmet customer needs.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering required. Minimum of 8 years demonstrated engineering experience in a complex product development environment.
- Continuous Improvement Certifications such as Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) and/or Manufacturing Six Sigma (MSS) a plus
- Prior experience in a regulated industry such as healthcare, medical devices, or pharmaceutical companies desirable.
TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
- Experience and proficient with SolidWorks 3D Design Software [or similar]
- Demonstrated experience in developing automation systems, preferably involving biological applications, using fundamental machine design principles
- Comprehensive understanding of GD&T, and best design and drawing practices [ASME Y14.5, Y14.100].
- Demonstrated proficiency in electro-mechanical design, modeling, simulation, and tolerance analysis.
- Thorough understanding and demonstrated experience with requirements decomposition, development of engineering product specifications and risk management
- Broad engineering knowledge and understanding of extensive new product introduction, quality management system, manufacturing operations, and product lifecycles
- Knowledge of materials, fabrication processes, metrology principles and machine shop practices
- Knowledgeable in 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and modern engineering techniques for development.
- Experience with advanced automated systems with optical, electrical, mechanical, software, pneumatic and fluid sub-systems.
- Demonstrated experience in critical thinking and problem-solving skills, planning and organizing, decision-making.
- Knowledge in techniques such as Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), Manufacturing Six Sigma (MSS), Design for Reliability (DFR), Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA), and Design for Serviceability (DFS)
- Excellent communication skills, influencing and leading, facilitation and teamwork capabilities.
- Flexible and Adaptive; able to explore many concepts concurrently.
About Zoetis
At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Connected to our purpose and Core Beliefs, at Zoetis, we lead with inclusion. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) focus helps create an environment where each colleague can thrive. Our commitment to DE&I begins with our leadership team of diverse backgrounds, experiences and ethnicities, and it is demonstrated in our support of our colleagues and the animal health industry. We have nine colleague resources groups whose members spread awareness, foster inclusivity and make a positive impact on our business and communities.
Our commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has earned us recognitions as a 2024 Catalyst Award recipient and a Top 50 Company for Workplace Fairness by Fair360 (formerly DiversityInc). Zoetis has also been named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality, a Best Company for Working Parents, a Top Company for Executive Women, among many others. Learn more here.
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