Chief Innovation Officer – Additive Medical Manufacturing | San Francisco, CA

Are you a pioneering leader passionate about transforming the future of medical manufacturing through additive technologies? We are seeking a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) to lead the innovation strategy at a cutting-edge additive medical manufacturing company based in San Francisco, CA. This unique role offers the opportunity to drive technological breakthroughs, shape product development, and influence the evolution of medical device manufacturing. If you thrive on pushing the boundaries of innovation and guiding cross-functional teams to create life-changing solutions, this role is your next career milestone.

Lead Innovation in Medical Manufacturing in San Francisco

Our forward-thinking additive manufacturing company in San Francisco is looking for a Chief Innovation Officer to spearhead innovation initiatives that accelerate the development of advanced medical devices. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in additive manufacturing technologies, biomedical engineering, and strategic leadership. This role requires a visionary thinker with a strong track record of transforming ideas into scalable solutions within the medical sector. Join us to redefine healthcare manufacturing and make a lasting impact on patient outcomes worldwide.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Innovation Officer – Additive Medical Manufacturing

Innovation Strategy & Vision: Develop and drive a forward-looking innovation strategy that leverages additive manufacturing to transform medical device development and production. Identify emerging technologies and market opportunities to maintain competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving healthcare industry.

Technology Leadership: Lead research and development efforts to pioneer new additive manufacturing techniques, materials, and processes that improve product performance, safety, and manufacturability. Champion the adoption of cutting-edge tools and methodologies across engineering and production teams.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, engineering, product management, and regulatory teams to integrate innovation initiatives seamlessly into product pipelines. Foster a culture of collaboration that accelerates time-to-market and enhances product quality.

Product Development Oversight: Guide the innovation lifecycle from ideation through prototyping to commercialization. Ensure solutions meet clinical, regulatory, and market requirements while driving cost efficiencies and scalability.

Talent Development & Team Leadership: Build and nurture high-performing innovation teams by attracting top talent, encouraging continuous learning, and promoting a culture of creativity and experimentation.

Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with executive leadership, investors, medical professionals, and strategic partners to align innovation objectives with business goals. Communicate innovation progress and impact transparently to secure buy-in and resources.

Regulatory & Compliance Alignment: Ensure all innovation initiatives comply with relevant medical device regulations, quality standards, and ethical guidelines to safeguard patient safety and product integrity.

Market & Competitive Analysis: Continuously monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and technological advancements to inform innovation strategies and maintain a leadership position in additive medical manufacturing.

Intellectual Property Management: Oversee the protection of innovations through patents and trademarks, working with legal teams to safeguard the company’s technology assets.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) – Additive Medical Manufacturing, the client seeks a visionary and strategic leader with deep expertise in additive manufacturing and medical device innovation. You should be a forward-thinking, results-oriented executive who thrives in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment and can translate cutting-edge ideas into impactful healthcare solutions.

Proven Leadership in Additive Medical Manufacturing

The client is looking for an accomplished innovator with extensive experience leading additive manufacturing initiatives in the medical or biomedical fields. You should have a strong track record of driving breakthrough product developments, integrating novel materials and technologies, and managing complex cross-disciplinary teams to deliver scalable and compliant solutions.

Strategic Visionary with a Passion for Innovation

As CIO, you must demonstrate the ability to craft and execute a bold innovation strategy that aligns with business goals and patient needs. The ideal candidate will excel at identifying emerging technologies, fostering collaboration across R&D and production, and steering projects from concept to commercialization while anticipating future market trends.

Technical Expertise and Industry Knowledge

A deep understanding of additive manufacturing processes (such as 3D printing, metal and polymer technologies), biomedical engineering, and regulatory requirements for medical devices is essential. The client values a leader who can guide technology adoption, ensure compliance with industry standards, and maintain the highest quality and safety standards.

Ability to Build and Inspire High-Performing Teams

Leadership is critical to this role, and the client seeks a CIO who can attract, develop, and retain top talent in engineering, research, and product development. You should foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement while driving accountability and operational excellence.

Collaborative and Influential Communicator

The ideal candidate will excel at engaging with executive leadership, medical professionals, regulatory bodies, and external partners. You should be skilled in presenting complex technical concepts clearly, securing stakeholder buy-in, and building strategic partnerships that accelerate innovation.

