Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

About Vessl

At Vessl, we’re redefining prosthetic technology with a socket system that automatically adapts to the user’s limb volume, creating a better fit and a better life for amputees. We’re a growing medtech startup with big ambitions — and we’re building a team of people who thrive on solving hard problems, balancing competing priorities, and delivering products that make a real impact.

Our culture is effortless, practical, welcoming, and empowering. We value safety and durability in everything we create, but we also believe innovation should feel intuitive and human.

The Role

We’re looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to take a leading role in the design, development, and optimization of Vessl’s prosthetic systems. You’ll work across the full product lifecycle — from concept development and prototyping through DFM, testing, and transfer to production.

This is a senior individual contributor role that combines hands‑on design excellence with system‑level thinking. You’ll own mechanical design decisions, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate closely with our CTO and external partners to bring elegant, robust solutions to life.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of prosthetic system components, assemblies, and mechanisms from concept to production.




• Translate functional requirements into detailed mechanical architectures, considering material selection, tolerances, and manufacturability.




• Develop and review CAD models, drawings, and specifications for precision components and assemblies.




• Perform tolerance analysis and use simulation and modeling tools (e.g., FEA) to validate and refine designs for static and fatigue performance.




• Prototype, evaluate, and iterate mechanical concepts through hands‑on testing and supplier feedback.




• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM), assembly (DFA), and testing, ensuring robust performance and scalability.




• Review and improve engineering designs prepared by the design team to ensure compliance with safety regulations, efficiency, and manufacturability.




• Collaborate with internal engineering, quality, and operations teams, as well as contract manufacturers and suppliers, to ensure seamless production transfer.




• Perform root‑cause investigations, design validation testing, and risk assessments to ensure product integrity.




• Contribute to design documentation, verification plans, and risk assessments.




• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize product development processes and outcomes.




• Mentor junior engineers, sharing expertise in design best practices and problem‑solving approaches.




• Travel as needed (approximately 10% of the time, industry standard) to suppliers, manufacturers, and partners.

Skill and Experience to Enable Success

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design for industries such as medtech, automotive, aerospace, or other precision mechanical systems.




• Proven expertise in CAD design, FEA, tolerance analysis, and design for manufacturability and assembly.




• Strong background in mechanical system architecture, mechanism design, and materials selection.




• Experience with prototyping, testing, and iterative product development.




• Comfortable working with suppliers, fabricators, and contract manufacturers.




• Skilled in identifying and mitigating mechanical design risks.




• Excellent communicator who can translate complex technical details into clear design decisions.




• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (Master’s is an asset).

Why Join Vessl

• Be part of a small but growing startup where your work directly impacts lives.




• Take ownership of design decisions that shape the future of prosthetic technology.




• Work in a culture that values practicality, creativity, and empowerment.




• Tackle complex engineering challenges with room for innovation.




• Join at a pivotal time — you’ll be a core part of Vessl’s journey as we bring our product to market.




• Competitive compensation, benefits, and equity options.




• Opportunity to grow with the company as we scale.