Role Overview for Chief Technology Officer – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, venture-backed medical device company based in the heart of innovation, San Francisco, CA. Our client is on a mission to revolutionize patient care through the development of next-generation, connected medical technologies. They are seeking a visionary and transformative Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to shape the technological future of a company poised for exponential growth and to make a tangible impact on global health outcomes.
As the Chief Technology Officer, you will be the driving force behind the company’s entire technology strategy, from initial concept and R&D through to product launch and lifecycle management. You will command a world-class, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and IT professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and relentless execution. This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise in medical device development, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of scaling technology platforms and teams within a highly regulated environment, ensuring compliance while accelerating innovation.
You will be responsible for the entire technology stack, including hardware, firmware, software (including Software as a Medical Device – SaMD), cloud infrastructure, and data analytics. Your leadership will be critical in navigating the complex regulatory landscape, securing intellectual property, and delivering products that are safe, effective, and transformative for patients and clinicians alike. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and is a key stakeholder in all strategic decisions, investor relations, and long-term corporate planning. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for building breakthrough medical technologies, this is your opportunity to lead from the front in one of the most exciting companies in the Bay Area.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Technology Officer – San Francisco, CA
The Chief Technology Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Technology Vision & Strategy
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive technology vision and long-term roadmap that aligns with the company’s strategic goals, market opportunities, and mission to improve patient lives.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing organization encompassing software engineering, hardware development, quality assurance, data science, and IT operations. Foster a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative culture that attracts and retains top-tier talent.
Product Development & Execution
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle for all technology-driven products, from ideation and prototyping to V&V (Verification and Validation), regulatory submission, and commercial launch. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
Guarantee that all technology development processes and products adhere to stringent medical device regulations. You will be the ultimate owner of technical compliance with standards such as FDA 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485, IEC 62304, and cybersecurity/privacy regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.
Architecture & Infrastructure
Architect and manage a scalable, secure, and reliable technology infrastructure. Make critical decisions regarding technology stacks, cloud services (AWS, Azure, GCP), and enterprise systems to support rapid growth.
Innovation & Research
Drive a culture of continuous innovation by staying abreast of emerging technologies, including AI/ML, IoT, and advanced sensor technologies. Champion R&D initiatives that will secure the company’s position as a market leader.
Budget & Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual technology budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources, capital, and personnel to achieve strategic objectives. Provide transparent reporting on ROI and project financials to the executive team and board.
Intellectual Property
Collaborate with legal counsel to develop and execute a robust intellectual property strategy, including patent filings, trade secrets, and freedom-to-operate analyses to protect the company’s innovations.
Stakeholder Communication
Effectively communicate the technology strategy, project status, and risks to a wide range of stakeholders, including the CEO, Board of Directors, investors, and strategic partners. Serve as the company’s lead technology evangelist.
Requirements for the Chief Technology Officer – San Francisco, CA
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a demonstrated history of success in the medical device industry. The qualifications for this role are rigorous, reflecting its critical importance.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology leadership, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role (e.g., CTO, VP of Engineering) for a medical device or regulated life sciences company.
Medical Device Expertise
Deep, hands-on experience developing and commercializing Class II or Class III medical devices. Must have a thorough understanding of the design control process, risk management (ISO 14971), and usability engineering (IEC 62366).
Regulatory Acumen
Proven experience successfully leading products through regulatory submission processes with the FDA (510(k) or PMA) and other international regulatory bodies.
Technical Proficiency
Broad technical knowledge across hardware, embedded systems, software development (including mobile and web), cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Experience with AI/ML applications in healthcare is highly desirable.
Leadership & Management Skills
Exceptional leadership capabilities with a proven ability to build, scale, and inspire world-class engineering teams. Experience managing teams of 50+ engineers and technologists is required.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to translate complex business needs into a clear, actionable technology strategy. Must be able to think critically, anticipate future trends, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Communication Skills
Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills. Must be capable of articulating a compelling technology vision to both technical and non-technical audiences with confidence and clarity.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the headquarters in San Francisco, CA, and travel as needed.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant equity stake in the company.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A flexible and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, plus paid company holidays.
Professional Growth
A substantial budget for professional development, including conferences, executive coaching, and continuing education.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Additional Perks
Commuter benefits, wellness stipends, catered lunches, and regular team-building events in a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary technology leader with the experience and passion to drive the future of medical devices, we invite you to apply for this confidential opportunity. To begin the application process, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role to our confidential applicant portal.
JRG Partners is a leader in connecting exceptional talent with transformative companies. To learn more about our dedicated focus in this domain, please visit our Technology Executive practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
