Darragh McDermott
Director of Neural Interfaces and Mechanical Systems (NIMS) at Synchron, Inc.- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Credentials
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Leadership Academy for Scientists, Engineers, and Researchers
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyJun, 2019- Sep, 2024
Experience
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Synchron, Inc.
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United States
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IT Services and IT Consulting
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Director of Neural Interfaces and Mechanical Systems (NIMS)
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Jul 2021 - Present
Synchron, a brain computer interface platform company, is a leader in the field of implantable neural interface technology, pioneering the development of endovascular minimally invasive neuroprostheses for the treatment of paralysis. Synchron, a brain computer interface platform company, is a leader in the field of implantable neural interface technology, pioneering the development of endovascular minimally invasive neuroprostheses for the treatment of paralysis.
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Boston Scientific
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United States
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Medical Equipment Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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R&D Manager
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Aug 2018 - Jul 2021
Hands-on manager of the New Product Development (NPD) mechanical engineering group responsible for design and development of implantable pulse generators (IPGs), external devices (external pulse generators), handheld remote controls, and wireless chargers), textile products, and capital equipment. Accountable for the development of a diverse group of 10+ full-time staff (6 direct reports) comprised of engineers, technicians, and a machinist.* Technical Team Leader for a large cross-functional team and personally responsible for the technical decisions on an IPG development program (from initial concept to international launch, approx. 6 years). * Excellent communication and presentation skills across all levels of the organization.* Oversee and contribute to design control activities from specification and CAD drawing development to design verification test completion.* Design of electro-mechanical packages for long-term implant medical devices including MRI design, wireless charging, and wireless communication considerations.* Directly interface with marketing, sales staff, and physicians to get voice-of-customer feedback to inspire next-generation designs and to improve design concepts. * Consultant with the R&D sustaining engineering group activities for continuity updates and design improvements on commercially available products.* Work closely with process development to improve manufacturability of upcoming products and reduce COGS. Show less
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Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
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Oct 2015 - Aug 2018
* Extensive cross-functional and cross-site experience within the company by designing in-house and then collaborating with international sister-site manufacturing facilities. * Designed and developed IPG (implantable pulse generators) for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SDS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) applications from definition of material specifications and design drawings to the development of product specifications, completion of design verification testing, and drafting of regulatory submission documents. * R&D author of risk management documentation (HA, DFMEA) and design control package to ensure device integrity, patient safety, and adherence to internal quality systems, regulatory requirements, and applicable industry standards.* Mechanical engineering subject matter expert (SME) for IPG design and the testing of MRI compatible implantable devices and components, presenting results to all levels of the organization for phase approvals.* Extensive 3D-modelling experience for medical device and fixturing design (Solidworks).* Perform analysis of results using statistical techniques and software such as Minitab and Matlab.* Presented at internal international technical forums and technical meetings.* Perform and coordinate testing internally or at external test houses to ensure finished devices meet required specifications (e.g., tolerance analysis, fatigue, bend, tensile, crush, drop, water exposure, hermeticity, RGA, current isolation). Show less
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R&D Engineer II
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Nov 2012 - Oct 2015
* Design of Neuromodulation Devices* Extensive Solidworks design of medical devices, fixtures, and fittings.* Test planning and execution for the release of MRI Compatible IPGs.* Much of this work is pre-market release, and thus of a confidential nature, and cannot be described in great detail.
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R&D Engineer II
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Mar 2009 - Nov 2012
• R&D Hypertension team member – positively contributed to the development of renal denervation devices.• R&D Coating Design team member – successfully contributed to the development of numerous Drug Eluting Stent systems and Peripheral Drug Delivery Devices.• Planning, coordination and execution of experimental studies followed by analysis and presentation of results to all business levels.• Successfully owned and contributed to specification setting, material specifications and print generation activities for parts and assemblies within medical devices.• Active participation in preclinical lab activities for coronary and peripheral medical devices.• Iterative design and development of prototype medical devices including test of materials, process capability studies and process documentation.• Generation of multiple device-specific particulate strategies for Regulatory Body presentations.• Internal SME for particulate measurement and test method development.• Development and implementation of test methods to characterize and assess safety and effectiveness of commercial competitor and internal devices. • Fully support the Quality Policy by building quality into all aspects of work and by maintaining compliance to all quality requirements.• Development of labelling, DFUs and packaging systems for complex medical devices using materials which included Tyvek pouches and thermoformed trays. • International & Cross-Functional development and manufacture of medical devices; liaising across the numerous functions involved with the development of medical devices.• Successfully interfaced with external vendors and other outside specialists to design components and solve problems which required external assistance.• Successful completion of a 9 month international assignment to fulfil a particular project need. Show less
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R&D Engineer I
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Oct 2006 - Mar 2009
• R&D Coating Design team member – successfully contributed to the development of numerous Drug Eluting Cardiovascular Stent systems.• Coordination and execution of experimental studies followed by analysis and presentation of results.• Management of R&D polymer and drug material stocks across multiple business sites.• Technical Examination of medical devices using a variety of experimental methods including FTIR-FPA, XPS, AFM, EDX, FESEM and GPC.• Represented company on numerous purchasing trips to assist in assessment of suitability and functionality of new analysis equipment.• Management and coordination of preclinical devices builds and characterization for the devices prior to their use within GLP studies. Show less
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Intern Engineer
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Apr 2004 - Sep 2004
• Development and implementation of Lean manufacturing practices within the catheter manufacture area. • Developed a process for the dry, burr-free cutting of stainless steel hypotubes. • Successfully completed the design and integration of various manufacturing aids. • Generation of standard operating procedures for the execution of manufacturing processes. • Updated plant layout drawings for operational manufacturing facilities to aid line moves. • Development and implementation of Lean manufacturing practices within the catheter manufacture area. • Developed a process for the dry, burr-free cutting of stainless steel hypotubes. • Successfully completed the design and integration of various manufacturing aids. • Generation of standard operating procedures for the execution of manufacturing processes. • Updated plant layout drawings for operational manufacturing facilities to aid line moves.
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Education
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2001 - 2006
National University of Ireland, Galway
BE Mech, Mechanical Engineering -
2006 - 2007
Queen's University Belfast
MSc, Polymer Engineering
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