Research Engineer, Electrical Design
Company : Cook Medical
Location : West Lafayette, IN, 47906
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Overview
Cook Advanced Technologies (Cook AT) offers an exciting start-up atmosphere with the security of a large company and is passionate about making a difference in improving the health and well-being of patients worldwide. Cook AT is currently accepting applications for a Research Engineer with an electrical design background. The person in this position is responsible for executing project deliverables that support the development and evaluation of innovative design concepts for medical products and therapies. This role primarily focuses on electrical, electronic, and electromechanical design within Cook Advanced Technologies, and may also support other Cook companies as needed.
Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to define functional, usability, manufacturability, and safety requirements for concept solutions.
- Brainstorm design solutions for addressing defined requirements
- Design and prototype medical device concepts, including: - Embedded control systems (ARM, Atmel, PIC, FPGA)
- Software and firmware development - Analog and digital sensor integration - Circuit layout and fabrication - Data acquisition and signal processing systems
- Mechanical packaging
- Perform testing, troubleshooting, and validation of prototypes.
- Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards, particularly IEC 60601.
- Maintain thorough documentation of project work, including reports, lab notebooks, invention disclosures, and meeting notes.
- Support intellectual property development by identifying, characterizing, and protecting novel ideas.
- Complete training on applicable Quality System procedures and understand the importance of engineering work in achieving quality objectives and ensuring safe, effective medical devices.
- Demonstrate initiative and self-direction in all aspects of work.
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s or Masters degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field, or 5 years equivalent experience in medical device industry.
Technical Skills:
- Proficient in at least two of the following programming languages: Python, C, C++, R, and MATLAB
- Proficient with hardware/software integration
- Proficient with programming for data acquisition, signal processing, sensor integration, and control instrumentation
- Proficient at instrumentation design, including schematic design, component specification, PCB layout, mechanical packaging, assembly and troubleshooting
- Knowledge of RF design techniques
- Knowledge of common AI/ML models
- Knowledge of mechanical model creation with computer aided design software (SolidWorks preferred)
Professional Attributes:
- Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
- Ability to work in a regulated environment
- Professional demeanor, positive attitude, and strong work ethic
Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Cook Advanced Technologies does not intend to provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN) for this employment position.
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Frequently asked questions
West Lafayette hosts a growing tech and medical device sector, creating moderate competition for electrical design research engineers. Candidates with hands-on embedded systems experience and medical device knowledge often have an edge, as companies like Cook Medical seek talent blending innovation with regulatory compliance.
Residing close to Purdue University offers excellent networking and collaboration prospects with academia and startups, enhancing career growth for electrical design engineers. The local ecosystem supports cutting-edge research and access to specialized talent pools, benefiting roles at companies like Cook Medical.
Expertise extends to embedded control systems programming, sensor integration, analog/digital signal processing, PCB layout, and firmware development. Familiarity with IEC 60601 safety standards and the ability to prototype electromechanical medical devices are crucial for impactful contributions.
Advancement often leads from prototype development to senior design roles, project leadership, or specialized R&D positions. Mastery of cross-disciplinary skills, regulatory knowledge, and innovation in embedded systems can open paths toward product management or intellectual property strategy.
Day-to-day tasks include troubleshooting complex circuitry, integrating sensors with embedded software, ensuring compliance with medical safety standards, and collaborating across teams to refine device prototypes. Balancing innovative design with manufacturability and documentation is a constant focus.
Cook Medical blends start-up agility with large-company stability, allowing electrical design engineers to work on cutting-edge medical technologies within a collaborative environment. The focus on patient well-being and compliance with stringent safety standards distinguishes its engineering culture.
Engineers at Cook Medical engage deeply with embedded medical device concepts, from signal acquisition to firmware. They also contribute to intellectual property by documenting novel inventions and ensuring devices meet IEC 60601 safety criteria, which adds layers beyond typical electrical engineering tasks.
Research Engineers in electrical design typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually in West Lafayette, reflecting local cost of living and industry standards. Compensation may increase with expertise in embedded systems, regulatory experience, and medical electronics specialization.
Cook Medical’s start-up atmosphere paired with large-company resources fosters a dynamic yet supportive environment. Engineers often benefit from flexible project management and collaborative teams, encouraging innovation while respecting personal time and professional growth.
Certifications in medical device standards like IEC 60601, along with training in embedded systems programming (e.g., ARM Cortex), PCB design, and software tools like MATLAB or SolidWorks, are highly regarded and may enhance candidacy within Cook Medical’s regulatory and innovation-driven framework.