Role Overview for Chief Technology Officer – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering, venture-backed medical device company at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Located in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, CA, our client is dedicated to developing next-generation therapeutic and diagnostic technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes. Their mission-driven culture is built on a foundation of scientific rigor, engineering excellence, and a relentless pursuit of solutions to complex medical challenges. They are now seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to join their executive leadership team and steer the company through its next phase of groundbreaking product development and commercial growth.
As the Chief Technology Officer, you will be the principal architect of the company’s technological vision and strategy. This is a transformative role that goes beyond traditional technology management; you will be a key driver of innovation, a mentor to a world-class engineering team, and a strategic partner to the CEO and the board. You will be responsible for the entire technology lifecycle, from initial research and conceptualization to product development, regulatory submission, and post-market surveillance.
Your leadership will ensure that the company remains a leader in the MedTech space by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including AI/ML, IoT, cloud computing, and advanced materials, to create products that are not only effective but also safe, secure, and compliant with global regulatory standards.
This position demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership. You will be tasked with building and scaling a high-performance, multidisciplinary engineering organization encompassing software, hardware, firmware, data science, and systems engineering. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully bringing complex medical devices to market in a highly regulated environment. You will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic setting and possess the passion to translate complex scientific concepts into tangible products that will redefine standards of care and make a lasting impact on human health.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Technology Officer – San Diego, CA
Technology Vision and Strategic Roadmap
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive technology strategy and long-term roadmap that aligns with the company’s business objectives, clinical goals, and market opportunities. Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
Product Development Leadership
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle for all hardware and software products, from ideation and prototyping through V&V (Verification and Validation), regulatory approval, and commercial launch. Implement and refine best-in-class product development processes (e.g., Agile, Scrum) tailored for the medical device industry.
Team Building and Mentorship
Recruit, lead, mentor, and inspire a world-class, multidisciplinary engineering team. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Provide technical guidance and career development opportunities to team members.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Management
Ensure all technology development activities and products adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. Guarantee compliance with all applicable domestic and international regulations, including deep familiarity with FDA regulations (e.g., 21 CFR Part 820, 21 CFR Part 11), ISO 13485, IEC 62304 (software lifecycle), IEC 60601 (medical electrical equipment), and cybersecurity standards.
Cross-Functional Executive Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the executive team, working closely with the CEO, Chief Medical Officer, and other leaders to shape company strategy. Effectively communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including the board of directors and investors.
Technology Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
Direct the strategy for the company’s internal IT infrastructure, cloud architecture, and data management systems. Implement and maintain a robust cybersecurity program to protect sensitive patient data (PHI) and company intellectual property, ensuring HIPAA compliance.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D and technology budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to achieve strategic goals. Make critical decisions regarding capital expenditures, vendor selection, and strategic technology partnerships.
Intellectual Property Strategy
Partner with legal counsel to develop and execute a robust intellectual property strategy. Drive the patent application process and protect the company’s technological innovations and trade secrets.
Requirements for the Chief Technology Officer – San Diego, CA
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical discipline such as Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is required.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology and engineering roles, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership position (e.g., VP of Engineering, CTO) within the medical device, MedTech, or life sciences industry.
Medical Device Expertise
A proven, demonstrable track record of leading the development and successful commercialization of complex medical devices, preferably Class II or Class III devices. Direct experience with the FDA submission process (510(k), PMA) is essential.
Technical Acumen
Deep, hands-on expertise across multiple engineering disciplines, including software development (especially for Software as a Medical Device – SaMD), hardware engineering, firmware, systems engineering, and data science. Experience with connected devices and cloud-based platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) in a healthcare context is highly desirable.
Regulatory and Quality Fluency
Expert-level knowledge of the global regulatory landscape for medical devices. Must have practical experience designing and developing products under a certified Quality Management System (QMS) compliant with ISO 13485 and 21 CFR Part 820.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and translate business needs into a clear, actionable technology roadmap. Strong business acumen with experience in budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
Leadership and Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills. The ability to inspire and motivate a high-performing team is paramount. Must possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a substantial equity stake in the company.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, with a significant portion of the premiums covered by the company.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution to help you plan for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, in addition to paid company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate moving to the beautiful San Diego area.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, professional development, conference attendance, and executive coaching.
Inspiring Work Environment
A collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven culture located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of San Diego’s biotech community.
Meaningful Impact
The unparalleled opportunity to be part of a team that is developing life-changing medical technologies and making a tangible difference in the lives of patients worldwide.
How to Apply
This is a confidential, retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary technology leader with a passion for medical innovation and a track record of success in the medical device industry, we invite you to apply for this transformative opportunity. To be considered, please submit your curriculum vitae and a detailed cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role through our secure portal.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the life sciences sector. For more information about our specialized expertise and other opportunities, please visit the page for the JRG Partners’ Medical Device recruiting team. We look forward to reviewing your application.
