Role Overview for VP Surgical Robotics Engineering – Boston, MA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering medical technology company at the forefront of revolutionizing minimally invasive surgery. Our client is developing a next-generation surgical robotics platform that promises to enhance surgical precision, improve patient outcomes, and expand access to advanced surgical care. Located in the thriving life sciences hub of Boston, MA, they are seeking a visionary and highly accomplished Vice President of Surgical Robotics Engineering to lead their world-class engineering organization.
This is a transformative executive leadership role for an individual with a profound passion for medical innovation and a proven track record of bringing complex, regulated medical devices from concept to commercialization. As the VP of Engineering, you will be the driving force behind the technical strategy, execution, and delivery of the company’s entire robotics portfolio. You will be responsible for building, scaling, and mentoring a high-performance, multi-disciplinary engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and relentless innovation. This position reports directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and is a critical member of the senior leadership team, shaping the technological future and long-term success of the organization. You will be tasked with solving some of the most challenging problems in medical robotics, integrating cutting-edge technologies in mechanics, software, electronics, and artificial intelligence to create a system that is safe, effective, and intuitive for surgeons worldwide. Your leadership will directly impact the lives of millions of patients, and you will play an instrumental role in defining the next standard of care in surgery.
Key Responsibilities of VP Surgical Robotics Engineering – Boston, MA
The Vice President of Surgical Robotics Engineering will have a broad range of responsibilities spanning strategic leadership, team development, technical oversight, and cross-functional collaboration. Success in this role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, exceptional leadership skills, and strong business acumen.
Strategic & Technical Leadership
- Develop and execute the long-term technology roadmap for the company’s surgical robotics platform, aligning engineering initiatives with overall business objectives, market needs, and clinical requirements.
- Serve as the ultimate technical authority for all engineering activities, providing expert guidance on system architecture, design, development, and integration of complex mechatronic systems.
- Champion a culture of innovation by staying abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and competitive landscapes in surgical robotics, AI, computer vision, and haptics, and drive the evaluation and adoption of new technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
- Establish and enforce best-in-class engineering practices, design methodologies, and development processes to ensure product quality, reliability, and scalability.
- Lead intellectual property strategy within the engineering domain, working with legal counsel to identify and protect novel inventions.
Team Management & Organizational Development
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse, multi-disciplinary engineering team encompassing mechanical, electrical, software, firmware, systems, and V&V engineering.
- Recruit, develop, and retain top-tier engineering talent, building a world-class organization capable of tackling immense technical challenges.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture that encourages open communication, constructive debate, and a sense of shared ownership.
- Implement robust performance management systems, set clear goals and expectations, and provide regular feedback and career development opportunities for team members.
- Structure and scale the engineering organization to support rapid growth and evolving product development pipelines.
Product Development & Execution
- Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility studies through design, prototyping, verification, validation, regulatory submission, and successful commercial launch.
- Ensure that engineering projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, implementing rigorous project management and risk mitigation strategies.
- Drive the design for manufacturability (DFM), reliability (DFR), and serviceability (DFS) from the earliest stages of development in collaboration with manufacturing and operations teams.
- Manage external development partners, vendors, and consultants to supplement internal capabilities and accelerate development timelines.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure all engineering activities and documentation rigorously adhere to medical device regulations and standards, including FDA QSR, ISO 13485, IEC 60601-1, IEC 62304, and ISO 14971.
- Partner closely with the Quality and Regulatory Affairs departments to support regulatory submissions (e.g., FDA 510(k), CE Mark), audits, and post-market surveillance activities.
- Champion a ‘quality-first’ mindset throughout the engineering organization, embedding quality system requirements into the daily workflow and design control processes.
Requirements for the VP Surgical Robotics Engineering – Boston, MA
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a deep and specific background in the development of complex medical capital equipment, preferably in surgical robotics. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Required Qualifications
Education
Master’s degree (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in engineering product development, with at least 8-10 years in a senior leadership role (Director, Senior Director, or VP level) managing large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
Domain Expertise
Demonstrable, hands-on experience in the design and development of complex, software-driven electromechanical systems. Direct experience with Class II or Class III medical devices is mandatory. Significant experience in surgical robotics is strongly preferred.
Regulatory Knowledge
Expert-level understanding of the medical device development process and design controls under a regulated quality management system. Deep familiarity with FDA’s Quality System (QS) regulation, 21 CFR Part 820, as well as international standards like ISO 13485 and IEC 62304.
Leadership Skills
Proven ability to build, scale, and lead high-performing engineering organizations. A track record of successful mentorship, talent development, and fostering a positive and innovative culture.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to translate complex business and clinical needs into a coherent technology strategy and actionable engineering plans.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience leading a surgical robotics program from initial concept through to successful market launch and commercialization.
- Experience with advanced technologies relevant to modern robotics, such as machine learning, computer vision, advanced sensors, and haptic feedback systems.
- Proven track record of managing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex project timelines.
- Experience working in both startup environments and larger, established medical device companies.
- A history of innovation, demonstrated by a strong patent portfolio.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, investors, and clinical partners.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package for this executive role. This includes:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary and executive-level annual performance bonus plan.
Meaningful Equity
Significant stock option grant, providing a substantial stake in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching program.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to support work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the Boston area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences, workshops, and advanced training to keep you at the cutting edge of your field.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The opportunity to work in a modern, collaborative R&D environment with access to the latest tools and technologies.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary engineering leader passionate about shaping the future of surgery and possess the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this career-defining opportunity.
To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy. JRG Partners specializes in placing top-tier talent within the medical technology sector. To learn more about our expertise and view other opportunities, please visit our Surgical Robotics Executive Recruiters practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring how your experience can drive the next wave of surgical innovation.
