Senior Mechatronics Engineer

Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, a unit of Abbott Laboratories, designs and manufactures magnetic‑levitation blood‑pump systems for patients with severe heart failure. Based in Zurich, the company leads the market for both implantable and extracorporeal circulatory‑support devices such as the CentriMag System and HeartMate 3. The vacancy is for a Senior Mechatronics Engineer who will join the R&D department to create the next generation of centrifugal pumps while also supporting the engineering and quality groups that keep current products in production. The daily work revolves around conceiving, modelling and refining electromagnetic motors that drive the pumps. You will evaluate different motor topologies, run FEM‑based electromagnetic and thermal simulations, and analyse loss mechanisms to maximise torque, efficiency and reliability. The role also includes developing control algorithms for current, speed, torque and position, and working hand‑in‑hand with power‑electronics and firmware teams to integrate drives and sensor feedback. In addition, you will define test plans, carry out characterisation, perform root‑cause investigations and cooperate with suppliers and manufacturing partners on component design and production processes. Supporting ongoing products through obsolescence handling, complaint investigations and corrective‑preventive actions is also part of the remit. The position requires a university‑level qualification in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline, together with at least five years of experience developing new medical‑device products, preferably Class 2 or Class 3 life‑sustaining systems. A solid foundation in electromagnetics, motor design and motor control is essential, as is practical knowledge of motor drives, power‑electronics hardware and embedded control platforms. You must understand control‑theory concepts such as linear stability, PID and state‑space methods, and be proficient with modelling tools like MATLAB/Simulink and specialised electromagnetic simulators. Experience working under medical‑device design controls (ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR 820) and related standards (IEC 60601, ISO 14971) is required, as is the ability to produce clear technical documentation and communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams. All meetings and documentation are conducted in English. Additional assets include prior involvement in motor manufacturing, long‑term reliability testing, and interaction with FDA or notified‑body auditors during submissions. Familiarity with PLM and change‑control software (Windchill), PCB design tools (Altium), and 3‑D CAD (SolidWorks) is advantageous, as is knowledge of statistical analysis methods. Conversational German is considered a plus but not mandatory. What the role asks for: - Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or related field - 5+ years new‑product development experience for medical devices - Strong expertise in electromagnetics, motor design and motor control - Hands‑on experience with motor drives, power‑electronics and embedded control - Solid grasp of control‑systems theory (linear, PID, state‑space) - Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and electromagnetic simulation tools - Experience with medical design‑control processes and relevant standards - Excellent technical writing and communication skills - English proficiency (required) - Experience in motor design and manufacturing (nice‑to‑have) - Background in long‑term reliability testing (nice‑to‑have) - Prior work with FDA or notified‑body audits (nice‑to‑have) - Knowledge of Windchill, Altium and SolidWorks (nice‑to‑have) - Familiarity with statistical methods and software (nice‑to‑have) - Communicative German (nice‑to‑have)