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)
