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# VP of R&D, Interventional Cardiology – Medical Device Company – Santa Clara, CA


 
VP of R&D, Interventional Cardiology – Medical Device Company
Are you a proven R&D leader with deep expertise in Interventional Cardiology and a passion for advancing breakthrough medical technologies? A leading medical device company in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Vice President of Research & Development to drive innovation, guide product strategy, and lead cross-functional teams focused on developing life-changing cardiovascular solutions. In this highly visible role, you will shape the future of next-generation interventional products that directly impact patient outcomes and transform clinical practice.
Lead Innovation in Interventional Cardiology – Santa Clara, CA
A fast-growing medical device company in Santa Clara, CA is searching for a VP of R&D to oversee end-to-end product development, from concept to commercialization. The ideal candidate brings significant experience in interventional cardiology product development, strong technical leadership, and a successful track record of bringing regulated Class II/III medical devices to market. If you excel at building high-performing engineering teams, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are motivated by the opportunity to improve lives through cutting-edge medical technology, this role offers the platform to make a true industry impact.
Key Responsibilities of the VP of R&D – Interventional Cardiology
R&D Strategy & Innovation Leadership:
Define and execute the research and product development roadmap for next-generation interventional cardiology devices. The VP of R&D will analyze market needs, emerging technologies, and clinical trends to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the medical device space.
Product Development & Lifecycle Management:
Lead the full lifecycle of product development—from concept feasibility, engineering design, prototyping, and preclinical testing to commercialization. Ensure all projects align with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and clinical expectations.
Regulatory & Compliance Excellence:
Work closely with Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Clinical Affairs to ensure compliance with FDA, ISO, and international medical device regulations. Oversee documentation, risk management activities, and support submissions for Class II/III cardiovascular devices.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with executive leadership, clinical experts, marketing, and manufacturing to align R&D programs with business objectives. The VP of R&D will foster collaboration to ensure seamless transitions from development to validation, scale-up, and product launch.
Team Building & Talent Development:
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing R&D and engineering team. Create an environment that encourages innovative thinking, technical excellence, and accountability, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
Clinical & Market Insights Integration:
Collaborate with interventional cardiologists, healthcare providers, and KOLs to gather clinical feedback and translate insights into product enhancements and new product opportunities.
Operational Efficiency & Resource Management:
Manage R&D budgets, timelines, and resource planning to ensure efficient execution of development programs. Prioritize projects based on business impact, technical feasibility, and strategic importance.
Risk Management & Quality Assurance:
Identify technical risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout the development process. Ensure product safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance through robust design control and validation practices.
Technology & Vendor Partnerships:
Evaluate and manage external partnerships—including contract manufacturers, research institutions, and technology vendors—to support rapid development and commercialization efforts.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the VP of R&D – Interventional Cardiology, the client seeks an innovative leader who combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision. You should be a results-driven executive who thrives in a fast-paced, highly regulated medical device environment and can lead breakthrough product development that improves patient outcomes.
Proven Leadership in Medical Device R&D
The client is looking for a seasoned VP of R&D with extensive experience in medical device development—preferably within interventional cardiology, cardiovascular implants, or catheter-based technologies. You should have a strong track record of leading R&D teams to successful commercialization of regulated Class II/III devices and navigating the complexities of clinical and regulatory pathways.
Strategic Thinker with a Vision for Innovation and Growth
The ideal candidate can build and execute a long-term R&D strategy that aligns with business objectives and emerging market needs. You must demonstrate the ability to transform clinical insights into viable product concepts and advance projects from feasibility to commercialization. The client values leaders who anticipate industry and clinical trends and drive continuous innovation.
Strong Technical and Scientific Expertise
You should possess deep knowledge of engineering principles, biomaterials, device design, and clinical applications in interventional cardiology. Experience collaborating with physicians, hospitals, and clinical partners to gather real-world feedback is highly valued. A strong grasp of regulatory standards (FDA, ISO, CE) and design control processes is essential.
Ability to Build and Lead High-Performing Teams
Leadership is at the core of this role. As the VP of R&D, you should excel in building, mentoring, and motivating cross-functional R&D and engineering teams. The client values leaders who create a culture of innovation, technical rigor, accountability, and collaboration—while ensuring seamless execution under tight timelines.
Operational Excellence and Project Prioritization
You must be skilled in managing multiple development programs simultaneously while maintaining timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. The client is looking for someone who optimizes processes, mitigates risk proactively, and ensures operational excellence from concept to commercialization.
Exceptional Communication and Stakeholder Management
The role requires strong communication skills to influence executive leadership, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and engage Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). You should be confident presenting data-driven insights to the board, partners, and potential investors.
Commitment to Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance
The client seeks a VP of R&D who prioritizes product safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance at every stage of development. You should be highly disciplined in applying design controls, risk management, and verification/validation processes to ensure successful approvals and market readiness.
FAQs About the Role – VP of R&D – Interventional Cardiology, Medical Device
1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of R&D in this role?
As the VP of R&D, you will lead the full research and product development strategy for interventional cardiology devices. This includes overseeing concept development, feasibility testing, engineering, prototype creation, verification/validation, and commercialization. You will ensure regulatory compliance, drive innovation, collaborate with clinical experts, and lead cross-functional teams to bring cutting-edge medical devices to market.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in medical device R&D leadership, preferably in interventional cardiology or catheter-based cardiovascular technologies. A strong background in product development lifecycle, regulatory submissions (FDA, ISO, CE), and design control is essential. A degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field is required; an advanced degree (MS/PhD) is highly preferred.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for the VP of R&D?
The client seeks a visionary leader who can inspire and mentor high-performing engineering and R&D teams. Strong decision-making skills, the ability to navigate complex clinical and regulatory environments, collaboration across departments, and excellent communication are critical. As the VP of R&D, you must be able to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution and risk management.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You can expect challenges such as navigating rigorous regulatory requirements, managing competing project timelines, and integrating clinical insights into design decisions. The interventional cardiology space is highly competitive and rapidly evolving, so the VP of R&D must be resourceful, adaptive, and driven to deliver innovation while maintaining product safety, quality, and compliance.
5. What impact will the VP of R&D have on the company’s growth?
This role is critical to the company’s success. Your leadership will directly influence product innovation, time-to-market, and competitive advantage. The VP of R&D will play a central role in shaping the product pipeline, expanding market presence, and ensuring the company delivers life-changing cardiovascular solutions that improve patient outcomes.
6. What is the work environment and culture like?
The company fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on innovation, efficiency, and excellence. Teams are encouraged to challenge the status quo, experiment with new technologies, and prioritize patient impact. As the VP of R&D, you will help shape this culture by promoting teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the VP of R&D – Interventional Cardiology at a leading medical device company in Santa Clara, CA, you can expect a highly competitive executive compensation package that reflects the strategic importance of this role. Compensation is structured to attract top-tier R&D leadership with expertise in medical device innovation, regulatory pathways, and commercialization.
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a VP of R&D in the medical device and interventional cardiology sector is highly competitive and typically depends on company size, stage (startup, growth, or established), and product pipeline. In the Santa Clara / Silicon Valley region, the annual base salary often ranges from:
$250,000 to $400,000+ per year
Established companies or those with venture funding may offer even higher ranges.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to base compensation, most organizations provide annual bonuses linked to key milestones such as product development progress, clinical outcomes, regulatory approvals (FDA, CE), and commercialization success.
Bonuses generally range from:
20% to 60% of base salary,
with high-performing executives eligible for higher payouts based on overall company performance.
3. Equity & Stock Options
Equity compensation is a major component of remuneration for a VP of R&D, especially in rapidly growing medical device companies. Stock options, RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), or performance shares are commonly awarded to align leadership incentives with company growth and long-term value creation.
Depending on company valuation and growth trajectory, equity can represent a substantial portion of total compensation.
4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some companies offer LTIPs tied to multi-year performance milestones such as clinical trial success, FDA approval, or revenue goals from new product launches. These incentives ensure that the VP of R&D remains strategically invested in the long-term success of the product portfolio.
5. Executive Benefits & Perks
Executives in this role may receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or retirement plans with company contributions
Executive wellness programs
Paid conference and professional development allowances
Business travel benefits and technology stipends

