Specialist R&D - 1st Shift - Starting at $31.92/hr at Stryker in Bartlett, Tennessee

Job description

• The Specialist, R&D is responsible for independently manufacturing prototype and development components that support the design and advancement of innovative medical devices. Working closely with Product Development Engineers and global R&D teams, this role transforms engineering concepts into functional prototypes through precision machining, programming, and problem-solving. Success in this role requires the ability to evaluate engineering drawings, determine machining processes, and independently produce complex components from concept to completion with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and translate engineering drawings into manufacturing plans for prototype and development components.
• Plan, set up, program, and operate manual and CNC equipment to produce complex prototype parts.
• Develop machining programs using both machine-console and CAD/CAM programming methods.
• Manufacture precision components while maintaining tight tolerances and high-quality standards.
• Independently determine machining processes, tooling, setups, and operation sequences required to complete a part from start to finish.
• Support prototype development through CNC machining, EDM, 3D printing, assembly, and finishing operations.
• Partner with Product Development Engineers and global team members to gather requirements and execute prototype requests.
• Maintain project documentation, communicate technical recommendations, and provide updates to stakeholders.
• Perform preventative equipment maintenance while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in a prototype, toolroom, R&D, medical device, or similar precision machining environment.
• Experience independently producing prototype or development components from engineering drawings using manual and CNC equipment.
• Strong knowledge of machining principles, including tooling selection, speeds and feeds, materials, and setup development.
• Ability to manufacture precision components while maintaining tight tolerances and quality standards.
• Experience programming CNC equipment using online and offline programming methods.
• Experience machining highly precise components requiring tight tolerances.
• Experience supporting research and development, prototype, or new product development environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience collaborating with engineering teams to develop prototype components from concept through production.

Skills

Required

• Machining principles
• Tooling selection
• Speeds and feeds
• Materials
• Setup development
• Manual and CNC equipment operation
• Precision manufacturing
• Tolerance control
• Engineering drawing interpretation

Preferred

• CNC programming (online and offline)
• CAD/CAM programming
• Problem-solving
• Collaboration with engineering teams

Benefits

• $31.92 - $44.88 per hour plus bonus eligible + benefits.