Sarah Soaf
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Innovative and driven hardware engineer with a strong academic background and a deep passion for neuromodulation. Experienced in both research and product development, with a proven ability to tackle complex challenges. Experience in coding with platforms such as Python and MATLAB to perform data analytics. Adept in IP development and DRM, with a focus on creating impactful solutions. Known for a strong work ethic, collaborative approach, and ability to contribute positively to team dynamics.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Hardware Engineer
Medtronic
11.2020 - Current
- Completed first clinical lot verification at MTC to support clinical trials for rechargeable sensing DBS system.
- Oversaw external manufacturing for Haptic feedback system for prosthetics, working to modify manufacturing set up and processes to optimize product quality.
- Performed test on electronic assemblies to ensure proper product performance and adherence to product requirements .
- Supported tibial nerve stimulator for incontinence through product development lifecycle.
- Conceptualized innovative product enhancements to support energy harvesting for low power designs.
- Currently on disclosure submission for two patents, additional submissions in work.
- Collaborating with patent/trade secret review board, patent lawyer and experienced submitters to revitalize IP submissions for campus.
- Collaborated with teams on design reviews and validation testing for hybrids and their components.
- Participated in internal audits of quality management system.
- Outlined design requirements, BOMs, functional specifications and reports to document development processes adhering to FDA requirements
- Increased product reliability by conducting thorough testing and debugging of electronic components and systems.
- Championed collaboration between engineering departments, fostering a cohesive approach to project execution across various disciplines.
- Received DRM Green Belt for analysis of terminal block reliability on printed circuit board assembly.
- Professional Development Chair Medtronic Women’s Network (MWN) FY24 and Co-chair FY23. FY25 Tech Forum Co-chair
- Standardized documentation procedures for all phases of the development cycle, streamlining communication among team members.
- Conducted comprehensive failure analyses to identify root causes of hardware malfunctions, enabling effective corrective actions.
Student Contractor
Medtronic
02.2020 - 10.2020
- Troubleshoot and repair python coding system for data analytics and spectral analysis of DBS recordings. Worked to create an open source replacement for data parsing previously done in Matlab
- Develop circuit models to evaluate filter designs to filter stimulation artifact for DBS systems.
Research Assistant
Dr. Jitendran Muthuswamy, ASU
01.2017 - 05.2021
- Surgically implant electrode into rodent model to characterize relationship between cortical blood flow in primary motor cortex and depth of stimulating electrode
- Surgical electrode implantation, stimulation and LDF monitoring of cerebral blood flow to quantify blood flow response.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Evaluate use of measured physiological parameters in feedback loop for closed-loop optimization of electrode positioning and stimulation.
- Proper maintenance of anesthesia (ketamine and isoflorane) and other physiological parameters during animal surgery.
- Developed on understanding of neuroanatomy, physiology, and connectivity with specialized focus on the basal ganglia loop.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Analysis of electrode location through lesioning, staining and analysis of coronal sections from rodents
Education
Master of Science - Biomedical Engineering
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ12-2021
Bachelor of Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05-2019
Skills
- Product Development/Qualification
- Requirement Flowdown
- Root Cause Analysis
- Microelectronic Manufacturing
- Matlab
- PCB layout design
- Python
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Animal Models
- FDA Regulations
- Neuroanatomy/Physiology
- Neuromodulation
Timeline
Senior Hardware Engineer
Medtronic
11.2020 - Current
Student Contractor
Medtronic
02.2020 - 10.2020
Research Assistant
Dr. Jitendran Muthuswamy, ASU
01.2017 - 05.2021
Master of Science - Biomedical Engineering
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
Arizona State University
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