Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Medical Devices
Location: Chicago, IL
Recruiting Firm: JRG Partners
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, venture-backed medical device company at the forefront of revolutionizing patient diagnostics and therapeutic delivery. Our client is driven by a mission to create intelligent, connected medical devices that provide better clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients worldwide. We are seeking a transformative and experienced Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to join their executive team in Chicago, IL, and lead their technology vision into the next era of growth and innovation.
Role Overview for Chief Technology Officer – Chicago, IL
As the Chief Technology Officer, you will be the senior-most technology executive in the company, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). You will be responsible for the entire technology organization, encompassing software engineering, hardware development, data science, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. This is a strategic role that requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise, visionary leadership, and a profound understanding of the medical device industry’s commercial and regulatory landscape.
You will be tasked with shaping and executing a cohesive technology strategy that aligns with the company’s ambitious product roadmap and long-term business objectives. This includes scaling our technology platforms, fostering a culture of engineering excellence, and ensuring our products not only meet but exceed the rigorous standards of the healthcare industry. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who can architect for the future while remaining hands-on enough to guide teams through complex technical challenges. You will be instrumental in driving the innovation that powers our life-changing products, from initial concept and R&D through to commercial launch and post-market surveillance. Your leadership will directly impact our ability to scale, innovate, and solidify our position as a market leader in the MedTech space.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Technology Officer – Chicago, IL
The CTO will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Technology Vision and Strategic Roadmap
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-term technology vision and strategy that supports business goals. Translate this strategy into a tangible roadmap with clear milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation plans.
Product Development Leadership
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle for all hardware and software components. Champion best practices in agile development, embedded systems engineering, and software architecture to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality, reliable, and scalable products.
Team Building and Mentorship
Recruit, lead, mentor, and inspire a world-class, multi-disciplinary technology team. Cultivate a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative culture that attracts and retains top engineering talent. Set clear goals and provide continuous feedback and professional development opportunities.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance
Serve as the primary technology stakeholder for all regulatory matters. Ensure all products, platforms, and processes adhere to the highest standards of safety and compliance, including strict adherence to FDA guidelines for medical devices, HIPAA, GDPR, and other relevant international regulations. Implement and oversee robust quality assurance and testing protocols.
Architecture and Scalability
Define and govern the company’s enterprise technology architecture. Make critical decisions regarding technology stacks, cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure/GCP), data architecture, and cybersecurity protocols to ensure our systems are secure, scalable, and future-proof.
Innovation and Research & Development (R&D)
Champion a culture of continuous innovation. Stay abreast of emerging technologies, including AI/ML, IoT, and advanced sensor technology, and evaluate their potential application to our product portfolio. Drive the R&D agenda to create a pipeline of next-generation products and features.
Budget and Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual technology budget, ensuring optimal allocation of capital and resources. Make strategic investment decisions regarding technology infrastructure, tools, and talent to maximize ROI and drive business growth.
Executive Collaboration and Communication
Act as a key member of the executive leadership team. Effectively communicate complex technical concepts and strategies to a diverse range of stakeholders, including the board of directors, investors, partners, and non-technical colleagues.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
Collaborate with legal counsel to develop and execute a robust intellectual property strategy. Identify patentable inventions and oversee the process of protecting the company’s technological innovations.
Requirements for the Chief Technology Officer – Chicago, IL
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success in the medical device industry. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related technical field is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology and product development, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., CTO, VP of Engineering, Head of R&D) within a high-growth environment.
Mandatory Industry Expertise
Demonstrable, in-depth experience within the medical device, MedTech, or digital health industry is a non-negotiable requirement. Proven success in bringing a regulated hardware/software medical product from concept to market is essential.
Regulatory Acumen
Deep familiarity with the global regulatory landscape for medical devices, including FDA 510(k) and/or PMA submission processes, ISO 13485, IEC 62304, and cybersecurity requirements for medical devices.
Technical Depth
Broad and deep technical knowledge across relevant domains, including embedded systems, wireless communication protocols (Bluetooth/BLE), cloud architecture, data analytics, AI/ML model development, and modern software engineering practices.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and people management skills. A proven ability to build, scale, and manage high-performing, distributed engineering teams. Must be a strategic thinker with a bias for action and a passion for mentoring others.
Business Acumen
Strong financial and business acumen with experience managing significant budgets and aligning technology initiatives with financial goals. Ability to think strategically about market trends, competitive landscapes, and commercial opportunities.
Communication and Influence
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills. The ability to influence and build consensus across all levels of the organization, from individual engineers to the Board of Directors.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to providing a supportive, rewarding, and challenging environment. As a key member of the executive team, you will receive a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation package, including:
- Competitive base salary and significant performance-based bonus
- Substantial equity/stock option package
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents
- 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match
- Generous paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and paid company holidays
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates
- A professional development budget for conferences, training, and continued education
- The opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology that has a direct and positive impact on patient lives
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. If you are a visionary technology leader with a passion for innovation in the medical device sector and you meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. Qualified candidates can learn more and express their interest by connecting with our Technology Executive Search practice. We are committed to a confidential and thorough recruitment process. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how your expertise can help shape the future of medical technology.
