JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering medical technology company based in the vibrant MedTech hub of Irvine, California. Our client is a leader in developing innovative solutions that significantly improve patient outcomes and advance the standard of care. With a culture rooted in scientific excellence, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of innovation, they are seeking a transformative executive to join their leadership team. We are conducting an exclusive search for a Vice President of Research & Development, New Products to spearhead their next generation of life-changing medical devices.
This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned R&D leader to make a substantial impact on the company’s future and the healthcare industry at large. The ideal candidate is a strategic visionary with a proven track record of bringing complex medical devices from concept to successful commercialization. You will be responsible for building and leading a world-class R&D organization, driving the product pipeline, and fostering a culture of creativity and disciplined execution. If you are a passionate and results-oriented leader with deep expertise in the medical device sector, we invite you to explore this career-defining role.
Role Overview for VP, R&D, New Products with a MedTech Company – Irvine, CA
The VP of R&D, New Products is a critical executive position reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). You will hold ultimate responsibility for the leadership, technical direction, and operational management of the new product development teams. This role is central to the company’s long-term growth strategy, requiring a blend of technical mastery, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership. You will be the driving force behind the innovation engine, translating clinical needs and market opportunities into a robust portfolio of commercially successful products.
Your primary mission is to oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from initial ideation and feasibility studies through rigorous design, verification, validation, and transfer to manufacturing. You will ensure that all R&D activities are executed with the highest standards of quality and in full compliance with global regulatory requirements. Success in this role means not only delivering groundbreaking products on time and within budget but also building a sustainable, high-performing R&D organization that can scale with the company’s ambitious growth plans. You will collaborate extensively with other executive leaders across Marketing, Clinical Affairs, Regulatory, Quality, and Operations to ensure seamless alignment and flawless execution from lab to launch.
Key Responsibilities of VP, R&D, New Products with a MedTech Company – Irvine, CA
The VP of R&D will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic planning, team leadership, and hands-on technical guidance. Your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy and multi-year product roadmap that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Champion a compelling technology vision that anticipates future market trends and clinical needs.
Product Development Lifecycle Management
Provide executive oversight for all new product development programs. Implement and refine phase-gate processes to ensure projects meet key milestones, performance specifications, timelines, and budgetary targets.
Team Building & Mentorship
Recruit, develop, and retain top-tier engineering and scientific talent. Foster a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative culture that encourages creative problem-solving and professional growth. Provide strong mentorship and leadership to Directors and Managers within the R&D organization.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
Ensure all R&D activities and documentation adhere to strict design controls and are compliant with global medical device regulations, including FDA QSR (21 CFR Part 820), ISO 13485, and the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
Innovation and Intellectual Property
Drive the innovation pipeline by identifying and evaluating new technologies, materials, and processes. Partner with legal counsel to build and manage a robust intellectual property portfolio, including patents and trade secrets, to protect the company’s technological advancements.
Budget & Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of capital, resources, and personnel to high-priority projects. Provide regular financial forecasting and reporting to the executive team.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team. Forge strong partnerships with Marketing, Sales, Clinical, Regulatory, and Operations to ensure a unified approach to product strategy, development, and commercialization.
Technical Oversight & Problem Solving
Act as the top technical authority within the R&D group, providing expert guidance on complex design challenges, risk analysis, and failure investigation. Drive a data-driven approach to decision-making.
External Engagement
Represent the company at scientific conferences, industry events, and with key opinion leaders (KOLs) to stay at the forefront of technological and clinical advancements.
Requirements for the VP, R&D, New Products with a MedTech Company – Irvine, CA
We are seeking an accomplished leader with a distinguished career in medical device innovation. The ideal candidate will possess a unique combination of technical depth, strategic mindset, and proven leadership capabilities.
Education
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline is required. An MBA is a plus.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the medical device industry, with at least 7-10 years in a senior R&D leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, or VP).
Commercialization Track Record
Demonstrable success in leading the development of multiple complex Class II or Class III medical devices from initial concept through to successful market launch and commercialization.
Regulatory Expertise
Deep, hands-on knowledge of the regulatory landscape for medical devices, including extensive experience with FDA 510(k) and/or PMA submission processes and a thorough understanding of ISO 13485 and design controls.
Leadership Skills
Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire large, multi-disciplinary R&D teams. A history of developing talent and creating a high-performance, accountable culture.
Strategic Acumen
Exceptional strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate business goals into a clear and actionable R&D plan. Experience with product portfolio management and technology roadmapping.
Technical Proficiency
Strong technical foundation in medical device design and development, including areas such as mechanical design, electronics, software, materials science, and systems engineering.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, from engineers to the Board of Directors.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful equity stake in the company.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Professional Growth
Ample opportunities for professional development, including support for attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
Innovative Environment
The opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility with a team of brilliant and passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in patients’ lives.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary R&D leader with the experience and passion to drive the next wave of medical device innovation, we encourage you to apply for this exceptional opportunity.
To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Medical Device recruitment practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can contribute to our client’s success.
