Chief Interventional Officer – Drug-Eluting Stent Innovation | Santa Clara, CA

Are you a pioneering medical leader with a deep expertise in interventional cardiology and a passion for advancing cutting-edge technologies? We are seeking a Chief Interventional Officer (CIO) to lead the strategic innovation and clinical direction of a breakthrough drug-eluting stent program based in Santa Clara, CA. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of cardiovascular interventions, working at the intersection of clinical science, R&D, and commercialization. If you’re driven by innovation and impact, this is your opportunity to lead a transformative healthcare mission.

Lead Innovation in Cardiovascular Medical Devices

A trailblazing medical technology company in Santa Clara, CA is looking for a Chief Interventional Officer to spearhead its drug-eluting stent (DES) innovation and clinical leadership. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in interventional cardiology, deep knowledge of FDA and CE regulatory environments, and a strong track record of leading clinical trials and device development. If you’re a physician-leader with a passion for improving patient outcomes through innovation, this role empowers you to drive the future of cardiovascular care.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Interventional Officer – Drug-Eluting Stent Innovation

Clinical & Scientific Leadership:
Lead the strategic direction of clinical development for the company’s drug-eluting stent (DES) technology. Provide clinical insight to inform product design, testing protocols, and patient-centered innovation, ensuring alignment with evolving cardiology practices and standards of care.

Research & Development Oversight:
Collaborate with R&D teams to guide the scientific roadmap for stent innovation, from early concept through clinical validation. Drive translational research efforts and ensure all innovations are grounded in strong clinical evidence and therapeutic benefit.

Clinical Trials & Regulatory Strategy:
Oversee the design and execution of clinical trials to support regulatory approvals (FDA, CE Mark, etc.). Work closely with regulatory affairs to navigate submissions, mitigate risk, and ensure global compliance with medical device regulations and safety standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Serve as the key clinical voice across product development, engineering, marketing, and commercialization teams. Ensure interdepartmental alignment to maintain clinical integrity, drive adoption, and meet physician and patient needs.

Innovation & Thought Leadership:
Stay ahead of interventional cardiology trends, competitive technologies, and evolving treatment protocols. Represent the company at major cardiology conferences, contribute to publications, and build partnerships with leading clinicians and institutions.

Strategic Business Input:
Work alongside the executive leadership team to inform business strategy, product positioning, and go-to-market planning. Provide insights that link clinical value with commercial potential to maximize impact and market relevance.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:
Engage with key opinion leaders (KOLs), advisory boards, and healthcare providers to gather feedback, build credibility, and foster adoption of new DES technologies. Serve as a spokesperson to the broader cardiovascular and medical community.

Medical Affairs Leadership:
Lead the development of clinical content, physician training, and education programs to support successful product launches. Ensure alignment between clinical claims, marketing messaging, and real-world outcomes.

Risk Management & Compliance:
Ensure clinical practices and trial activities adhere to ethical standards, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and applicable regulations. Mitigate clinical and reputational risk through proactive governance and quality assurance.

Team Development & Culture:
Build and mentor a world-class clinical and medical affairs team. Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing cardiovascular innovation.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Interventional Officer – Drug-Eluting Stent Innovation, the client seeks a visionary physician-leader with deep expertise in interventional cardiology and a passion for driving breakthrough innovations in cardiovascular devices. You should be a strategic, results-oriented clinical executive who excels in advancing medical technologies from concept to commercialization while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Proven Clinical Leadership in Interventional Cardiology

The client is looking for an accomplished interventional cardiologist with extensive experience in drug-eluting stents or related cardiovascular device innovation. You should have a demonstrated history of leading clinical research, guiding product development, and influencing treatment protocols. Experience with clinical trial design, FDA and global regulatory processes, and strong KOL relationships is highly valued.

Strategic Visionary with Innovation Focus

As CIO, you must be able to craft and execute a clinical and innovation strategy that accelerates development and adoption of next-generation drug-eluting stents. The ideal candidate will anticipate evolving clinical needs, leverage emerging technologies, and translate complex science into practical, patient-centric solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.

Strong Regulatory and Compliance Expertise

A deep understanding of regulatory frameworks (FDA, CE Mark, and others), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and risk management is essential. The client seeks a leader who can navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensure rigorous compliance, and proactively mitigate clinical and operational risks throughout product development and post-market phases.

Collaborative Team Builder and Influential Communicator

Leadership and collaboration are critical in this role. You should have a proven ability to build, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary clinical and medical affairs teams. Experience working cross-functionally with R&D, marketing, and commercial teams to align clinical goals with business objectives is highly desirable. Exceptional communication skills are required to engage with physicians, regulators, investors, and industry partners.

