What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Design Engineer – IoT-Enabled Health Wristband position at KOS AI?
Mechanical Design Engineer – IoT-Enabled Health Wristband
About Us
KOS AI is revolutionizing diabetes care with the Argus Continuous Glucose Monitoring System - the world’s first non-invasive, optical CGM wristband. Our breakthrough technology uses advanced photoplethysmography and machine learning to provide continuous glucose monitoring without needles, sensors, or patches.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and optimization of the Blueberry wristband’s enclosure. Your goal is to create a durable, ergonomic, and comfortable device that securely houses sensors and electronics while ensuring accurate data collection and minimal interference with readings. You’ll need to consider factors like component temperature management, size, shape, noise reduction (e.g., minimizing vibration or mechanical interference), and wearability to deliver an exceptional user experience. Collaborating with electrical, biomedical, firmware, network, and product design teams, you will help drive the creation of a regulatory-compliant device that fits naturally into daily life and consistently delivers reliable health data.
Key Responsibilities
* Enclosure & Chassis Design: Design a robust, ergonomic, and visually appealing wristband enclosure that balances size, shape, and comfort. Ensure it meets durability standards, supports long-term wear, and aligns with the device’s branding.
* Thermal & Noise Considerations: Work with electrical and firmware engineers to manage component temperatures. Implement strategies (e.g., heat sinks, thermal interface materials) to prevent overheating. Reduce mechanical noise and vibration that could affect sensor accuracy or user comfort.
* Sensor Integration & Accuracy: Collaborate with biomedical and electrical engineers to optimize sensor placement and the sensor-skin interface. Address issues like air gaps affecting temperature readings, considering materials (e.g., silicone, gels) to improve sensor accuracy and data fidelity.
* Material Selection:
* Medical-Grade: Select materials compatible with medical-grade requirements (ISO 10993 biocompatibility) while maintaining optical transparency at sensor wavelengths. Consider hypoallergenic options for 24/7 wear.
* User Comfort: Select biocompatible, breathable, and cost-effective materials that are safe for prolonged skin contact and environmental exposure. Consider tactile feel, flexibility, and overall wearability to maximize comfort.
* Prototyping & Testing: Oversee prototype fabrication and conduct rigorous testing (stress, durability, thermal, environmental) to validate design choices. Incorporate user feedback to refine comfort, fit, and performance.
* Regulatory Compliance & Documentation: Maintain detailed technical documentation and ensure design adherence to FDA, ISO, and healthcare industry regulations.
* Manufacturing & Scalability: Collaborate with manufacturing partners to define production methods (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing). Provide manufacturing-ready design drawings and technical specifications, optimizing for cost, quality, and mass production. Target BOM cost <$30 for mechanical components at 100k unit volume. Design for automated assembly with minimal manual steps.
* Continuous Improvement: Stay informed about emerging materials, wearable design trends, and best practices. Implement iterative enhancements that improve comfort, durability, sensor performance, noise reduction, and overall user satisfaction.
Collaboration
* Electrical & Firmware Engineers: Align enclosure design with PCB layouts, power requirements, and thermal constraints. Ensure stable device operation and minimal mechanical interference with electronics.
* Biomedical Engineers & Algorithm Developers: Ensure sensor placements and enclosure materials support accurate physiological measurements and data quality.
* Network/Wireless Engineers: Accommodate antenna placement and connectivity needs.
* Product Designers & Other Stakeholders: Translate user needs, aesthetic requirements, and brand guidelines into a cohesive, user-centric device.
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
* Proven experience in mechanical design, preferably in wearable or IoT health devices.
* Experience with optical system design, Zemax or similar ray tracing software preferred.
* Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
* Proficiency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks), simulation tools (stress, thermal), and familiarity with manufacturing processes. Ability to produce accurate, detailed design drawings.
* Understanding of healthcare regulatory standards (FDA, ISO) and the unique challenges associated with medical wearables.
Preferred Skills
* Wearable Technology: Experience addressing ergonomics, comfort testing, and environmental considerations in wearable devices.
* Sensor Integration: Familiarity with health-related sensors (ECG, PPG, temperature, accelerometers) and how mechanical factors influence their accuracy and reliability.
* Material Science & Thermal Management: Knowledge of biocompatible materials, insulation techniques, thermal mitigation strategies, and noise/vibration reduction methods.
* Experience with FDA 510(k) submission documentation for Class II medical devices optional.
Knowledge of IEC 60601 safety standards for medical electrical equipment.
Why Join KOS?
* Excellent Equity Ownership: You will receive a significant equity stake, providing you with a direct share in our future success.
* Meaningful Impact: Contribute to a device that empowers data-driven health decisions, improving everyday wellness.
* Professional Growth: Develop expertise at the intersection of healthcare, design, and technology.
* Collaborative Culture: Join a multidisciplinary team dedicated to innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering transformative healthcare solutions.
