Sr Mechanical Engineer II

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

The Sr. Mechanical Engineer II position offers a unique opportunity to lead the design and development of advanced hearing aid products that set the benchmark for performance, quality, and innovation in the industry. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role is ideal for an experienced engineer with a strong technical foundation, creative problem-solving skills, and a passion for continuous improvement. As a key contributor to cross-functional teams, you will be responsible for translating high-level user and system requirements into robust, manufacturable designs, while also mentoring junior team members and driving project execution. This role represents a critical step in the engineering career path, signifying a demonstrated capability to deliver excellence across design, validation, and product lifecycle management.

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for leading the design of new products and ensuring that they meet performance, quality, manufacturing, and cost requirements for standard and/or custom products. Must possess the communication ability, technical expertise, creativity, and internal drive to lead the creation of designs that are recognized as best- in-class in the hearing aid industry. Must be able to work well in a team environment and have a passion for continuous improvement.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

Generate system and component performance requirements.

• Lead the project team to document specific performance targets using historical data and high-level user requirements as a guide.

Design new and innovative standard and custom hearing aids and other auxiliary devices which meet product requirements.

• Integrate new technologies into product designs in conjunction with boundaries as defined by the Research and Technology group.
• Propose design options that are manufacturable and harmonious with the Industrial Design.
• Specify materials and finishes that are appropriate to meet all design requirements.
• Interface with internal and external suppliers to develop and implement new processes and technologies.
• Work with a cross-functional team to ensure that all manufacturing and performance requirements are met.
• Analyze component and assembly costs to ensure the designs meet product requirements.

Ensure design verification and validation testing is completed and ensure that all criteria are met.

• Specify and perform design verification testing to ensure the designs meet product requirements.
• Support the design validation testing for all new parts and assemblies.
• Aid prototype and production debugging efforts to ensure that design intent is met, and parts are acceptable for form, fit and function.
• Ensure product quality by evaluating and dispositioning First Article Inspection data.

Develop the technical project plan and manage work efforts to ensure project schedules are met and areas of high risk are identified and mitigated with appropriate risk mitigation plans.

• Lead design reviews.
• Generate mechanical design tasks and provide input into project timelines and schedules.
• Provide project status updates at team meetings as required.
• Collaborate with other cross-functional team members to create and maintain DFMEA documentation which ensures that all key areas of potential failure have been considered and addressed.

Ensure the generation of accurate design documentation.

• Ensure the creation of accurate CAD models and drawings which communicate the design intent and ensure a high standard of quality.
• Ensure the creation of accurate and up-to-date online documentation using Starkey documentation procedures.
• Ensure the creation of Engineering Change Orders (ECO) for release.

Perform other duties commensurate with a "senior" engineer role.

• Mentor, train, and provide work direction to other engineers and designers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited school is required.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years in a product development environment required; hearing or medical device industry experience preferred.

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Intermediate proficiency in ProE required.
• Advanced proficiency in MSOffice Standard required.
• Advanced knowledge of injection molding processing and tooling required.
• Advanced knowledge of materials and processes used to manufacture injection molded plastic, stamped metal, and elastomeric components required.
• Advanced knowledge of product development best practices (i.e. DFM, DOE, DFMEA, Lean PD, 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.

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.
• Requires personal communication and conduct skills at a professional level.
• 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 (i.e. standard office conditions, sitting, lifting, etc.)
• Standard office / lab conditions.
• Equipment Operation (i.e. standard office equipment, etc.)
• Test equipment, Computer PC / MS Office / Calculator, Machine shop tools / Caliper.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The target pay rate for this position is between $113,960 - $162,750 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 Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401 (k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid time off, 8 days/hours of paid sick and safe time, and 6 paid holidays annually.