How to apply for Senior Research & Development Engineer

About Freudenberg

Freudenberg develops tailor-made emission-neutral energy systems for sustainable heavy-duty e-mobility. This role sits within a company that applies advanced engineering to reduce emissions in heavy transport. If you want to work on practical, high-impact energy technology, this is a relevant place to do it.

About the role

You will lead the design and development of complex medical devices from concept through to design freeze. The role requires deep technical expertise in catheter systems, extrusion-based assemblies, and biomaterials, plus responsibility for verification and validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) under ISO 13485 and FDA 21 CFR Part 820. Your work directly affects product compliance and performance in a regulated environment.

A typical day

A typical day might involve leading design reviews, working in CAD on catheter or extrusion-based assemblies, and planning or executing verification and validation protocols. You would collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve engineering challenges and ensure compliance with medical device regulations. The exact daily routine depends on project stage, so ask about team structure and typical project timelines during the interview.

Who Freudenberg is looking for

• Third-level qualification in Engineering or Science, preferably Mechanical or Biomedical, with a minimum Bachelor’s degree in STEM or a related discipline.
• At least 4 years of relevant senior-level experience in medical device design and development.
• Proven CAD capability, ideally with Solid Edge, and hands-on experience with catheter systems, extrusion-based assemblies, or biomaterials.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to act as a subject matter expert and influence design direction and technical standards.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your CV to highlight specific projects where you led design from concept to design freeze, especially in medical devices or catheter systems.
• Explicitly state your experience with verification and validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and reference ISO 13485 and FDA 21 CFR Part 820 in your application.
• List your CAD proficiency, and if you have used Solid Edge, put it in a prominent skills section or project description.
• Quantify your senior-level experience: state the number of years and the types of devices or assemblies you worked on.
• If you have experience with biomaterials or extrusion-based assemblies, describe the exact role you played and the outcomes.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your direct experience leading medical device development from concept to design freeze.', 'Specific examples of solving engineering challenges using advanced materials, precision manufacturing, and data-driven decisions.', 'Your knowledge of verification and validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and regulatory standards (ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820).', 'Your ability to act as a subject matter expert in catheter systems, extrusion-based assemblies, or biomaterials and influence technical standards.']

Research before applying

• Research Freudenberg’s current projects in emission-neutral energy systems for heavy-duty e-mobility to understand how this role fits into their broader portfolio.
• Look up the specific medical device products or technologies Freudenberg is known for, if any, to connect your experience to their work.
• Check the regulatory landscape for medical devices in Ireland and the EU, including ISO 13485 and FDA requirements, to speak knowledgeably about compliance.
• Find out who the hiring manager or team lead is on LinkedIn and review their background to tailor your questions.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a complex medical device you led from concept to design freeze. What were the key challenges?
• How have you applied ISO 13485 and FDA 21 CFR Part 820 in your previous verification and validation work?
• Describe your experience with catheter systems or extrusion-based assemblies. What specific design decisions did you make?
• How do you use data-driven decision making when selecting materials or manufacturing methods?
• Give an example of how you influenced design direction or technical standards as a subject matter expert.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic CV that does not explicitly mention catheter systems, extrusion-based assemblies, or biomaterials.
• Failing to provide concrete examples of leading design from concept to design freeze in a regulated medical device context.
• Omitting or downplaying experience with IQ/OQ/PQ, ISO 13485, or FDA 21 CFR Part 820, as these are central to the role.