Senior Mechanical Engineer
Cochlear · Mechelen
Change people’s lives and love what you do! Cochlear develops world-leading medical devices that help people hear. As a top 100 medical device company and market-leader in implantable hearing devices, more people choose a Cochlear-branded cochlear implant system than any other. Our employees tell us that the number one reason they enjoy working for Cochlear is the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives.
Are you passionate about solving complex engineering challenges that improve people's lives? We are looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the development of innovative active hearing implant technologies, surgical instruments, and packaging solutions from early-stage concept through to devices ready for first-in-human and clinical research studies.
In this role, you will play a key part in designing and delivering next-generation implantable medical devices that transform hearing outcomes for recipients worldwide. Working within a multidisciplinary R&D environment, you will combine technical expertise, creativity, and collaboration to develop safe, effective, and manufacturable solutions that meet the highest quality and regulatory standards. You will thrive in a dynamic environment, adapting effectively to evolving technical challenges, business priorities and project needs throughout the technology development process.
What you will do
Drive Mechanical Design & Innovation
Lead the design and development of complex electro-mechanical components for active hearing implant systems.
Translate user, clinical, manufacturing, and regulatory needs into robust engineering requirements.
Define, develop, and evaluate innovative concepts to solve challenging mechanical and surgical implementation problems.
Collaborate with surgeons and clinical experts to optimize product usability and performance.
Conduct and facilitate engineering activities including concept generation, design reviews, risk analyses, DFMEA activities, simulations, and problem-solving workshops.
Create and maintain high-quality 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and design documentation.
Coordinate prototyping and supplier activities to support rapid product development.
Contribute to intellectual property development through patent disclosures and innovative technical solutions.
Lead Verification & Validation Activities
Develop and execute verification and validation strategies to ensure device safety, effectiveness, and performance.
Design and implement test methods, fixtures, and protocols, including testing using temporal bone and cadaver models where appropriate.
Prepare and review test plans, protocols, reports, and technical documentation.
Drive continuous improvement of V&V processes, methodologies, and best practices across the organization.
Support multidisciplinary engineering teams in planning and execution of development and testing activities.
Deliver High-Quality Medical Device Solutions
Ensure compliance with quality management systems, regulatory requirements, risk management processes, and industry standards.
Produce clear, accurate, and timely technical documentation.
Partner with manufacturing teams to support prototype builds, product verification activities, and inspection planning.
Drive design solutions that achieve strong manufacturability, reliability, and performance outcomes.
Demonstrate agility and sound engineering judgement, adapting to changing technical requirements, emerging business priorities and evolving project contexts while maintaining focus on quality, compliance, and delivery objectives
Influence, Collaborate and Lead
Take ownership of technical work packages and deliver project objectives within scope, schedule, and budget.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Affairs, and external suppliers.
Mentor junior engineers and students, sharing knowledge and promoting engineering excellence.
Contribute to the advancement of engineering practices, continuous improvement initiatives, and technology development programs.
What you'll bring
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline. (Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (or equivalent). For candidates with degrees obtained outside Belgium, a formal recognition process may be required as part of the hiring journey. Support will be provided)
Minimum 10 years' experience in product design and development using 3D CAD tools.
Minimum 5 years' hands-on experience in prototyping, testing, verification, and validation activities.
Strong experience with 2D and 3D CAD modelling and mechanical drawings, ideally using PTC Creo.
Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems through innovative and pragmatic approaches.
Sound understanding of verification and validation methodologies within product development.
Excellent planning, organization, and project execution skills.
Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
Preferred Experience
Experience within the medical device industry, ideally implantable medical devices.
Knowledge of multidisciplinary engineering disciplines such as electronics, acoustics, or process engineering.
Experience working with external suppliers and subcontractors.
Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
Additional EMEA language skills are advantageous.
Why join us?
Work on innovative technologies that have a profound impact on people's lives.
Collaborate with world-class engineers, clinicians, and researchers.
Be part of a highly collaborative and purpose-driven MedTech environment.
Lead challenging projects from concept to clinical evaluation.
Contribute to the future of implantable hearing solutions through cutting-edge innovation.
If you're passionate about developing breakthrough medical technologies and thrive in a collaborative engineering environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us create a world of hearing for everyone.
What we offer
An attractive remuneration package and flexible extra-legal benefits
An extensive onboarding and training program
An enjoyable work environment with attention to life-work balance and homeworking
A stimulating environment with growth opportunities and opportunity to meet multi-disciplinary colleagues across the globe
This is your chance to be part of a premier organization with a great culture, working in a dynamic, growing and rapidly evolving environment to deliver outstanding results that benefit our customers every day. Be part of something purposeful and APPLY now by clicking on the link below and see your career grow!
Cochlear Summary
Cochlear’s mission is to help people hear and be heard. Around the world, more people chose a Cochlear-branded hearing implant system than any other. Our employees tell us that the number one reason they enjoy working for Cochlear is the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. Learn and grow with us as we tackle the most complex challenges in helping people to Hear Now. And Always. Cochlear is the global market leader in implantable hearing solutions including cochlear implant systems (CI) and bone anchored hearing aids (Baha™).
Equal opportunities
Cochlear is committed to providing equal opportunities to avoid unlawful discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion/belief or age. In line with our corporate ethics and statutory obligations we strive to ensure that the work environment is free of harassment and bullying and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect - this is an important aspect of ensuring equal opportunities in employment.