Operations Manager Engineer

Operations Manager/Engineer (Open to Interns with Path to Full-Time) Icarus Medical – Charlottesville, VA (Downtown Mall area) Type: FT + Internship (with strong potential for full-time conversion) Start Date: Spring/Summer 2026 (flexible) Compensation: Competitive hourly rate + potential equity / performance bonus Location: On-site in Charlottesville, Virginia (in-person required for hands-on work)

About Icarus Medical Icarus Medical is a high-growth biotech/medtech startup revolutionizing orthopedic care through custom, 3D-printed braces that reduce pain and restore mobility for patients with knee osteoarthritis, injuries, post-op recovery, and neuromuscular conditions. Founded by a UVA Engineering alum, we're ranked among America's fastest-growing private companies (Inc. 5000) and are scaling rapidly with innovative scan-to-fabrication processes, biomechanics-driven design, and nationwide impact.

Located in the heart of Downtown Charlottesville, we're a fast-paced, entrepreneurial team building life-changing products from the ground up. If you thrive in ambiguity, love solving real-world problems at speed, and want to join a rocketship company where your work directly shapes our growth—this is your shot.

The Role We're seeking a highly motivated Operations Manager/Engineer Intern to directly support our COO in scaling operations, optimizing production workflows, and driving efficiency across our R&D-to-manufacturing pipeline. This is a hybrid operations + engineering role in a dynamic startup environment where you'll wear multiple hats and see your impact immediately.

Key Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations: inventory management, supply chain coordination, production scheduling, and quality control for custom 3D-printed orthopedic braces.
• Assist in process optimization: analyze workflows, identify bottlenecks, implement improvements in our scan-to-print fabrication process, and support scaling from prototypes to high-volume production.
• Collaborate on R&D and new product initiatives: contribute to design iteration, testing, prototyping, and exploration of commercialization opportunities for next-gen braces and related technologies.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and clinical teams to ensure smooth handoffs and operational excellence.
• Tackle special projects as needed: from vendor management and cost analysis to data tracking and compliance support in a regulated medical device environment.

This role blends hands-on engineering, operational rigor, and strategic thinking—perfect for someone who wants broad exposure in a high-growth startup.

What We're Looking For

• Current undergraduate or recent grad in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Biomedical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Entrepreneurial mindset: self-starter who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and isn't afraid to roll up sleeves.
• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills; comfort with data, processes, and continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma a plus, but not required).
• Hands-on experience or interest in manufacturing, prototyping, 3D printing, or operations is highly valued.
• Passion for impact: excited about building solutions that help people move pain-free and reclaim active lives.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills— you'll work closely with our COO and cross-functional team.
• Ability to work on-site in Charlottesville (relocation support not provided, but vibrant college town with great quality of life).

Why Join Icarus?

• Rocketship growth: One of America's fastest-growing medtech companies—your contributions will fuel our next phase of scaling.
• Clear path to full-time: Exceptional interns will transition seamlessly into a full-time Operations Manager/Engineer role with competitive salary, benefits, and equity.
• Real impact: Help bring innovative, patient-first orthopedic solutions to millions suffering from mobility issues.
• Startup perks: Ownership feel, direct access to leadership (including COO and CEO), flat structure, and the chance to shape company direction.
• Charlottesville vibe: Work in a beautiful, walkable downtown location with access to UVA resources, outdoor activities, and a thriving biotech community (Cville BioHub).