R&D Technician, Cardiac Lead Design & Development
Location: San Diego, CA
Hire Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Job Summary
Atrial fibrillation is chaotic, patient-specific, and constantly evolving. Drugs and ablation have advanced the field — but millions of patients remain inadequately served, and the underlying electrical disorder often goes uncontrolled. MaxWell Biomedical is on a mission to develop and deploy first-of-its-kind, non-destructive technologies that restore atrial synchrony, terminate atrial fibrillation, and improve hemodynamics in patients with cardiac rhythm disorders.
We don’t merely innovate at MaxWell, we advance. We carry responsibility with courage, not caution, because the status quo resists transformation because lives are on the line, and we are here for such a time as this. Join us as we create a fundamentally new therapeutic pathway for patients who remain inadequately served by existing AF treatments—and help shape the future of cardiac rhythm management.
We are looking for a R&D Technician, Cardiac Lead Design & Development to build and test prototype epicardial catheters type leads in support of new product development for electrophysiology applications. Working under minimal supervision and in close collaboration with R&D engineers, the Technician translates engineering concepts into functional prototypes, fabricating shaft assemblies, performing reflow and tipping operations, building electrode and sensor sub-assemblies, and executing bench and benchtop simulator testing to verify design intent.
This role is foundational to MaxWell Biomedical ability to iterate quickly while maintaining the rigor required of a Class II / Class III medical device under FDA 21 CFR 820 and ISO 13485. The Technician helps drive best-in-class product development practices and product quality as a strategic advantage of the business.
To drive and ensure “best-in-class” product development practices and product quality as a corporate strategic advantage of the business.
What You’ll Do
Catheter Prototyping and Build
Fabrication of catheter and lead prototypes.
Test method development including equipment setup, data analysis.
Perform product characterization testing.
Perform and/or assist with assembly of devices and fixtures for use in catheter and leads fabrication.
Develop and complete the verification & validation activities for medical devices, while developing an understanding of the standards and regulations.
Operate and maintain prototype build equipment: RF reflow stations, hot-air tippers, vertical pull testers, laser markers, and pad-printers.
Design Verification & Test Engineering
Design, prototype, and qualify test fixtures and instruments used in lead verification, tensile/pull strength, torque, kink, burst, fatigue, dimensional, and electrical-continuity testing.
Execute design verification and validation protocols on completed catheters, sub-assemblies, and internally developed test equipment; document results in compliance with the Design History File (DHF).
Perform benchtop simulator testing in anatomical models (cardiac phantoms, flow loops, tissue analogs) and assist with fluoroscopic bench evaluations.
Troubleshoot and debug lead designs under test, diagnose failure modes (delamination, electrode pull-off, shaft kinking, signal noise) and feed findings back to design engineers.
Lab Operations & Team Contribution
Own day-to-day organization, calibration scheduling, ensure equipment readiness and traceability.
Comply with department and corporate procedures, quality initiatives, and applicable medical-device regulations.
Participate constructively in design reviews, raise issues backed by data or first-hand observation, and share both successes and failures so the team can learn and improve.
What We’re Looking For
Experience with cardiac electrophysiology catheters or leads, ablation (RF, cryo, or PFA), or electro-anatomical mapping catheters.
0-4 years of experience in medical industry in R&D or in Manufacturing.
Positive attitude and fast learner with high attention to detail.
Good communication skills.
Previous experience working in a GMP facility a plus.
Knowledge of cGMP.
Perform duties with the highest regard for safety and quality.
Ability to understand and follow site protocols, policies, and procedures.
Must be flexible, forward-thinking, motivated, and have the ability to act independently.
Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office with proficiency in Word and Excel
Ability to meet deadlines set forth by supervisor
Physical Requirements
The physical demands listed below must be met to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to sit for extended periods at a workbench or desk, with frequent standing and walking throughout the workday
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs unassisted on an occasional basis
Ability to perform fine motor tasks requiring manual dexterity, including handling small components, tools, and delicate prototype assemblies
Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and kneel to access equipment, storage, and workbench areas
Ability to stand for extended periods during hands-on prototype build and test activities
Sufficient near vision to inspect small parts, read measurements, and review detailed technical drawings
Ability to work in a laboratory environment that may include exposure to adhesives, solvents, and other materials used in device fabrication
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time
What We Offer
MaxWell offers a total rewards package that reflects our stage, mission and commitment to investing in our people.
Opportunity to share a transformative AF therapy device from inception
Medical, Dental and Vision coverage, with MaxWell covering 60% of the cost for you and your dependents
Market-competitive compensation, including an employee stock purchase plan
Collaborative, fun, and mission-driven environment
Monthly company-sponsored lunches
How To Apply
Please send your resume and a brief letter describing your interest in this role to talent@maxwellbiomed.com. Resumes and personal information submitted to MaxWell Biomedical are used solely for recruitment purposes and will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy law. We do not share your information with third parties without your consent.
Recruitment Fraud Warning
MaxWell Biomedical will never request payment, financial information, or gift cards at any stage of the recruitment process. All legitimate communication will come from @maxwellbiomed.com email addresses. We do not extend offers via text message or unofficial platforms. If you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, do not engage and report it to scams@maxwellbiomed.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
MaxWell Biomedical is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristics. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds.