Staff Engineer I – Simulation & Testing of Biological Tissues

Job Description SummaryThe Staff Engineer I plays a critical role in BD’s Corporate Digital Engineering (DE) team, advancing the design and performance of life-saving medical technologies. By leading simulation and testing efforts focused on biological tissues and tissue-mimicking materials, this role directly supports BD’s mission to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens worldwide. The engineer will provide technical leadership in tissue mechanics, structural mechanics, material testing, and data characterization—bridging computational modeling with experimental validation. In addition to mentoring peers and establishing best practices, the Staff Engineer I will lead high-impact initiatives across BD’s R&D community. This position offers broad visibility, cross-functional collaboration, and opportunities to present at global conferences—while driving innovation that translates into safer, more effective medical devices.

Job Description

We are the makers of possible 

 

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities. 

 

We believe that the human element, across our global teams, is what allows us to continually evolve. Join us and discover an environment in which you’ll be supported to learn, grow and become your best self. Become a maker of possible with us. 

Job Responsibilities: (Primary Duties, Roles, and/or Authorities)

• Conduct physics-based simulation studies for diverse nonlinear structural and multiphysics applications using FEA software (Abaqus, ANSYS, COMSOL), with a strong emphasis on modeling the mechanical behavior of biological tissues.
• Develop and validate complex constitutive material models for soft tissues and tissue analogs, incorporating viscoelasticity, anisotropy, and large deformation behavior.
• Design and execute experimental testing protocols specifically for biological tissues, including uniaxial, biaxial, and indentation tests, using universal testing machines (e.g., Instron, CellScale).
• Select and calibrate constitutive material models for BD product simulations, ensuring alignment with experimental data and applicability to the simulation objective.
• Lead efforts in tissue characterization, including preconditioning, stress-relaxation, and cyclic loading tests, to inform simulation inputs.
• Create experimental testing plans to validate simulation results, enhancing model prediction accuracy through alignment with experimental data.
• Review academic literature to identify and apply relevant tissue mechanical properties and biomechanical data.
• Utilize scripting tools to automate workflows, enhancing efficiency and repeatability where applicable.
• Integrate additional engineering tools (e.g. hand-calculations, first-principles models, DOEs, optimizations) with simulation tools and testing to develop optimal solutions and deepen understanding of engineering challenges.
• Lead the application and development of simulation capabilities within the BDX R&D community. Stay informed on industry-wide and internal structural and materials-based opportunities to define valuable project directions for BD. Recommend and implement appropriate technologies to meet project objectives, coordinating internal and external resources to achieve timely project goals.
• Drive research and development of advanced simulation techniques and technologies to advance state-of-the-art predictive simulation tools and material testing. Coordinate efforts with external partners and internal stakeholders, recommending the acquisition or development of valuable simulation tools. 
• Advocate for the value of simulation capabilities and engineering applications within the BD community through webinars, forums, and divisional customer visits. 
• Communicate ongoing progress with product development teams through effective verbal, web-based, and written communication. Summarize findings and recommendations in formal technical reports stored in the DE Projects database.
• Foster a collaborative environment among team members, divisional customers, and cross-functional disciplines. 
• Maintain cutting-edge analytical capabilities through training courses, seminars, and industry conferences. Attend and present at global industry and simulation conferences to reinforce your role as a subject matter expert in computer-aided engineering.
• Ensure thorough, accurate, and timely completion of assigned responsibilities.
• Adhere to all BD policies and procedures, as well as applicable laws.
• Communicate effectively with management, project teams, and multifunctional personnel in a timely manner.
• Work independently to identify necessary actions to complete assignments, demonstrating a strong drive for results.
• Manage assignments according to project prioritization.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field with 10 years of relevant experience
• Experience modeling and/or testing biological tissues
• Extensive experience with structural simulation (FEA)
• Familiarity with 3D CAD solid modeling software packages
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with engineering professionals at all levels
• Physical capability to perform laboratory-based material and tissue testing activities

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degrees with relevant experience:
  • M.S. with 8 years of relevant experience
  • Ph.D. with 6 years of relevant experience
• Experience in the medical industry
• Proficiency with specific tools:
  • Simulation & Modeling: Abaqus, ANSYS, COMSOL, MCalibration, PolyUMod, nTop
  • Data Analysis & Optimization: HEEDS, Kornucopia, Minitab
  • Programming: Python, MATLAB
  • Testing Equipment: Instron, CellScale
• Experience with SolidWorks specifically (preferred CAD package)
• Experience with regulatory submissions involving simulation data
• Familiarity with histological or imaging techniques for tissue analysis
• Exposure to machine learning applications in biomechanics

Physical Demands:

This role requires physical activity associated with laboratory-based material and tissue testing. This includes:

• Handling biological tissue samples and synthetic materials in a lab environment.
• Operating and setting up mechanical testing equipment (e.g., Instron, CellScale).
• Performing repetitive tasks such as sample preparation, mounting, and alignment.
• Standing for extended periods during experimental procedures.
• Lifting and transporting lab equipment or test fixtures (typically <25 lbs).
• Also involves extended periods of computer use for simulation work, data analysis, and documentation.

Primary Work Location and Additional Considerations:

• USA NC - Research Triangle Park

• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

• We encourage Candidates near our BD Location: Research Triangle Park, NC to apply for this Hybrid role.

• We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work. Visa Sponsorship may be available, for the right candidate.

At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Remote or field-based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting.

For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us?

A career at BD means being part of a team that values your opinions and contributions and that encourages you to bring your authentic self to work. It’s also a place where we help each other be great, we do what’s right, we hold each other accountable, and learn and improve every day.  

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of health. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow, and thrive. And find satisfaction in doing your part to make the world a better place.  

To learn more about BD visit https://bd.com/careers 

Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status. 

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Primary Work LocationUSA NC - Durham - Davis Drive

Additional Locations

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