R&D Mechanical Engineer
Distalmotion
R&D Mechanical Engineer
Distalmotion
Minimally invasive robotic surgery platform
Distalmotion SA · Épalinges, Switzerland · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-20
Workplace: on_site
Department: Research & Development
As a R&D Mechanical Engineer within our Mechanical team, you will lead development of mechanical systems and subsystems of our next-generation surgical robot from the early concept to the to a verified product.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
R&D & Mechatronic Subsystem Design
• Lead the end-to-end design and development of high-precision mechatronic subsystems for surgical robotics, translating clinical and industrial design inputs into simple and robust mechanical solutions.
• Execute detailed design work utilizing 3D CAD (Solidworks), finite element analysis (FEA), and worst-case tolerance stack-up analyses. And applying DFM/DFA principles to optimize cost, yield, and assembly efficiency.
• Collaborate within cross-functional R&D teams (Electrical, Software, Systems, and Clinical) to rapidly prototype, validate, and iterate robotic platforms and subsystems.
Verification, Testing & Tooling
• Architect, build and document custom mechatronic test benches and automated test fixtures for design verification, fatigue testing, and end-of-line production testing.
• Author and execute verification protocols and reports to prove subsystem performance against medical device requirements.
Design Transfer & Supply Chain
• Support Design Transfer to Contract Manufacturers, by transferring technical knowledge to industrialization teams, reviewing Work Instructions and pFMEAs, and supporting process-specific tool development.
• Support mechanical supplier selection and qualification, support root-cause analyses for supplier-related quality issues (NC/CAPA).
Medical Device Compliance & Lifecycle
• Maintain full compliance with medical device standards (e.g., ISO 13485, IEC 60601-1, ISO 14971) and author compliant Design History File (DHF) documentation.
• Plan and execute Engineering Change Requests, ensuring robust risk management and traceability.
• Chair formal technical design reviews and present architectural decisions to cross-departmental stakeholders and leadership.
Work Experience and Education requirements:
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related engineering discipline.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of professional mechanical design experience, with ideally direct expertise in collaborative robots (cobots), robotics platforms, or high-precision robotic joints/actuators.
• Full-Lifecycle DFX Mastery: Proven track record in end-to-end product design, incorporating Design for Excellence principles:
o Design for Manufacturability & Assembly (DFM/DFA)
o Design to Cost (DTC)
o Design for Reliability & Serviceability (DFR/DFS)
• Testing & Prototyping: Demonstrated hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, physical assembly, formal design reviews, and reliability/verification testing.
• Language Skills: Professional proficiency in written and spoken English, with strong technical communication skills
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities required:
• SolidWorks & Multi-Process Manufacturing: Expert-level proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks) with deep domain knowledge in designing components for diverse manufacturing processes, including:
o CNC Machining & Precision Milling
o Metal Casting, Forging & Sheet Metal Fabrication
o Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing
o Injection Molding
• Cross-Functional & Supplier Management: Strong ability to lead technical execution with external development partners, contract manufacturers, and component vendors, as well as collaborating across interdisciplinary R&D teams (Software, Electrical, Systems, Quality).
• Analytical Problem Solving: Passion for dissecting complex mechanical challenges and engineering elegant, simple, high-reliability solutions for robotics.
• Drive & Ownership: Self-motivated engineer with high autonomy who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment, maintaining accountability, technical curiosity, and a positive team culture
What we offer:
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Minimally invasive robotic surgery platform
Distalmotion provides a surgical robotics system called Dexter used in minimally invasive surgery. It sells the robotic platform to hospitals and surgical centers, aiming to integrate into existing laparoscopic workflows so surgeons can switch between robotic and traditional laparoscopy from an ergonomic console. Dexter is designed as an open-platform, mobile system that supports on-demand robotic assistance without needing a dedicated operating room, enabling seamless collaboration between robotic precision and conventional techniques. This approach differentiates Distalmotion from competitors by prioritizing ease of integration, mobility, and flexibility over building a closed, room-locked robot. The company's goal is to make robotic surgery more accessible, addressing barriers like complexity, cost, and workflow disruption to improve outcomes in general surgery, gynecology, and urology.
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