Role Overview for Chief R&D Officer – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, market-leading medical device company in the search for a transformative Chief Research & Development Officer. Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of San Diego, California, our client is renowned for developing life-changing technologies that significantly improve patient outcomes and redefine standards of care. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader to take the helm of a world-class R&D organization and steer the future of medical innovation.
As the Chief R&D Officer, you will be a pivotal member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. You will be the strategic architect of the company’s entire research and development pipeline, from initial ideation and discovery through to product launch and lifecycle management. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s long-term growth, competitive positioning, and mission to address unmet clinical needs. We are seeking a leader who is not only a brilliant scientist or engineer but also a strategic business partner, capable of translating complex technical concepts into commercially successful products.
You will inherit and cultivate a culture of relentless innovation, scientific rigor, and cross-functional collaboration. Your role will be to inspire a large, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, clinicians, and regulatory experts to push the boundaries of what’s possible. This position demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, technical depth, operational excellence, and inspirational leadership. If you are driven by the challenge of solving complex medical problems and have a proven track record of bringing groundbreaking medical devices to the global market, we invite you to explore this career-defining role.
Key Responsibilities of Chief R&D Officer – San Diego, CA
The Chief R&D Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic direction, team leadership, and operational execution. Success in this role will be measured by the successful development and launch of innovative products, the strength of the R&D pipeline, and the overall performance of the R&D organization.
Strategic Vision & R&D Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy that aligns with the company’s overarching business goals. Create a multi-year product roadmap that anticipates market trends, competitive movements, and technological advancements. Champion a compelling vision for innovation that galvanizes the organization and secures board-level support and investment.
Product Pipeline & Portfolio Management
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Implement robust portfolio management processes to prioritize projects, manage risk, and optimize resource allocation for maximum return on investment. Drive the continuous evolution of the product pipeline through both internal development and external technology acquisition.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing, global R&D organization. Foster a dynamic and inclusive culture that encourages creativity, accountability, and continuous learning. Attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent, building a deep bench of future leaders within the R&D function.
Regulatory Excellence & Compliance
Ensure that all R&D activities and product designs adhere to the strictest global regulatory and quality standards. Maintain an expert-level understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape, including all relevant FDA regulations for medical devices, ISO 13485, and other international requirements. Serve as the key R&D liaison with regulatory bodies during submissions and inspections.
Intellectual Property Strategy
Direct the company’s intellectual property strategy to build and defend a formidable patent portfolio. Work closely with legal counsel to identify patentable inventions, manage patent filings, and assess the IP landscape to ensure freedom to operate and maintain a competitive advantage.
Fiscal & Operational Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring disciplined financial stewardship and effective allocation of capital. Implement best-in-class operational processes and metrics to drive efficiency, predictability, and excellence in execution across all R&D functions.
Executive & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO and the executive team. Collaborate seamlessly with leaders in Marketing, Sales, Clinical Affairs, Operations, and Finance to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to product development and commercialization. Effectively communicate R&D strategy, progress, and challenges to the Board of Directors and key stakeholders.
External Innovation & Partnerships
Act as the company’s chief technology ambassador. Identify and cultivate strategic alliances with academic institutions, research centers, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and technology partners to supplement internal capabilities and accelerate innovation. Evaluate M&A opportunities and conduct technical due diligence on potential acquisitions.
Requirements for the Chief R&D Officer – San Diego, CA
The ideal candidate is a seasoned and accomplished R&D executive with a deep passion for medical technology and a demonstrated history of success in the medical device industry. We are seeking an individual who combines strategic intellect with a hands-on, results-oriented approach.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or M.S.) in a relevant discipline such as Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related life sciences field is required. An MBA is highly desirable.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in medical device research and development, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Vice President of R&D, CTO, Head of Engineering) managing large, multi-disciplinary teams.
Proven Track Record of Commercialization
Demonstrable success in leading the development of complex medical devices (Class II or Class III) from concept through all phases of development, regulatory approval (PMA/510(k)), and successful market launch. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific products they have brought to market and their commercial impact.
Inspirational Leadership
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to build, scale, and lead high-performance R&D teams. A history of fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and employee engagement.
Regulatory & Quality Acumen
Deep, practical knowledge of the global regulatory environment for medical devices. Extensive experience with Design Controls, Risk Management (ISO 14971), and Quality Management Systems (ISO 13485, 21 CFR 820).
Business & Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of business strategy, financial planning, and market dynamics. Experience developing and managing multi-million dollar R&D budgets and contributing to corporate strategic planning.
Technical Breadth
Broad technical expertise across a range of technologies relevant to the medical device field, which may include areas such as implantable devices, diagnostic equipment, surgical robotics, digital health, or therapeutic delivery systems.
Location
The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to the San Diego, CA area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the very best talent by offering a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term equity incentive package (stock options and/or RSUs) designed to reward long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. A robust wellness program, including gym memberships, mental health support, and other wellness resources.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company matching contribution to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, supplemented by numerous paid company holidays, to ensure you have time to rest and recharge.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for continued professional development, including attendance at major industry conferences, executive education programs, and professional association memberships.
Inspiring Work Environment
The opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art R&D facility in San Diego, surrounded by a brilliant and passionate team dedicated to making a difference in patients’ lives.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Life Sciences & Healthcare practice area. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
