R&D Specialist Reprocessing Execution (m/f/d)

As a high-tech specialist within the Olympus Corporation, Olympus Surgical Technologies Europe is the development and manufacturing center for rigid endoscopy, bipolar high-frequency surgery and reprocessing. With a total workforce of 2,600 employees at nine locations in EMEA and its headquarters in Hamburg, the company stands for exceptional performance in medical diagnostics and therapy, and offers a full range of the most modern endoscopic applications, from single products to procedure-oriented systems solutions.

Tasks

• Support compliant, efficient, and harmonized technology and product development, as well as lifecycle management activities related to reprocessing and sterilization.
• Lead cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization validation activities according to applicable standards and regulations while ensuring high-quality documentation.
• Serve as the technical contact person for peers and subject matter expert for reprocessing and sterilization-related topics.
• Build and maintain expertise in applicable regulations, standards, and requirements (e.g., ISO 17664 series, MDR 2017/745, ANSI/AAMI ST98, relevant FDA guidance documents), translating them into streamlined internal processes and documentation.
• Lead third-party collaborations with external testing laboratories regarding cleaning validation, disinfection efficacy, and sterilization validation studies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Risk Management, Manufacturing Engineering, and R&D.
• Communicate validation strategies, study outcomes, and technical recommendations to relevant stakeholders (e.g., Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Risk Management, Manufacturing).
• Support investigations, change management activities, CAPAs, and continuous improvement of QMS processes and testing strategies.
• Participate in internal and external audits and provide expert support for technical and regulatory questions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s in Medical Engineering, Microbiology, Natural Sciences, or equivalent. PhD in a relevant field is advantageous and will be preferred.
• 2-5 years of relevant experience in medical device reprocessing, sterilization, microbiology, or a related regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17664 series, MDR 2017/745, and medical device development processes.
• Experience with cleaning validation, sterilization validation, and reusable medical device reprocessing will be preferred.
• Experience with change management, non-conformities (NCs), and CAPAs.
• Strong cross-functional understanding, project leadership capabilities, and solution-oriented working style.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and mechanical designs
• Good verbal English skills; a clear communication style will be appreciated.
• Good written English skills; experience with documentation of scientific results is preferred.
• Good knowledge of MS Office.

Your benefits

• 30 days of annual leave
• Up to 60% mobile work possible + flexible work time model with overtime compensation
• Holiday and Christmas bonuses
• Corporate benefits discounts for employees
• Comprehensive company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
• Company restaurant with live cooking and healthy food (subsidized)
• Employee Assistance Program of FamPLUS to support your health, mental and emotional well-being
• Subsidy for public transportation (Deutschlandticket), free parking spaces and bike or car leasing
• Various subsidized company sports groups and access to the inhouse company gym