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# VP of Biomedical Engineering – Medical Device Startup – San Diego, CA


 
Vice President of Biomedical Engineering – Medical Device Startup
Are you an innovative biomedical engineering leader with a passion for bringing life-changing medical technologies from concept to market? We are seeking a Vice President of Biomedical Engineering (VP of BioMed Eng.) to spearhead product development and engineering strategy for a rapidly growing medical device startup in San Diego, CA. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping cutting-edge medical solutions that will improve patient outcomes and redefine modern healthcare. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and excel at transforming ideas into FDA-approved products, we want to hear from you.
Lead Engineering Innovation in a Fast-Growing MedTech Startup
A dynamic, venture-backed medical device startup in San Diego, CA is looking for a VP of Biomedical Engineering to oversee R&D, full product lifecycle development, and cross-functional engineering execution. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in biomedical engineering, regulatory compliance (FDA, ISO 13485), and building high-performing technical teams. If you are driven by innovation, enjoy working directly with founders and investors, and have a successful track record of bringing medical devices to market, this role offers the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the MedTech industry.
Key Responsibilities of the VP of Biomedical Engineering – Medical Device Startup
Product Development & Innovation:
Lead the design, development, and engineering of medical device products from concept through commercialization. The VP of Biomedical Engineering will oversee all R&D initiatives, ensuring innovation aligns with clinical needs, user requirements, and market demand.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance:
Ensure all medical device engineering activities follow FDA, ISO 13485, and regulatory standards. Collaborate with quality assurance teams to prepare documentation, support regulatory submissions, and maintain full compliance through the product lifecycle.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with product management, clinical, operations, and executive teams to translate clinical requirements into engineering solutions. The VP of Biomedical Engineering will drive alignment across departments to accelerate timelines and deliver products efficiently.
Team Leadership & Talent Development:
Build and lead a high-performing engineering organization. Recruit top biomedical talent, mentor engineers, establish performance objectives, and foster an innovative, collaborative, and accountable culture.
Project Management & Execution:
Oversee project timelines, budgets, and deliverables while ensuring engineering excellence. Implement best practices for design reviews, risk management, verification/validation testing, and project tracking.
Strategic Technical Vision:
Define and execute the long-term technical strategy for the engineering department. The VP of Biomedical Engineering will evaluate new technologies, materials, and methods to maintain competitive advantage and market differentiation.
Stakeholder Communication & Reporting:
Prepare and present engineering updates to executive leadership, investors, and the board. Provide clear, data-backed insights into progress, challenges, and technical decisions.
Vendor & Partner Management:
Manage relationships with external design firms, testing labs, and manufacturing partners. Negotiate contracts and ensure external collaborations support product development goals and quality standards.
Risk Management & Problem Solving:
Identify engineering challenges early and implement mitigation strategies. The VP of Biomedical Engineering ensures proactive risk assessment, root-cause analysis, and rapid resolution to support project success.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the VP of Biomedical Engineering, the client is seeking an innovative engineering leader with the ability to transform product concepts into commercially successful medical devices. You should be a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of biomedical engineering, medical device development, and regulatory pathways. The client values a results-driven executive who thrives in a startup environment, excels at team leadership, and can steer projects from early ideation through FDA approvals and commercialization.
Proven Expertise in Medical Device Engineering
The ideal candidate for the VP of Biomedical Engineering role will have extensive experience in medical device R&D, design controls, and engineering management. You should have a strong track record of leading cross-functional teams through feasibility studies, prototyping, testing, and regulatory submissions. Experience with FDA Class II/III devices, ISO 13485, and product lifecycle management is highly valued.
Strategic Vision and Technical Leadership
You are expected to define and execute the long-term engineering strategy that aligns with the company’s product roadmap and commercialization goals. The client seeks a visionary who can evaluate emerging technologies, reduce development risks, and accelerate time-to-market. You must be able to balance high-level strategic planning with detailed technical execution.
Strong Regulatory and Quality Mindset
Success in this role requires deep familiarity with biomedical compliance and documentation. The VP of Biomedical Engineering must excel in regulatory preparedness, including Design History Files (DHF), risk management, verification/validation testing, and clinical trial support. The ability to collaborate with regulatory and quality teams to ensure audit readiness is essential.
Ability to Build and Lead High-Performing Engineering Teams
The client is looking for a leader who can attract, hire, and mentor top engineering talent. You should foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Experience in managing cross-functional collaboration across R&D, product, manufacturing, and clinical operations is critical to this role.
Strong Communication and Stakeholder Management
As the VP of Biomedical Engineering, you will be responsible for communicating technical plans, progress, risks, and mitigation strategies to executives, investors, and board members. The ability to translate complex engineering decisions into clear, business-focused insights is highly important. Transparency, clarity, and data-driven decision-making are key.
Commitment to Operational Excellence and Efficiency
The client values a leader who can streamline engineering processes, manage development budgets, reduce technical risks, and ensure efficient execution. You should have a proven ability to balance speed with quality while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory standards. Your focus on process optimization will be critical in helping the startup scale.
FAQs About the Role – VP of Biomedical Engineering – Medical Device Startup
1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of Biomedical Engineering in this role?
As the VP of Biomedical Engineering, you will oversee the full product development lifecycle — from concept, design, prototyping, and clinical testing to regulatory submissions and commercialization. You’ll lead the engineering organization, ensure regulatory and quality compliance (FDA, ISO 13485), collaborate cross-functionally with clinical and operations teams, and present progress and risks to executives and investors. Your leadership will play a critical role in shaping the company’s technical roadmap and accelerating product launch timelines.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in medical device engineering, regulatory compliance, and product lifecycle management. You should have a proven track record of leading R&D teams, managing Class II/III medical devices, and supporting FDA submissions. A Master’s or Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering or a related field is preferred. Previous leadership in a startup environment or high-growth medical device company is highly valued.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for a successful VP of Biomedical Engineering?
The client seeks a strategic yet hands-on engineering leader who can motivate teams, drive technical excellence, and make data-driven decisions. Strong communication skills, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to manage internal and external stakeholders — including investors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies — are essential. A successful VP of Biomedical Engineering should excel at balancing innovation with compliance.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
As the VP of Biomedical Engineering, you may face challenges such as navigating regulatory requirements, working within tight development timelines, and scaling engineering processes to support rapid company growth. You will need to anticipate technical risks, lead troubleshooting, and manage priorities in a fast-paced startup environment. Adapting quickly and maintaining a culture of engineering rigor will be critical to success.
5. How will my work impact the company’s growth?
Your decisions will directly influence product quality, regulatory approvals, and time-to-market — making this role central to the company’s long-term success. By optimizing engineering processes and driving innovation, the VP of Biomedical Engineering will help accelerate commercialization, attract investor confidence, and position the company as a leader in MedTech innovation.
6. What is the company culture and work environment like?
You will join a collaborative, mission-driven, and innovation-focused startup where initiative and ownership are highly valued. The company encourages creative problem solving, transparent communication, and cross-team collaboration. As a core member of the executive team, the VP of Biomedical Engineering will help shape the company culture and influence future hiring decisions.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the VP of Biomedical Engineering for a high-growth medical device startup in San Diego, CA, you can expect a competitive and compelling compensation package designed to attract top engineering leadership talent in the MedTech sector. Because this is an executive-level position within a startup environment, the remuneration typically includes a combination of base salary, performance bonuses, and significant equity participation.
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a VP of Biomedical Engineering in the medical device and biotech startup space varies depending on funding stage, product pipeline, and company size. For well-funded early-stage and Series A–C startups, the annual base salary typically ranges from $200,000 to $300,000+. More advanced or revenue-generating companies may offer higher base ranges.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to the base salary, most compensation packages include annual performance bonuses tied to milestones such as engineering delivery timelines, regulatory progress (FDA submissions), and product commercialization success. Performance bonuses commonly range from 20% to 40% of the base salary, depending on the company’s structure and goals.
3. Equity & Stock Options
This role typically includes equity or stock options, which can be a significant part of total compensation. As the VP of Biomedical Engineering, you will directly influence technology roadmap and product outcomes, so equity grants often range from 0.5% to 2% ownership, depending on funding stage and negotiation. These equity incentives are structured to reward long-term value creation tied to the startup’s growth and future exit.
4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some companies also offer long-term incentive plans that reward engineering leadership for achieving multi-year milestones such as FDA approvals, key partnerships, or go-to-market success. LTIPs help align the executive team with investor expectations and long-term strategic growth.
5. Executive Benefits & Perks
As part of the executive team, the VP of Biomedical Engineering may receive enhanced benefit programs such as:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with employer contributions
Paid time off and flexible working options
Executive professional development and conference allowances
Travel reimbursement or executive travel perks

