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# Chief R&D Officer – New York, NY


Role Overview for Chief R&D Officer – New York, NY
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering force in the medical device industry in their exclusive search for a visionary Chief R&D Officer (CR&D). Based in the vibrant heart of New York, NY, our client is a globally recognized leader dedicated to developing transformative medical technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes and redefine standards of care. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and steer the innovation engine of a company at the forefront of medical advancement.
As the Chief R&D Officer, you will be the strategic architect of the company’s technological future. You will be entrusted with leading a world-class, multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and researchers, fostering a culture of relentless innovation, scientific rigor, and collaborative excellence. This role is not merely about managing projects; it is about setting a bold vision, anticipating future market needs, and translating complex scientific concepts into commercially successful, life-changing products.
You will have ultimate responsibility for the entire R&D pipeline, from initial ideation and feasibility studies through to design, development, regulatory approval, and successful market launch. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s long-term growth, competitive positioning, and its noble mission to solve some of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with a profound understanding of the medical device landscape, a proven track record of bringing disruptive products to market, and the inspirational leadership qualities required to motivate a high-performing organization. You will be a key partner to the CEO and the board of directors, providing critical insights and strategic guidance on technology trends, competitive intelligence, and intellectual property strategy. This position demands a unique blend of scientific expertise, business acumen, and a passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of patients worldwide. If you are a transformative leader ready to take on the challenge of a lifetime, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief R&D Officer – New York, NY
Strategic Vision & Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive R&D and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s strategic business objectives. Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across the R&D organization.
Product Pipeline & Portfolio Management
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle for all projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Implement robust processes for portfolio management, project prioritization, and resource allocation to maximize ROI.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and empower a large organization of R&D professionals. Attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages creativity, risk-taking, and scientific excellence.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
Ensure all R&D activities and product designs adhere to the strictest global regulatory and quality standards. Work in close partnership with Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance teams to navigate complex regulatory pathways and secure timely product approvals. This includes a deep familiarity with FDA regulations for medical devices, ISO 13485, and other international requirements.
Financial & Budgetary Oversight
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of capital and operational expenditures. Provide accurate forecasting and reporting to the executive team and board of directors.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, fostering strong collaborative relationships with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Clinical Affairs to ensure seamless product commercialization and lifecycle management.
Technology & Innovation Scouting
Stay at the forefront of emerging scientific research, technological advancements, and industry trends. Identify and evaluate new technologies, potential acquisition targets, and strategic partnership opportunities to fuel future growth.
Intellectual Property Management
Drive the company’s intellectual property strategy in collaboration with legal counsel. Oversee the patent application process and manage the existing IP portfolio to build and protect the company’s competitive advantage.
Requirements for the Chief R&D Officer – New York, NY
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or a related scientific field is required. An MBA is highly desirable.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in the medical device industry, with at least 7-10 years in a senior R&D leadership role (e.g., VP of R&D, CTO, Head of Engineering).
Proven Track Record
Demonstrated success in leading the development and commercialization of multiple complex medical devices (Class II or Class III experience is essential) from concept through to global market launch.
Regulatory Expertise
In-depth, hands-on knowledge of the global regulatory landscape, including FDA’s Quality System Regulation (21 CFR Part 820), ISO 13485 (Quality Management Systems), and ISO 14971 (Risk Management).
Leadership Acumen
Exceptional leadership and people management skills with a proven ability to build, scale, and inspire high-performing, multi-site R&D teams. Experience managing organizations of 100+ individuals is strongly preferred.
Strategic & Business Mindset
Strong business and financial acumen with experience in budget management, strategic planning, and portfolio analysis. Must be able to translate technical and scientific concepts into clear business propositions.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex information to a variety of audiences, including the board of directors, investors, regulatory bodies, and internal teams.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in New York, NY.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the very best talent and offers a comprehensive and competitive executive compensation package, including:

Highly competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
Significant long-term incentive plan, including substantial equity/stock options.
Comprehensive benefits package, including premium medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
Generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company matching component.
Executive-level paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Full relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
A professional development budget to support continuous learning, conference attendance, and executive coaching.
The unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of a leading medical device company and make a lasting impact on global health.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. To be considered for this pivotal Chief R&D Officer role, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and leadership philosophy. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
We encourage you to apply directly through our portal. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Medical Device Executive Search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can lead the next wave of innovation.