Role Overview for Chief Technology Officer – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering medical device company in their search for a transformative Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Located in the vibrant tech and life sciences hub of Raleigh, North Carolina, this is a career-defining opportunity for an executive leader to shape the future of healthcare technology. Our client is at the forefront of developing innovative medical devices that significantly improve patient outcomes and revolutionize clinical workflows. They are seeking a visionary CTO who can provide strategic leadership, drive technological innovation, and build a world-class engineering organization.
As the Chief Technology Officer, you will be the most senior technology executive in the company, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). You will be an integral member of the executive leadership team, responsible for the entire technology vision, strategy, and execution. This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise in regulated medical device development, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership. You will be tasked with steering the company’s product roadmap, overseeing all aspects of research and development, and ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and compliant products to a global market.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of bringing complex medical devices from concept to commercialization and will be passionate about leveraging technology to solve critical healthcare challenges. This position is not just about managing technology; it’s about creating a legacy of innovation that will impact lives for years to come.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Technology Officer – Raleigh, NC
The CTO will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic planning, team leadership, product development, and regulatory compliance. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to drive technological excellence and innovation while ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic business objectives.
Technology Vision and Strategic Roadmap
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-term technology strategy that aligns with the company’s mission and business goals. Drive the innovation pipeline and identify emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, IoT, robotics, SaMD) to maintain a competitive edge.
Engineering and Product Development Leadership
Lead and oversee the entire product development lifecycle for all hardware, software, and firmware. Manage multi-disciplinary engineering teams, including software, hardware, mechanical, and systems engineering, to ensure timely and successful product launches.
Team Building and Mentorship
Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing, world-class engineering team. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Provide mentorship and professional development guidance to senior engineering leaders and team members.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance
Ensure all technology and product development activities adhere to the strictest global regulatory standards. Maintain an in-depth understanding of and ensure compliance with regulations such as the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (QSR), ISO 13485, IEC 62304, and risk management standards like ISO 14971.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to the executive team. Collaborate closely with Product Management, Clinical Affairs, Regulatory, Quality, and Marketing to ensure a cohesive and market-driven product strategy.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual technology budget, ensuring efficient allocation of capital and resources to meet strategic objectives. Make critical decisions regarding technology investments, infrastructure, and vendor partnerships.
Intellectual Property Strategy
Oversee the company’s intellectual property portfolio. Work with legal counsel to identify and protect novel inventions through patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, securing the company’s long-term competitive advantage.
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Establish and maintain a robust cybersecurity framework for all products and internal systems, particularly for connected devices. Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations like HIPAA and GDPR to protect sensitive patient information.
Requirements for the Chief Technology Officer – Raleigh, NC
We are seeking an accomplished and strategic leader with a deep background in the medical device industry. The qualifications below are essential for success in this demanding and rewarding role.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology and engineering, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP of Engineering, Head of R&D, CTO) within the medical device industry is mandatory.
Product Commercialization Track Record
Demonstrable experience leading the development and successful commercial launch of complex, regulated medical devices, including both hardware and software components (Class II or Class III device experience is highly desirable).
Regulatory Expertise
In-depth, hands-on knowledge of the global regulatory landscape for medical devices. This includes extensive experience with FDA 510(k) or PMA submission processes, CE marking, and quality management systems (QMS) under ISO 13485.
Technical Acumen
Broad and deep technical knowledge across relevant domains, including embedded systems, software architecture (including Software as a Medical Device – SaMD), cloud infrastructure, data analytics, and cybersecurity for connected devices.
Leadership and Communication Skills
Proven ability to build, scale, and lead high-performing, multi-site engineering organizations. Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels, from the board of directors to individual engineers.
Strategic and Business Mindset
Strong strategic thinking capabilities combined with a practical, results-oriented approach. Must possess strong business acumen with experience in budget management, strategic planning, and technology investment analysis.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent. They offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, reflecting the critical importance of this role.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial equity package (stock options or RSUs).
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Includes access to wellness programs and mental health resources.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match 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 Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family to move to the Raleigh, NC area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and advanced certifications.
Impactful Work
The unparalleled opportunity to lead technology at a company whose products directly save and improve the quality of human 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 stringent requirements outlined above, we invite you to take the next step in your career. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. Qualified candidates can apply through JRG Partners’ dedicated technology practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can make a lasting impact with our esteemed client.
