Vice President, Research & Development

Reports to Chief Executive Officer, David Kolstad

Role Summary

This role has overall responsibility for Spryte Medical’s Research & Development function and will be responsible for shaping and executing Spryte Medical’s research and development strategy to achieve key performance goals. This individual will provide scientific expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to oversee the development and continued leadership with Spryte’s new products, technologies, and solutions.  This individual will inherit the leading neuro intravascular imaging IP portfolio and be responsible for building further from this foundation. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished research & development leader to translate their experience into launching truly breakthrough products that will transform neurovascular care for patients worldwide.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of deep technical and scientific innovation in the medical device industry with complex electro-optical medical devices.  They will own the vision, intellectual property and define the roadmaps with our commercial team, hire the teams, and lead them through multi-disciplinary research problems and development challenges.  They will work closely with engineering, software development, program, process development and manufacturing teams to create first-in-class solutions by setting objectives, coordinating activities, and ensuring that new products and product upgrades are in line with Company strategies and developed, tested, and launched on time and within budget.

This leader will be responsible not only for establishing the R&D strategy, building and ensuring the performance of individuals on the team but also for the cross-functional partnership between research and development and other departments at the company.  The work will be fast paced with evolving needs, requiring flexibility, emotional intelligence, curiosity, and grace under pressure.

Essential Responsibilities

• Establish and implement the strategic direction of the company’s engineering and development initiative
• Collaborate with the executive leadership to develop and meet organizational goals while supplying expertise and guidance on projects, operations, and systems
• Identify, recommend, and implement new technologies and systems to improve organizational processes and decision-making
• Ensure that departmental decisions such as staffing, development, organization, hardware acquisitions, and facilities are in line with the organization’s business plan and vision
• Establish, communicate, and implement engineering and development policies, practices, standards, and security measures to ensure effective and consistent operations
• Establish and administer the department’s budget
• Maintain knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in engineering and development related to the organizations industry
• Manage and build Spryte’s IP portfolio
• Effectively communicate the business product strategy to investors and business partners
• With responsibility for Program Management, provide cross functional program management for Spryte projects
• Manage daily activities of product development team(s) and ensure our on-time execution of the Product Development Process
• Conduct or acquire cost analysis for development projects; prepare or delegate preparation of schedule of project completion dates
• Ensure that projects are completed within budget and in an economical manner
• Ensure adequate materials and equipment (including approved suppliers) are acquired to satisfy quality, budget and timeline objectives
• Satisfy quality and regulatory requirements related to product development design controls
• Coordinate the transition of new products from R&D through pilot production to transfer to manufacturing
• Support clinical investigation of the products
• Manage (or provide oversight of) software R&D and testing functions
• Strategically develop and implement staffing, training, and talent management initiatives to build a high-performing team
• Drive a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within the team
• Manage the search, selection, recruitment, retention, and training processes for the R&D staff
• Work cross-functionally inside and outside the company and with key stakeholders as needed.
• In cooperation with other cross-functional leaders, prepare key performance indicators, corporate objectives, annual budgets, and forecasts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience & Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of 15 years of experience in Medical Device Research & Development including at least five years in design and five years in management. A working knowledge in the following areas:

• Software Design & Development; AI Machine Learning, Cloud Computing experience a plus
• Electronics Design & Development
• Optics Design & Development
• Mechanical Design & Development
• Sterile Packaged Medical Device Disposables Design & Development
• Cross Functional Program Management
• Functional Research & Development Management
• FDA and ISO 13485 Quality Management System Requirements
• Developing and executing patent strategy & portfolio development
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience managing R&D teams with demonstrated effectiveness recruiting, hiring, and training a team as well as providing continued guidance, mentoring and support to staff.
• Track record as an agent of change, who has established customer-centric and growth-minded teams that lead through collaborative partnerships.
• A hands-on leader who leads by example and inspires others, at all levels, to strive for success and excellence. Rolls up your sleeves to immerse yourself in the day-to-day work of the team.
• Detail oriented – Data driven – Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to drive data-driven decision-making and operational improvements. an analytical approach to problem solving and decision making.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong technical writing experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to perform long-term project planning, team building, budgeting and operational excellence.
• Be an agent and influencer for positive change across all areas of the business as the company continues its growth and transition to a commercially-focused enterprise.

Educational Requirements

• Minimum B.A/B.S. degree, preferably in an engineering or life sciences discipline. Master of Science in Engineering degree preferred or equivalent job experience.

Does this look like a good fit?

We’re actively growing our team in Bedford, MA, and would love to hear from you.