Chief Robotics Officer – Surgical Robotics Innovation | San Jose, CA

Are you a pioneering leader passionate about revolutionizing healthcare through advanced robotics? We are seeking a Chief Robotics Officer (CRO) to spearhead innovation and strategic growth in surgical robotics at our cutting-edge facility in San Jose, CA. This unique opportunity invites a visionary technologist and executive to drive breakthroughs that enhance precision, safety, and patient outcomes in minimally invasive surgery.

Shape the Next Generation of Surgical Robotics Technology

Join a forward-thinking medical robotics company based in San Jose, California, as the Chief Robotics Officer. The ideal candidate will combine deep expertise in robotics engineering with executive leadership skills to oversee product development, research initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration. If you excel in leading high-impact teams and advancing complex robotic systems in a fast-evolving healthcare market, this role offers the platform to redefine surgical care worldwide.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Robotics Officer – Surgical Robotics Innovation

Strategic Robotics Leadership: Develop and execute a visionary robotics strategy aligned with emerging surgical technologies and healthcare industry advancements. Drive innovation in robotic system design, automation, and AI integration to position the company as a global leader in surgical robotics.

Product Development & Innovation: Oversee the full lifecycle of surgical robotics products, from concept and R&D through clinical validation and market launch. Champion cutting-edge engineering practices and cross-disciplinary collaboration to accelerate development and enhance product efficacy and safety.

Operational Excellence in Engineering: Lead engineering teams to implement best-in-class development processes, ensuring quality, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Optimize resource allocation, streamline workflows, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Clinical Collaboration & Market Insight: Partner closely with surgeons, healthcare providers, and research institutions to gather clinical insights and translate them into innovative product features. Align product roadmap with evolving clinical needs and regulatory landscapes.

Technology & IP Leadership: Drive advanced robotics technology integration, including AI, machine learning, sensor fusion, and automation. Protect and expand the company’s intellectual property portfolio through strategic innovation and patent development.

Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and inspire high-performance robotics engineering and research teams. Promote a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, accountability, and professional growth.

Financial Stewardship & Resource Management: Collaborate with executive leadership to plan budgets, allocate resources, and manage capital investments that support robotics innovation and commercialization goals.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all surgical robotic systems meet stringent FDA and international regulatory standards. Implement rigorous risk management and quality assurance protocols to safeguard patient safety and company reputation.

Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate technical strategy, progress, and challenges effectively to internal stakeholders, board members, and external partners. Build strong relationships with key opinion leaders, clinical partners, and investors to drive strategic growth.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Robotics Officer leading surgical robotics innovation, the client seeks an inspiring and strategic leader with deep expertise in robotics technology and a passion for transforming surgical care. You should be a forward-thinking executive who thrives in a fast-evolving healthcare technology landscape and excels at driving cutting-edge innovation while ensuring operational excellence.

Proven Expertise in Surgical Robotics and Healthcare Technology

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in robotics engineering, ideally with a focus on surgical or medical device applications. You have a track record of leading the development and commercialization of complex robotic systems, navigating regulatory pathways, and delivering technology that enhances patient outcomes. Experience working closely with clinical partners and research institutions is highly valued.

Visionary Leader Driving Innovation and Growth

You must demonstrate the ability to craft and implement bold strategies that accelerate innovation and expand market impact in the surgical robotics field. The client values a visionary thinker who anticipates technological trends, integrates AI and automation advances, and positions the company as a pioneer in minimally invasive surgical solutions.

Strong Technical and Operational Acumen

You bring exceptional technical knowledge combined with strong operational leadership. Your experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams, overseeing product development lifecycles, and ensuring regulatory compliance will be critical. The ability to balance innovation with risk management and quality assurance is essential.

Ability to Build and Inspire High-Performing Teams

Leadership excellence is key. The client is looking for a CRO who can attract, mentor, and retain top talent across robotics engineering, software development, and clinical research. You foster a collaborative culture grounded in creativity, accountability, and continuous learning.

Collaborative Partner with Clinical and Business Stakeholders

You excel at bridging technology and clinical needs, working closely with surgeons, healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies to translate complex requirements into impactful robotic solutions. Strong communication skills and stakeholder engagement capabilities are vital to align product vision and market demands.

