VP of Device Engineering – Pre-Filled Syringe Platforms | San Diego, CA

Are you an innovative engineering leader passionate about advancing drug delivery technologies? We are seeking a Vice President of Device Engineering to lead the development and execution of cutting-edge pre-filled syringe platforms in San Diego, CA. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive technical innovation, oversee cross-functional teams, and influence the future of injectable drug delivery solutions in a fast-evolving market.

Lead Innovation in Pre-Filled Syringe Device Engineering

Join a pioneering company focused on revolutionizing pre-filled syringe platforms with advanced device engineering solutions. As VP of Device Engineering, you will spearhead design, development, and manufacturing processes to deliver high-quality, compliant devices that meet global regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in medical device development, strong leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to accelerate product innovation and market adoption.

Key Responsibilities of the Vice President of Device Engineering – Pre-Filled Syringe Platforms

Strategic Engineering Leadership:
Define and execute a visionary technology roadmap for pre-filled syringe platform development. Align engineering strategies with business goals, regulatory requirements, and emerging industry trends to drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage.

Product Development & Innovation:
Lead the design, development, and validation of advanced pre-filled syringe devices. Oversee cross-functional collaboration between R&D, quality assurance, and manufacturing to deliver safe, effective, and user-friendly drug delivery solutions.

Operational Management:
Manage device engineering teams and resources to ensure timely delivery of projects, adherence to budgets, and achievement of performance milestones. Implement best practices in project management, design control, and continuous improvement.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance:
Ensure device development complies with global regulatory standards (FDA, EMA, ISO) and internal quality systems. Collaborate closely with regulatory affairs and quality teams to support submissions, audits, and post-market surveillance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with Product Management, Clinical, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain functions to align engineering outputs with market needs, production scalability, and supply reliability.

Talent Development & Team Building:
Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing engineering team. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence to drive long-term organizational success.

Technology & Risk Management:
Identify technology risks and mitigation strategies throughout the product lifecycle. Stay abreast of new materials, processes, and technologies to continuously improve device performance and reliability.

Budgeting & Resource Allocation:
Develop and manage engineering budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to support multiple concurrent projects without compromising quality or timelines.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Vice President of Device Engineering for Pre-Filled Syringe Platforms, the client is seeking a visionary and technically proficient leader with a strong track record of driving innovation in medical device development. You should be a strategic thinker who excels in managing complex engineering projects while fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

Proven Leadership in Medical Device Engineering

The ideal candidate has extensive experience leading device engineering teams, particularly in the development of pre-filled syringe or injectable drug delivery platforms. You should demonstrate success in delivering innovative, compliant, and scalable medical devices, with a deep understanding of design controls, risk management, and regulatory environments.

Strategic Innovator with a Growth Mindset

You must be adept at developing and executing strategic engineering plans that align with business objectives and market demands. The client values a leader who anticipates technological trends, embraces emerging materials and processes, and drives continuous improvement to maintain a competitive edge.

Strong Regulatory and Quality Focus

A comprehensive knowledge of global regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA, ISO) and quality management systems is essential. You should be experienced in guiding device development through rigorous compliance and validation processes, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Expert in Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role demands an ability to work seamlessly across R&D, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams to translate technical innovation into market-ready products. Effective communication and stakeholder management skills are crucial for aligning diverse teams and accelerating time-to-market.

Talent Builder and Team Leader

The client seeks a leader who can inspire, mentor, and retain top engineering talent. You should foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence that drives both individual and organizational success.

Operational Excellence and Resource Management

Strong capabilities in managing budgets, timelines, and resources are key. You should have a track record of delivering projects on schedule and within budget, optimizing workflows, and scaling engineering operations to meet growing business demands.

Customer-Centric Engineering Mindset

A user-focused approach to device design is highly valued. You should understand end-user needs and integrate usability, safety, and patient experience considerations into product development to ensure market acceptance and success.

