A Day in the LifeThe Neuromodulation Research & Development organization develops therapies and technologies that address chronic pain and other neurological conditions. Within the Interventional Pain portfolio, teams focus on minimally invasive therapies used to treat musculoskeletal pathologies, including vertebral compression fractures, nerve pain, metastatic bone tumors, and benign bone tumors. This role supports the development of system-level verification and validation strategies for new products and enhancements across mechanical, electrical, and software components.
This position is based in Santa Clara, California, and follows an onsite work model. No travel is required for this role.
As a Research & Development Test Engineer, you will lead and execute verification and validation activities that support the development of interventional pain therapies and associated medical device systems. You will collaborate with cross-functional partners to define test strategies, evaluate product performance, manage technical risks, and generate evidence needed to support product development and regulatory requirements.
Primary Responsibilities- Develop and execute system-level verification and validation strategies for medical device systems containing mechanical, electrical, and software components.
- Create test methods, test protocols, test method validation plans, and engineering reports to support product development activities.
- Plan and perform verification and validation testing, including analysis of results, risk assessment, and documentation of findings.
- Partner with systems engineering, quality, manufacturing, regulatory, human factors, and marketing teams to establish test requirements and design inputs.
- Lead design review activities and support risk management processes throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Conduct testing and validation activities in simulated-use environments and with representative end users when required.
- Perform testing of minimally invasive therapy products and procedures in accordance with applicable standards, procedures, and quality requirements.
- Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project status to stakeholders and provide technical guidance to internal team members and external development partners.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a scientific discipline and 4+ years of technical testing, verification, and validation, systems engineering, or product development experience.
- Experience leading system-level verification planning, execution, and documentation for complex products or systems.
- Experience leading system-level validation planning, execution, and documentation.
- Experience testing medical devices or similar products in ex-vivo tissue environments.
- Working knowledge of software development principles, electrical engineering fundamentals, and electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes and multimeters.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience working 3-8 years testing in regulated industries such as medical device, aerospace, or defense.
- Knowledge of IEC 60601 standards, electrical safety testing, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing.
- Experience performing requirements traceability from system design inputs through verification and validation results.
- Experience supporting products that integrate mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems.
- Experience leading systems engineering activities across the full V-model product development lifecycle.
For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. a7 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.
Physical Job RequirementsThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position.
The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description 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. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.
U.S. Work Authorization & Sponsorship At Medtronic, we are committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact. In alignment with our enterprise-wide workforce planning approach, U.S. work authorization sponsorship (H-1B, TN, J, etc.) is offered exclusively for Principal-level roles and above, where specialized expertise aligns with long-term business needs. Roles below the Principal level require candidates to possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.
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Benefits & CompensationMedtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits PackageA commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values. We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help to create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.
Salary ranges for U.S (excl. PR) locations (USD):$115,200.00 - $172,800.00
This position is eligible for a short-term incentive called the Medtronic Incentive Plan (MIP).
The base salary range applies across the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and certain locations in California. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others).
The following benefits and additional compensation are available to those regular employees who work 20+ hours per week: Health, Dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Life insurance, Long-term disability leave, Dependent daycare spending account, Tuition assistance/reimbursement, and Simple Steps (global well-being program).
The following benefits and additional compensation are available to all regular employees: Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match, Short-term disability, Paid time off, Paid holidays, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), and Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).
Regular employees are those who are not temporary, such as interns. Temporary employees are eligible for paid sick time, as required under applicable state law, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Please note some of the above benefits may not apply to workers in Puerto Rico.
Further details are available at the link below:
Medtronic benefits and compensation plans