Commitment to Ethical Innovation and Compliance

The client expects a leader committed to patient safety, ethical innovation, and strict adherence to FDA and international medical device regulations. You prioritize quality control, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement to maintain the highest standards in surgical robotics.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Robotics Officer – Surgical Robotics Innovation

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Robotics Officer in this role?
As the Chief Robotics Officer, you will lead the strategic vision and innovation roadmap for surgical robotics. Your responsibilities include overseeing product development, guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, collaborating with clinical partners, and driving the commercialization of advanced robotic surgical systems. You will be instrumental in positioning the company as a leader in minimally invasive surgical technology.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience in robotics engineering or medical device development, with a strong background in surgical robotics or related healthcare technologies. Proven success in leading R&D, product innovation, and navigating FDA and international regulatory pathways is critical. Advanced degrees in robotics, engineering, or related fields are highly preferred, along with a strong track record of managing high-performing technical teams.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
We are looking for a visionary and collaborative leader who excels in strategic thinking, innovation management, and operational execution. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to inspire and mentor multidisciplinary teams, and a passion for improving patient outcomes through technology are key. Adaptability, ethical judgment, and stakeholder management are also crucial.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You will face challenges such as rapid technological change, rigorous regulatory requirements, complex clinical validation processes, and competitive market pressures. Balancing innovation with patient safety, managing cross-functional teams, and aligning product development with evolving clinical needs will require agility and strong problem-solving skills.

5. What is the expected impact of the Chief Robotics Officer on the company’s growth?
The Chief Robotics Officer will be pivotal in driving breakthrough innovations that enhance the company’s competitive advantage and expand market share. Your leadership will directly influence product excellence, regulatory success, clinical adoption, and ultimately, the company’s reputation and growth in the surgical robotics industry.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company promotes a dynamic, innovation-focused culture committed to improving healthcare outcomes. Collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning are highly valued. You will work alongside passionate engineers, clinicians, and business leaders dedicated to advancing surgical robotics technology in a fast-paced environment.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Robotics Officer leading surgical robotics innovation in San Jose, CA, you can expect a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package designed to attract visionary leaders at the forefront of medical technology. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Chief Robotics Officer in the surgical robotics and medical device industry varies based on company size, stage of development, and market position. For an established or well-funded company, the annual base salary generally ranges from $250,000 to $500,000, with some leading firms offering higher packages.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Most compensation packages include annual performance-based bonuses tied to key metrics such as product development milestones, regulatory approvals, revenue growth, and market penetration. Bonuses typically range between 25% to 75% of the base salary, rewarding both individual and company success.

3. Equity & Stock Options
Equity incentives such as stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares are commonly included to align your interests with the company’s long-term growth and value creation. Depending on the company’s valuation and stage, equity awards can form a significant portion of your total compensation.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Many companies offer LTIPs or profit-sharing plans to encourage sustained leadership and innovation. These programs provide additional financial rewards based on multi-year company performance and milestones in surgical robotics advancements.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks
The CRO role often comes with a comprehensive benefits package including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans with company matching contributions
Executive wellness and development programs
Travel allowances and expense accounts for business engagements
Relocation assistance, if applicable

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
To attract top-tier talent, some companies provide signing bonuses and relocation support, especially for candidates relocating to the San Jose area. These one-time incentives can range from $25,000 to $150,000 based on experience and company policy.

Total Compensation Potential

When combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and incentives, total compensation for a Chief Robotics Officer in surgical robotics can range from $400,000 to over $1 million annually, especially within high-growth startups or established medical technology leaders.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary leader with deep expertise in robotics and a passion for transforming surgical care, we invite you to apply for the Chief Robotics Officer – Surgical Robotics Innovation role in San Jose, CA. This is a rare opportunity to lead groundbreaking advancements in surgical robotics, drive product innovation, and shape the future of minimally invasive surgery.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter highlighting your experience in robotics technology leadership, surgical or medical device innovation, team building, and regulatory compliance. Showcase your track record of driving technology commercialization, collaborating with clinical partners, and leading high-performing engineering teams in a dynamic healthcare technology environment.

This role offers a high-impact career opportunity to influence patient outcomes on a global scale and steer cutting-edge surgical robotics solutions. Apply today to take the next step in your executive career as Chief Robotics Officer in San Jose, CA!

For more information or to explore similar leadership roles in medical technology and robotics, please visit our Robotic Surgery Devices Executive Search Firm page.

Job Category: Surgical Robotics Innovation

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: San Jose

Chief Robotics Officer – Surgical Robotics Innovation | San Jose, CA