FAQs About the Role – Vice President of Device Engineering – Pre-Filled Syringe Platforms

1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of Device Engineering in this role?
You will lead the design, development, and execution of innovative pre-filled syringe platforms, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and alignment with business objectives. The role involves managing engineering teams, collaborating cross-functionally, driving operational excellence, and overseeing product lifecycle from concept through manufacturing.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in medical device engineering, specifically with pre-filled syringes or injectable drug delivery devices. Proven leadership in managing device development teams, a strong background in regulatory compliance (FDA, EMA, ISO), and a track record of delivering high-quality, market-ready products are essential. An advanced degree in engineering or related fields is preferred.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client seeks a strategic, results-driven leader who can inspire innovation and foster a culture of accountability and technical excellence. Strong communication skills, cross-functional collaboration abilities, and a talent for mentoring and growing engineering teams are highly valued.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
Challenges include navigating complex regulatory environments, managing multidisciplinary teams, balancing innovation with compliance, and ensuring scalable, cost-effective manufacturing. Keeping pace with technological advances while meeting market and user demands is critical.

5. How will this role impact the company’s growth?
The VP of Device Engineering will directly influence the company’s competitive positioning by delivering innovative, reliable pre-filled syringe platforms that meet global standards. Your leadership will enable faster product development cycles, enhance market adoption, and support sustainable growth.

6. What is the company culture and work environment like?
The company fosters a collaborative, innovation-driven culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence. You will join a dynamic team that values technical expertise, teamwork, and a user-centric approach to medical device development.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Vice President of Device Engineering for Pre-Filled Syringe Platforms based in San Diego, CA, you can anticipate a competitive and comprehensive compensation package tailored to attract top engineering leadership talent in the medical device industry. The remuneration typically includes:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a VP of Device Engineering varies depending on company size, product portfolio, and industry standing. For a mid-to-large medical device company, annual base salaries typically range from $180,000 to $300,000, with higher figures possible in leading firms or with exceptional experience.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Most compensation packages include annual bonuses tied to key performance indicators such as product development milestones, regulatory approvals, cost targets, and team performance. These bonuses usually range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, rewarding the successful delivery of strategic objectives.

3. Equity & Stock Options
Equity incentives like stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares are commonly offered to align your interests with company growth and shareholder value. Depending on company valuation and stage, equity can form a substantial part of your total rewards package, providing long-term financial upside.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Many companies offer LTIPs that reward sustained contributions to product innovation, regulatory compliance, and market success over multiple years. These plans encourage a focus on long-term value creation beyond annual targets.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks
VPs typically receive a robust benefits package including:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement savings plans with employer matching
Executive wellness programs
Professional development allowances
Travel and expense reimbursements relevant to the role

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For highly qualified candidates, signing bonuses and relocation packages are often available to facilitate a smooth transition to the role, ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 or more depending on the company and candidate circumstances.

Total Compensation Potential

When combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and benefits, the total compensation for this VP role can range from $250,000 to $500,000+ annually, with opportunities for further upside tied to company and personal performance.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary and accomplished engineering leader with deep expertise in medical device development, particularly in pre-filled syringe platforms, we invite you to apply for the Vice President of Device Engineering position based in San Diego, CA. This is a rare opportunity to lead cutting-edge innovation, drive technical excellence, and shape the future of advanced drug delivery devices.

To apply, please submit your updated resume along with a cover letter outlining your experience in device engineering leadership, product development lifecycle management, regulatory compliance, team building, and innovation in medical devices. Highlight your success in leading cross-functional engineering teams, managing complex projects, and delivering high-quality, compliant medical device platforms to market.

This role offers a high-impact leadership opportunity where you will be instrumental in advancing technology, fostering a culture of engineering excellence, and contributing to the company’s strategic growth. Apply today to take the next step in your career as Vice President of Device Engineering for Pre-Filled Syringe Platforms in San Diego, CA!

For more information or to explore similar executive engineering opportunities, please visit our Pre-Filled Syringe Executive Recruiters for Medical Device Firms page.

Job Category: Pre-Filled Syringe Platforms

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: San Diego

VP of Device Engineering – Pre-Filled Syringe Platforms | San Diego, CA