As a Mechanical Engineer at Integral, your primary responsibilities involve owning the development and shipping of critical surgical tools designed for our deep-brain interface device. This includes the design, fabrication, and rigorous testing of surgical tools, collaborating with surgeons on procedure development, and conducting verification and validation testing of various systems and components. Your work will be vital in ensuring that our device can be implemented effectively to help patients with neurological disorders.

To qualify for the Mechanical Engineer for Surgical Tools role at Integral, you will need extensive experience in surgical tool development and a strong background in one or more key areas such as medical device manufacturing, mechanical test development, preclinical testing, and surgical targeting systems development. A deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles and the ability to execute quickly are also critical attributes that will help you succeed in this position.

The work environment at Integral is dynamic and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on in-person teamwork in South San Francisco. You'll be surrounded by a passionate team of engineers, surgeons, and researchers who are dedicated to revolutionizing neurotechnology. This collaborative setting fosters innovation and drives fast-paced projects that directly affect patient outcomes, making it an exciting place to work.

While having experience in neurotechnology can be beneficial, it is not a strict requirement for the Mechanical Engineer position at Integral. What is essential is your strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and your hands-on experience in surgical tool development, as these skills will allow you to adapt and thrive in our innovative environment.

In the Mechanical Engineer for Surgical Tools role at Integral, you will work on diverse and mission-critical projects, including designing and testing surgical tools for precise brain surgery, developing novel implanted hardware such as connectors and enclosures, and collaborating with surgeons to enhance surgical procedure development. Each project will offer a unique challenge that directly contributes to improving treatments for neurological disorders.

When discussing your experience, focus on specific projects where you designed surgical tools, detailing the challenges faced and how you overcame them. Mention your design process, materials used, and any collaboration with medical professionals to enhance procedures. Demonstrating a clear connection between past experiences and the specific responsibilities of the Mechanical Engineer role at Integral will show your preparedness.

In your answer, explain the testing methodologies you employ, such as usability testing, material testing, or verification and validation protocols. Discuss how you ensure that tools meet medical standards and how you integrate feedback from surgeons. This will highlight your thorough approach, which is essential for a role at Integral.

To answer this question effectively, describe your project management techniques, such as using task prioritization frameworks or agile methodologies. Explain how you assess project timelines, the impact on patients, and collaboration with team members to ensure that critical deliveries are met without compromising quality.

Be prepared to share a specific instance where you collaborated with a surgeon, detailing the project, objectives, and outcomes. Illustrate your communication style and how you leveraged their expertise to improve tool design or surgical procedures, reflecting your ability to work effectively in a cross-disciplinary environment.

Discuss your proficiency with CAD software, highlighting specific projects where your design skills were crucial. Mention any unique features of the software you utilized that enhanced your designs or improved efficiency. This demonstrates your technical competence and readiness for the Mechanical Engineer role at Integral.

Describe your prototyping process step-by-step, from initial concepts to final testing. Emphasize your iterative approach, use of materials, and how you incorporate feedback for improvements. This showcases your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills, which are vital for a position like the one at Integral.

Reflect on specific challenges such as regulatory hurdles or design alterations, sharing how your innovative thought processes and teamwork led to solutions. This will highlight your resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced industry, showcasing qualities Integral values in a Mechanical Engineer.

Illustrate your commitment to professional development by discussing conferences, online courses, or professional organizations you actively engage with. Mention any specific areas of neurotechnology or surgical tool innovation that excites you and how that knowledge can benefit your role at Integral.

Share a concrete example where you were tasked with a tight timeline, explaining the steps you took to ensure project success. Highlight your time management and prioritization skills, and the impact of your swift execution on the overall project outcome, aligning it with Integral’s fast-paced mission.

In your response, convey genuine enthusiasm for Integral's mission and the opportunity to work on projects that have a profound impact on patient health. Discuss how your values align with their goals and your aspirations for contributing innovations that will transform neurotechnology.