Sr Mechanical Engineer I - Advanced Development

Be part of a team shaping the future of hearing technology through innovative concept design of hearing aids, components, and accessories. In this role, you’ll collaborate across disciplines to turn bold ideas into manufacturable, market-ready solutions—integrating new technologies and guiding designs from early concept through productization.

Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better.

Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what’s possible.

We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart: https://youtu.be/9cUYwTlCepg?si=wkovx8_R_iINfrc6

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB 
This position is responsible for innovative concept design of hearing aids, hearing aid components and features, and hearing aid accessories. The position also requires mechanical design support of sensor integration into hearing aid products, executed as a member of advanced development project teams. These responsibilities extend from concept design through transfer to product development teams, and/or productization. The position requires deep and broad knowledge of hearing aid products to identify opportunities and implementation of mechanical design solutions, requiring regular use of critical thinking and creativity. This position works with a cross-functional team of engineers, technicians, and managers in advanced development, product development, and operations teams to delivering products and technologies to the  product development team.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

Develop innovative concept designs for both standard and custom hearing aid products.

• Propose these new hearing aid and/or subassembly/component concept designs to Advanced Development Leadership


• Document design benefits, market acceptance, and return-on-investment


• Integrate new technologies into concept designs.


• Propose design options that are manufacturable and compatible with industrial design intent.


• Specify materials to meet all design requirements.


• Interface with internal and external suppliers to develop new processes and technologies.

Develop concept designs for accessory devices and other new product opportunities.

• Propose new accessory device solutions and new product concepts.


• Document design benefits, market acceptance, and return-on-investment


• Integrate new technologies into concept designs.


• Propose design options that are manufacturable and compatible with industrial design intent.


• Specify materials to meet all design requirements.


• Interface with internal and external suppliers to develop new processes and technologies.

Effectively manage projects

• Develop project plans with support from applicable tech leads and project managers and manage work efforts to ensure project schedules are met, and areas of high risk are identified and mitigated.

Design and produce proof-of-concept prototypes.

• Ensure the generation of accurate and complete design documentation. Ensure the creation of accurate and detailed CAD models and drawings which communicate the design intent and ensure a high standard of quality.


• Facilitate design review(s).


• Lead the process of the build of the prototype(s).

Ensure design verification and validation testing is completed meeting all criteria.

• Conduct design reviews with subject matter experts from a cross-functional team.


• Facilitate design Failure Mode Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Design Verification Testing (DVT).

Facilitate smooth transition of designed concepts into product development.

• Provide CAD package, prototypes, and results from DFMEA and DVT to product development team and
  act as consultant to team.


• Participate in design reviews during product development.

Collaborate with external component and industrial design partners.

• Work with external partners via direct communication, Technical Improvement Process (TIP) meetings,
  and relevant industry and technical conferences.

Mechanical Engineering support for sensors integration and other Advanced Development projects

• Work as a team member of Advanced Development projects


• Investigate and recommend paths to integrate new and existing sensor technology into Starkey
  products.


• Execute these sensor integration concepts through mechanical design proof-of-concept, prototype
  builds, and Design Verification Testing.

Keep plugged in to company and industry trends.

• Technology scanning of new and relevant technologies


• Attend technology seminars and report on and represent pertinent information for Starkey.


• Benchmark and explore new technologies.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field; or


• Background in Mechanical Design with significant and relevant industry experience

Experience 

• 8+ years of mechanical design experience in a related industry required.

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Intermediate to Advanced proficiency in ProE required


• Proficiency in MSOffice required.


• Intermediate knowledge of injection molding processes and tooling required.


• Intermediate knowledge of materials and processes used to manufacture injection molded plastic, stamped metal, and elastomeric components required.


• Advanced knowledge of product development best practices (e.g. DFM, DOE, DFMEA, etc.) required


• Intermediate knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing required.


• Intermediate understanding of acoustics and vibration highly desirable.


• Intermediate understanding and experience with various pieces of test equipment required.


• Proven ability to perform complex engineering analysis and calculations required.


• Big picture perspective of where the industry is headed.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities 

• Proven ability to work well in a team environment required


• Ability to work with minimal guidance to make decisions and report progress required.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.


• Must be a self-starter with high initiative.


• Demonstrated leadership role in projects including ability to provide guidance and direction on the project to less experienced technical personnel required.


• Ability to keep current with new technologies and industry trends required

WORK CONTEXT

Working Conditions

• Standard office and lab conditions

Equipment Operation

• Standard office equipment


• Test equipment, Computer PC / MS Office / Calculator, Machine shop tools / Caliper

Salary and Other Compensation:

The target pay rate for this position is between $93,940 - $126,000 annually. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include: geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is eligible for a bonus based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout.

Benefits: The following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, company-paid life and short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, employee assistance plan, hearing aid benefits, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, paid floating holidays, paid volunteer service day, paid paternity and maternity leave and tuition reimbursement.  

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