Job Description

Job Title: R&D Engineer II – Surgical Development
Department: BCI – Preclinical
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Salt Lake City, UT (Onsite)

Our Mission

Blackrock Neurotech is 100% focused on improving human lives through neuroscience research and technology. The passion and dedication behind this mission has nurtured a dynamic, enjoyable and fulfilling corporate environment in which learning, and growth are commonplace. We operate in an innovative field that requires our staff to meet the highest standards. Every step of the way, we encourage one another by providing continuous motivation and promoting a healthy work environment.

Community Contributions

Not only are Blackrock’s employees committed to improving lives through their work, but many also strive to improve the community by volunteering in their spare time. Our efforts vary from donating blood and feeding the hungry to volunteering at the Utah Food Bank. We also value community education —teaching science labs to children, coaching sports teams, and teaching first aid courses. We take pride in our employee’s extracurricular activities that contribute to the betterment of local communities.

Disclosure

In order to provide a safe and productive work environment, all offers of employment at Blackrock Neurotech are contingent upon a thorough background check. A criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate from an offer of employment.

About the role
The R&D Engineer II – Surgical Development will lead efforts in designing, prototyping, and validating surgical tools and techniques with a focus on surgical access, deployment, and long-term performance. The role emphasizes developing surgical workflows and tools that enable safe, reproducible, and efficient device use in preclinical practice with the aim of transferability to clinical settings and practices.

What you’ll do

• Drive development of surgical delivery systems, implantation techniques, and surgical support tools.
• Collaborate closely with surgeons and clinical partners to gather user needs and feedback.
• Design and test prototypes for usability, ergonomics, and surgical compatibility.
• Conduct preclinical studies to validate surgical approaches, ensuring safety and efficacy.
• Support failure analysis and design improvements based on preclinical/clinical observations.
• Prepare and maintain surgical protocols, technical reports, and risk documentation (per ISO 13485 and ISO 14971).
• Contribute to training materials and surgeon-facing documents for new device procedures.
• Liaise with cross-functional teams including systems engineering, regulatory, and clinical affairs.
• Help setting up validated sterilization abilities in-house.
• Data presentation.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biomedical, Mechanical or related Engineering discipline
• Experience in preclinical surgery or surgical R&D
• Familiarity with the surgical workflows and basic understanding of anatomy and physiology
• Strong skills in CAD design, prototyping and bench testing
• Excellent documentation skills
• Ability to work in fast-paced multidisciplinary environments

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or advanced degree with research in surgical tools, implants or neurmodulation devices
• Direct surgical R&D experience (e.g., surgical robotics, endovascular devices, implant delivery systems)
• Experience conducting usability engineering/human factors studies with surgeons or clinicians
• Familiarity with medical device regulations (ISO 13485, 14971, 10993)
• Knowledge of biocompatible materials, sterilization methods, and implant packaging
• Experience working with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)

Physical and Other Requirements

• Ability to work in office setting.
• Sit and stand while typing as well as standing for long durations of time during surgeries.
• May require travel to animal facility and conferences.
• May need to lift heavy objects up to 40lbs.