Some startups also offer wellness stipends, annual offsite leadership retreats, and continuing education reimbursement.
6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For the right candidate, companies may provide signing bonuses or relocation assistance to San Diego, CA, especially if they are relocating from another state. Signing incentives may range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on the company’s funding stage and urgency to fill the position.
Total Compensation Potential
When factoring in base salary, bonuses, equity, and performance incentives, a VP of Biomedical Engineering can expect a total compensation range of $300,000 to $700,000+ annually, with substantial upside potential as equity vests and the company scales.
How to Apply
If you are an innovative and strategic engineering leader with a proven track record in medical device development, we encourage you to apply for the VP of Biomedical Engineering role at this rapidly growing medical device startup in San Diego, CA. This is a rare opportunity to lead engineering innovation, drive product development from concept to commercialization, and play a pivotal role in bringing breakthrough medical technologies to market.
To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter that highlights:

Your experience in biomedical engineering leadership
Your involvement in taking medical devices from prototype to FDA approval
Examples of cross-functional team collaboration and engineering excellence
Your ability to build and mentor high-performing engineering teams

Be sure to emphasize your success in navigating regulatory pathways (FDA, ISO 13485), managing product lifecycle development, and leading engineering execution under ambitious timelines.
This role offers a high-impact, career-defining opportunity to shape the future of MedTech innovation. Apply today to take the next step in your executive career as the VP of Biomedical Engineering in San Diego, CA!
For more information or to explore similar executive opportunities in MedTech and biomedical engineering leadership roles, visit our Biomedical Executive Search Firm Page.
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VP of Biomedical Engineering | Medical Device Jobs | Biomedical Engineering Leadership | FDA Regulatory Compliance | MedTech Innovation | R&D Engineering Leadership | Product Development & Commercialization | San Diego Biotechnology Jobs