Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Location: Oberdorf BL

Working mode: Hybrid, 3 days per week on-site and 2 WFH

Languages: Excellent German and English language skills

Duration: Contract running until the end of 2026 (opportunity for a contract extension)

Hours: 40 hours per week

Imagine your next project leading the end-to-end mechanical design and development of powered surgical devices and disposable consumables for an orthopaedics portfolio, balancing sustaining engineering and new product introduction to deliver safe, manufacturable, and compliant products to market.

We are seeking an experienced mechanical engineer to lead design and development of powered surgical devices and their disposable consumables for an orthopaedics portfolio. The role balances sustaining/base-business engineering with new product introduction (NPI) and vendor/CDMO management to deliver safe, manufacturable, and compliant products to market.

roles and responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end mechanical development for powered surgical systems and associated disposables: concept, detailed design, prototyping and verification & validation.

• Execute projects across both sustaining (base business) activities and NPI pipelines, prioritizing safety, reliability, and manufacturability.

• Develop and execute mechanical verification and validation protocols; work closely with our internal test group and external laboratories.

• Maintain and update Design History Files (DHF), design change orders, and related design control documentation per ISO 13485 and FDA 21 CFR 820.

• Lead risk management activities (ISO 14971): DFMEA, use-related risk assessments, risk mitigations, and traceability of actions.

• Plan and execute technical transfers and projects with CDMOs and contract manufacturers.

• Manage relationships with CDMOs and suppliers: capability assessments, audits, issue escalation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support change control, CAPA investigations, and problem resolution for field or production issues; mentor root-cause investigations with cross-functional teams.

• Collaborate closely with Electronics and Design Engineering, Project Management, Quality/Regulatory, Manufacturing, Medical and Supply Chain teams to ensure alignment across product lifecycle.

how to succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent; Master’s preferred.

• 5+ years of mechanical development experience, with minimum several years in medical devices — preferably orthopaedics or surgical systems.

• Direct experience with powered surgical devices and single-use disposables or closely related electromechanical systems.

• Proven track record of successful NPIs and design transfers to contract manufacturers/CDMOs.

• Hands-on prototyping skills and familiarity with manufacturing processes: injection molding, metalworking, laser welding, adhesives and sterilization.

• CAD capability (Creo, SolidWorks) and experience producing manufacturable detail drawings and BOMs.

• Experience with mechanical test development, FEA basics, tolerance stack analysis, and test data interpretation.

• Working knowledge of medical device quality and regulatory frameworks: ISO 13485, ISO 14971, MDR/FDA submissions and design controls.

• Fluent in English and German (technical writing, supplier negotiations, audits, and presentations in both languages).

• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation skills, and supplier-facing experience.

• Experience with PLM tools (Windchill, Agile e6).

• Familiarity with process capability analysis, statistical methods, and measurement systems analysis.

• Certifications such as Six Sigma, PMP, or PE are advantageous.

• Experience with sterilization validation and packaging for sterile disposables.

benefits

This role offers a very competitive hourly rate. This contract will run initially until the end of 2026 with an opportunity for a contract extension.

you are welcome here

DePuy Synthes is working to create an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are valued and each and every one of our people feels that they belong and can reach their potential. No matter who they are.

about DePuy Synthes

DePuy Synthes is the orthopaedic and neurological businesses of Johnson & Johnson - the world's most comprehensive and broadly-based healthcare company. At DePuy Synthes we specialise in our innovations in healthcare products, services and programs that make a real difference to millions of people across the world. We specialise in joint reconstruction, trauma, extremities, craniomaxillofacial, spinal surgery and sports medicine, and also the VELYS™ Digital Surgery portfolio. Contribute to the next healthcare breakthrough with your next project at DePuy Synthes.

application process

We are looking to process the first round of applications within the next 2 working days. We do not accept applications via email or LinkedIn InMail - you must apply direct to this advert.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

For more than 130 years, diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) have been part of our cultural fabric at Johnson & Johnson and woven into how we do business every day. Our commitment to respect the dignity and diversity of all is embedded in our Credo. We know that the success of our business depends on having the best talent in a workforce that reflects the diverse markets we serve around the world and an inclusive culture that values different perspectives and life experiences. That is why we are working to create an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences are valued and each one of our people feels that they belong and can reach their potential. No matter who they are. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Johnson & Johnson means “You Belong”.