Some companies also offer supplementary perks like executive coaching, flexible working arrangements, or access to cutting-edge R&D facilities.
6. Signing Bonus & Relocation Assistance
For high-caliber candidates or those relocating to Santa Clara, CA, organizations may offer:

Signing bonuses
Relocation support packages (housing allowance, travel reimbursement, temporary accommodations)

These incentives help accelerate onboarding and transition into the role.
Total Compensation Potential
When combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and long-term incentives, total annual compensation for a VP of R&D in the medical device sector may range from:
$400,000 to $1M+ annually,
with potential for higher earnings in rapidly scaling or venture-backed companies.
How to Apply
If you are an innovative, strategic, and results-driven leader with a proven background in medical device R&D—particularly within interventional cardiology—we invite you to apply for the VP of R&D position based in Santa Clara, CA. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of life-saving cardiovascular technologies and lead the development of breakthrough solutions that make a global clinical impact.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting:

Your leadership experience in medical device R&D, specifically within cardiovascular or catheter-based technologies
Your track record in taking Class II/III devices from concept to commercialization
Your experience with regulatory pathways (FDA, ISO, CE), design controls, and cross-functional team leadership
Examples of how you have driven innovation, accelerated project timelines, and successfully led complex product development programs

Demonstrate how your technical expertise, strategic mindset, and leadership capabilities make you the ideal fit for this high-visibility VP of R&D role.
This position represents a high-impact executive opportunity to lead major innovation initiatives, influence company growth, and directly contribute to improving patient outcomes through advanced medical technology. Apply today and take the next step in your executive career as VP of R&D – Interventional Cardiology in Santa Clara, CA.
For more information or to explore similar executive-level opportunities in the medical device industry, visit our Drug-Eluting Stent Executive Search Firm page.
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VP of R&D | Interventional Cardiology Jobs | Medical Device Leadership | R&D Executive Roles | Product Development | FDA Regulatory | Biomedical Engineering Leadership | Silicon Valley Medical Device Jobs