Freelance R&D Engineer - MedTech (Surgical Instruments)

Germany & Austria | Contract/Freelance | New Product Development

About the Role

We are supporting a leading MedTech organisation in their search for a freelance R&D Engineer to contribute to multiple new product development (NPD) projects across Germany and Austria. You will play a key role in designing, developing, testing, and validating advanced surgical instruments and minimally invasive devices.

This is an ideal opportunity for a highly skilled engineer seeking contract work while contributing to impactful medical innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive R&D activities for surgical instruments and related technologies (concept → prototype → verification & validation → transfer to manufacturing).
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including regulatory, quality, and manufacturing.
• Develop and refine device concepts, CAD designs, material selections, and functional prototypes.
• Perform design verification, risk analysis (e.g., DFMEA), and testing under relevant standards (e.g., ISO 13485).
• Support regulatory documentation and design history file creation during NPD.
• Work on continuous improvement initiatives across mechanical design, usability, performance, and safety.

Required Experience

• MedTech experience is essential-minimum 5+ years of professional experience in medical device R&D (This does NOT include Master's thesis work, internerships, student projects, or academic research placements.)
• Strong background in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, biomedical engineering, or similar.
• Hands-on experience with surgical instruments, MIS devices, or complex electromechanical medical systems.
• Solid understanding of ISO 13485, design controls, MDR, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX).
• Proven track record in new product development from early concept to launch.
• Strong problem-solving mindset, creativity, and the ability to work autonomously.

Contract Details

• Freelance / Contract - 40 hours per week
• Remote flexibility with on-site work as required across Germany or Austria.
• Start date: ASAP.
• Duration: 12 months+ with potential extension.