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)