Commitment to Quality, Compliance, and Ethical Standards

Finally, the client values a leader dedicated to upholding rigorous quality control, regulatory compliance, and ethical practices to ensure patient safety and product integrity throughout the innovation lifecycle.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Innovation Officer – Additive Medical Manufacturing

What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) in this role?
As the CIO, you will lead the company’s innovation strategy focused on additive manufacturing technologies for medical devices. Your responsibilities include driving R&D efforts, guiding product development from concept to commercialization, fostering cross-functional collaboration, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building high-performing innovation teams to maintain a competitive edge in the healthcare industry.
What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in additive manufacturing within the medical or biomedical sector, with a proven record of leading innovation initiatives and product development. A strong technical background in biomedical engineering or related fields, coupled with strategic leadership experience, is essential. Advanced degrees such as a Master’s or PhD are preferred but not mandatory.
What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client is seeking a visionary and strategic thinker who excels at inspiring and managing multidisciplinary teams. Key qualities include strong decision-making skills, adaptability, effective communication with diverse stakeholders, and a passion for driving breakthrough innovations while balancing business goals and regulatory requirements.
What challenges can I expect in this role?
Challenges include navigating the complex regulatory environment of medical devices, accelerating time-to-market for innovative products, integrating emerging additive manufacturing technologies, managing cross-departmental collaboration, and aligning innovation initiatives with evolving patient needs and market trends.
What is the expected impact of the CIO on the company’s growth?
The CIO will be pivotal in positioning the company as a leader in additive medical manufacturing by delivering innovative, high-quality products that improve patient outcomes. Your leadership will drive technological advancements, open new market opportunities, and contribute directly to revenue growth and competitive differentiation.
What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence. It values creativity, continuous learning, and a patient-centric approach. Employees work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with strong emphasis on teamwork, integrity, and delivering impactful medical solutions.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) – Additive Medical Manufacturing based in San Francisco, CA, you can anticipate a comprehensive and competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain visionary executive talent at the forefront of medical technology innovation. The remuneration for this strategic role generally includes:

Base Salary

The base salary for a CIO in the additive medical manufacturing sector varies depending on company size, funding stage, and market positioning. Typically, annual base salaries range from $250,000 to $500,000, with leading organizations or well-funded startups offering salaries at the higher end of this spectrum.

Performance-Based Bonuses

In addition to the base salary, most compensation packages include annual bonuses tied to key performance indicators such as successful innovation milestones, product development timelines, regulatory approvals, and overall business impact. These bonuses can range from 20% to 70% of the base salary, rewarding achievement and strategic execution.

Equity & Stock Options

Many companies provide equity incentives including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or other equity awards to align the CIO’s interests with long-term company growth and shareholder value. Equity grants can represent a significant component of total remuneration, especially in high-growth or venture-backed firms.

Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Some organizations offer LTIPs or profit-sharing schemes that reward sustained innovation success and company growth over multiple years. These incentives encourage a long-term focus on technological leadership and market expansion.

Executive Benefits & Perks

Executive benefits commonly include:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans such as 401(k) with company matching
Flexible work arrangements and wellness programs
Professional development opportunities and conference allowances
Travel and expense reimbursements linked to business needs

Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

For exceptional candidates, companies may provide signing bonuses or relocation support to facilitate the transition, which can range from $25,000 up to $150,000 depending on the candidate’s profile and company policy.

Total Compensation Potential

Combining base salary, bonuses, equity awards, and additional incentives, total annual compensation for a CIO in additive medical manufacturing can range from $400,000 to over $1 million in competitive markets like San Francisco. This package reflects the critical role the CIO plays in driving innovation, growth, and long-term success.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary and strategic leader with a proven track record in additive medical manufacturing and innovation leadership, we invite you to apply for the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) role based in San Francisco, CA. This is a rare opportunity to lead breakthrough technologies in the medical device industry, drive product development, and shape the future of healthcare manufacturing.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter detailing your experience in additive manufacturing, medical device innovation, technology leadership, and cross-functional team management. Highlight your successes in driving R&D initiatives, navigating regulatory landscapes, and delivering scalable healthcare solutions that impact patient outcomes.

This role offers a high-impact career opportunity where you will influence cutting-edge innovation, build high-performing teams, and contribute significantly to business growth in a rapidly evolving sector. Apply today to take the next step in your leadership career as Chief Innovation Officer – Additive Medical Manufacturing in San Francisco, CA!

For more information or to explore similar executive roles in medical technology, please visit our Executive Careers Page.

Job Category: Additive Medical Manufacturing

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: San Francisco

Chief Innovation Officer – Additive Medical Manufacturing | San Francisco, CA