Principal Mechanical Engineer, Foot & Ankle

We are dedicated to innovation across our product portfolio and believe in the power of engaged talent on our teams. This is a high impact position that will allow you to leverage your problem solving, project management, and technical skills in a role that is designed to bridge the gaps between new product development introductions, purchased manufacturing supply base and product engineering. The ideal candidate will have prior design experience in combination with applied manufacturing knowledge. As Principal Engineer - Design Transfer & Product Engineering on ConMed's Foot & Ankle R&D Engineering team, you will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to apply your knowledge of manufacturing methods to transfer designs to production and serve as the lead for all global product engineering in support of ConMed's Mission - to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients. As a technical leader you will play a key role in new product introductions, continuous improvement and support of released product. In this role you will also partner with sourcing to develop supplier capabilities used in the manufacturing of complex high precision medical devices and components.

The Principal Engineer conducts their duties with little or no supervision interacting directly with cross-functional teams. In addition the Principal Engineer usually is the technical leader for his projects while mentoring other engineers as needed.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead projects and meet all assigned project deadlines and deliverables for: transfer of new products, continuous improvement projects, cost savings initiatives, design changes, and sourcing efforts

• Collaborate with Marketing to design and implement existing product enhancements & design changes through the change control process

• Provide engineering support for new product and process introductions, ensuring that all activities are completed and documented in accordance with Quality Management System procedures

• Support product transfers and launches by generating PFMEAs, control plans, inspection procedures and support supplier quality to qualify and approve production parts

• Independently research, ideate, innovate, design, develop, acquire prototypes & refine solutions to complex clinical problems

• Execute design verification and validating activities by applying industry standards, test strategies and applicable regulations to ensure safety, efficacy and compliance

• Perform process verification & validation and qualify/re-qual. vendors, suppliers, components, items, parts, new & existing processes, etc., including travel to suppliers to complete assignments

• Lead & own creation and refinement of engineering documentation, such as the Design History file elements in accordance with the Quality Management System

• Engage with supplier to investigate and resolve any issues that arise during the manufacturing process to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met and supply disruptions are minimized

• Perform complaint investigations, root-cause investigation, recommend and implement corrective action for product design issues to ensure continuity of supply

• Support capital planning and acquisition activity including specifying equipment, contract negotiation, Installation and validation

• Initiates and implements changes in methods, design or process where necessary

• Analyze, correct & mitigate complex product design issues using independent judgment.

• Perform other related functions as required by management

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering or related discipline

• 12 years related experience in product development engineering with a bachelor's degree; 8 years with a master's degree

• Medical Device experience, with mechanical design in a highly regulated industry (preferably across a range of manufacturing methods including injection molding, screw machining, milling, welding, and sterilization and packaging)

Preferred Requirements:

• Proficient in Computer Aided Design (CAD), Solid modelling (SolidWorks preferred)

• Must have applied technical knowledge of manufacturing methods and materials used to manufacture surgical devices (e.g. injection molding, screw machining, milling, welding, and sterilization and packaging)

• Prior Orthopedics new product development, including implantables, plating systems & surgical instrumentation, and/or soft tissue, allograft & biologics solutions (Preferably within Foot & Ankle)

• Sound understanding of GD&T, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), related statistical tools and process validation/verification techniques

• Prior project management and/or project engineering, with demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate overall project schedules

• Prior experience validating manufacturing processes through Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ)

• Experience performing Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

• Prior applications of statistical, lean, and six sigma methodologies to improve designs and processes

• Familiarity with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

• Adept at performing both Design and Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA & PFMEA)

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow to meet deadlines

• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm

• Proficient on basic computer programs: Microsoft Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Expected Travel 0-30%

Memphis/Hybrid: Must be willing and available to travel to the Memphis, TN facility as required

This position is not eligible for employer-visa sponsorship

Disclosure as required by applicable law, the annual salary range for this position is $130,654 to $209,980. The actual compensation may vary based on geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level. The salary range is CONMED's good faith belief at the time of this posting.

This job posting is anticipated to close on October 31, 2025 . We may, however, extend this time period, in which case the posting will remain available on careers.conmed.com. Please submit your application as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis as we receive them.

Benefits:

CONMED offers a wide array of benefits to fit your unique needs. Visit our Benefits Page for more information.

• Competitive compensation
• Excellent healthcare including medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage
• Short & long term disability plus life insurance -- cost paid fully by CONMED
• Retirement Savings Plan (401K) -- CONMED matches your contributions dollar for dollar, with the potential for up to 7% per pay period
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan -- allows stock purchases at discounted price
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate level courses

Know someone at CONMED? Have them submit you as a referral before applying for this position to be eligible for our Employee Referral Program incentives!

CONMED is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Poster reaffirms this commitment.

Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

If you feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, you are encouraged to contact us at 800-929-7176 option #5.