Nick Washuta
Senior Mechanical Engineer at Alcon | Professional Lacrosse Goalie – Utah Archers (PLL) | National Director at Crease Coach
- Role
- Senior Mechanical Engineer at Alcon
- Location
- San Diego, CA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Nick Washuta
My name is Nick Washuta, and I have seen the world from two very different vantage points: the operating room and the lacrosse crease.I have stood in the OR watching the tools I helped design bring sight back to people who had not seen clearly in years. And I have stood in packed stadiums under the lights, facing 100-mile-per-hour shots with the game on the line.Both moments teach the same lesson: precision under pressure matters.I am a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Alcon, where for the past five years I have helped bring next-generation surgical devices from concept to clinic. I have led the design of ultrasonic handpieces, developed Python systems that processed tens of thousands of lab test files and saved thousands of hours in analysis, built fixtures to streamline manufacturing, and supported surgeons in the OR as our technology changes lives in real time.I have learned that great engineering is not just about CAD models or equations; it is about listening, iterating, and translating complexity into something intuitive and reliable.I have always chased challenge. As a Division I goalie at the University of Vermont and now a six-year professional goalie in the Premier Lacrosse League with two championships, I have built my career around focus, resilience, and adaptability. Balancing professional sports with full-time engineering has sharpened my communication, leadership, and time management in ways no classroom ever could.Every project I take on, whether writing lines of code to automate data analysis or mentoring younger engineers through verification testing, reflects the same drive: to make systems stronger, faster, and more human.Now, as I look toward the next chapter of my career, I am seeking an opportunity where technical innovation meets impact. I want to continue building devices and products that make people’s lives better, while growing as a leader who blends precision, creativity, and teamwork.Product Development & DesignCAD (SolidWorks, Creo)Python Programming & AutomationVerification & ValidationFixture & Tooling DesignProcess Development & OptimizationManufacturing SupportData Analysis & VisualizationSupplier Collaboration & CommunicationRegulatory Documentation (FDA, ISO)Root Cause Analysis & Problem SolvingCross-Functional Team LeadershipRapid Prototyping & TestingTechnical Writing & ReportingMechanical Systems IntegrationElectrical & Sensor IntegrationDesign for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA)Quality Systems & Risk ManagementLaboratory & OR Field SupportMentorship & Team Development
Experience
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Jan 2023 — Present · Lake Forest, CA, US
Lead engineer for Class ophthalmic ultrasonic surgical devices, driving projects from design through regulatory submission in compliance with FDA and ISO Standards. Manage verification and validation activities, develop custom test fixtures, and implement CAD design improvements that reduce testing time and manufacturing costs. Created and maintained advanced Python automation tools for statistical analysis, processing tens of thousands of data files, significantly accelerating decision-making. Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, and regulatory teams, mentor junior engineers, and represent R&D in live surgical field evaluations.
Education
The Blake School
High School Diploma
2012 — 2016
University of Vermont
Bachelor of Science - BS, Mechanical Engineering
2016 — 2020
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