Data-Driven and Patient-Centered Decision Maker

The client values a CIO who utilizes clinical data, patient insights, and real-world evidence to guide strategic decisions and innovation priorities. You should be adept at interpreting complex clinical outcomes and transforming them into actionable insights that enhance device performance and patient care.

Thought Leader and Industry Advocate

As a recognized expert in interventional cardiology, you will represent the company at scientific conferences, publications, and advisory boards. The ideal candidate is passionate about advancing cardiovascular health and building the company’s reputation as a leader in drug-eluting stent innovation.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Interventional Officer – Drug-Eluting Stent Innovation

What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Interventional Officer in this role?
You will lead the clinical strategy and innovation for drug-eluting stent technology, oversee clinical trials and regulatory processes, collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product development, and engage with key opinion leaders to advance adoption. Ensuring compliance, risk management, and fostering a high-performance medical affairs team are also critical.
What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate is a board-certified interventional cardiologist with extensive clinical leadership experience in cardiovascular device innovation, especially with drug-eluting stents. Proven expertise in clinical trial design, regulatory submissions, and strong relationships with healthcare providers and KOLs are essential. An advanced degree (MD/PhD) and prior leadership in medical affairs or clinical development are preferred.
What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client seeks a visionary clinical leader who is strategic, collaborative, and results-driven. Strong communication skills, the ability to inspire cross-disciplinary teams, and a patient-focused mindset are key. You should be adept at navigating complex regulatory environments and driving innovation that balances scientific rigor with market needs.
What challenges can I expect in this role?
Challenges include staying ahead of rapidly evolving interventional cardiology technologies, managing complex clinical trial protocols, ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple regions, and aligning clinical innovation with business objectives. Balancing risk management with aggressive product development timelines is also critical.
What is the expected impact of the Chief Interventional Officer on the company’s growth?
Your leadership will directly influence the successful development and market adoption of next-generation drug-eluting stents. By driving clinical innovation and building strong relationships with physicians and regulators, you will help position the company as a leader in cardiovascular device technology, accelerating growth and patient impact.
What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company values a collaborative, science-driven, and patient-centered culture. It encourages innovation, continuous learning, and cross-functional teamwork. You will work alongside passionate professionals committed to improving cardiovascular health through breakthrough medical technologies.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Interventional Officer – Drug-Eluting Stent Innovation based in Santa Clara, CA, you can expect a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract top clinical and industry leaders. The remuneration for this specialized role typically includes:

Base Salary
The base salary for a senior medical executive in the cardiovascular device sector generally ranges from $350,000 to $700,000 annually, depending on the company’s size, stage of innovation, and market position.
Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to the base salary, you will be eligible for performance-based bonuses tied to clinical milestones, regulatory approvals, market adoption, and overall business impact. Bonuses can range from 25% to 75% of the base salary, reflecting individual and company success.
Equity & Stock Options
Equity incentives such as stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares are common in medtech firms, aligning your rewards with long-term shareholder value and innovation outcomes. These can form a substantial part of the total compensation.
Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Many companies offer LTIPs to reward sustained contributions over multiple years, particularly in leadership roles driving cutting-edge technology. This supports a focus on innovation, clinical excellence, and commercial growth.
Executive Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive executive benefits typically include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans with company contributions
Flexible working arrangements
Professional development support
Travel allowances for conferences, KOL engagements, and clinical collaboration

Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For highly qualified candidates, signing bonuses and relocation packages may be offered to facilitate a smooth transition and to secure top-tier talent. These can range significantly based on experience and company policies.

Total Compensation Potential

Considering base salary, bonuses, equity, and other incentives, total annual compensation for a Chief Interventional Officer in drug-eluting stent innovation can range from $600,000 to over $1.5 million in leading medtech companies focused on cardiovascular innovation.

How to Apply

If you are an innovative and clinically driven leader with a proven track record in interventional cardiology and medical device innovation, we invite you to apply for the Chief Interventional Officer – Drug-Eluting Stent Innovation role in Santa Clara, CA. This is a unique opportunity to lead groundbreaking advancements in cardiovascular technology and shape the future of drug-eluting stent development.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a detailed cover letter highlighting your experience in interventional cardiology, device innovation, clinical research, regulatory strategy, and cross-functional leadership. Emphasize your success in driving clinical outcomes, collaborating with R&D teams, and bringing medical innovations from concept to market.

This role offers a high-impact career opportunity where you will influence life-saving medical technologies, lead strategic innovation initiatives, and partner with industry leaders to drive clinical and commercial success. Apply today to advance your career as the Chief Interventional Officer – Drug-Eluting Stent Innovation in Santa Clara, CA!

For more information or to explore similar leadership roles in medical technology innovation, please visit our Drug-Eluting Stent Executive Search Services page.

Job Category: Drug-Eluting Stent Innovation

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Santa Clara

Chief Interventional Officer – Drug-Eluting Stent Innovation | Santa Clara, CA