Director, Research & Development
Boston Scientific, California, MO, United States
About the role
Boston Scientific ranked #2 among medical device companies on Forbes America’s Best Places to Work for Engineers 2026. Whether your passion lies in systems, software, human factors, or beyond, this is a place where you can grow your career and be part of something bigger—advancing science for life.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Boston Scientific as
Director of Research and Development, Mechanical Engineering and Surgical Access
for the Neuromodulation business unit. In our Neuromodulation division, we give life back to every patient and their family by providing leading solutions that silence pain, ease movement disorders, and transform care of neurological conditions. We do this through innovative implantable therapies that modulate the activity of neural structures, including the brain and spinal cord.
Work model, sponsorship, relocation At Boston Scientific, we value collaboration and synergy. This role follows a hybrid work model requiring employees to be in our local office at least three days per week. Relocation assistance will be offered for this position. Boston Scientific will not offer sponsorship or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position at this time.
Your responsibilities
Own the R&D strategy for Mechanical and Surgical Access, defining a strategic vision for next-generation systems based on patient and clinician needs, technology advancements, and business opportunities.
Drive global functional excellence in R&D, including sustaining and new product development, while establishing technical best practices.
Oversee the design, development, and integration of complex Class III implantable and non-implantable medical devices. Leverage post-market insights to improve future product designs.
Partner with Marketing to identify and assess new product opportunities and markets aligned to divisional strategy. Develop deep understanding of user expectations and critical product features.
Plan, budget, and execute product development programs in accordance with SOPs, international standards, and regulatory requirements.
Identify and secure intellectual property that is critical to the long-term success of the business.
Lead R&D contributions in the due diligence process for potential acquisitions.
Inspire and develop a high-performing global team (15+ employees), fostering engagement, accountability, and talent retention.
Champion organizational change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Communicate effectively across all organizational levels, delivering clear updates on scientific progress, development status, and strategic messaging.
Build strong cross-functional relationships across BSC and with external partners, including physicians, KOLs, and industry experts.
Stay ahead of industry trends to anticipate market shifts and inform business strategy.
Collaboratively shape short- and long-term strategy for the Neuromodulation division.
Required qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Minimum of 10 years' experience in medical device research and development
Minimum of 10 years' experience leading cross-functional teams and complex project portfolios within matrixed organizations
Proven success managing and developing teams of 15 or more professionals across technical functions
Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end medical device product development, from concept through manufacturing transfer and market launch
Strong strategic mindset and business acumen, with a track record of commercializing products in regulated industries
Deep understanding of surgical access and mechanical design for implantable devices
Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
Preferred qualifications
Experience working with Class III implantable devices
Background in spine, pain management, robotic surgery, or neurosurgery
Demonstrated success leading global R&D teams and cross-functional collaboration
Skilled communicator comfortable engaging senior leadership and external stakeholders
Self-starter with the ability to think strategically and drive organizational impact
Requisition ID: 623341
Minimum Salary: $162,400
Maximum Salary: $308,600
The anticipated compensation listed above and the value of core and optional employee benefits offered by Boston Scientific (BSC) will vary based on actual location of the position and other pertinent factors considered in determining actual compensation for the role. Compensation will be commensurate with demonstrable level of experience and training, pertinent education including licensure and certifications. At BSC, it is not typical for an individual to be hired near the bottom or top of the anticipated salary range listed above.
Compensation for non-exempt (hourly), non-sales roles may also include variable compensation from time to time (e.g., overtime and shift differential) and annual bonus target (subject to plan eligibility and other requirements).
Compensation for exempt, non-sales roles may also include variable compensation, i.e., annual bonus target and long-term incentives (subject to plan eligibility and other requirements).
For MA positions: It is unlawful to require or administer a lie detector test for employment. Violators are subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
As a leader in medical science for more than 40 years, we are committed to solving the challenges that matter most—united by a deep caring for human life. Our mission to advance science for life is about transforming lives through innovative medical solutions that improve patient lives, create value for our customers, and support our employees and the communities in which we operate.
Boston Scientific is an equal opportunity employer. To ensure full implementation of its equal employment policy, the Company will continue to take steps to assure that recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion, compensation, and all other personnel decisions are made and administered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information or any other protected class. Boston Scientific complies with applicable state and federal laws regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements as applicable to specific roles.
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This is an exciting opportunity to join Boston Scientific as
Director of Research and Development, Mechanical Engineering and Surgical Access
for the Neuromodulation business unit. In our Neuromodulation division, we give life back to every patient and their family by providing leading solutions that silence pain, ease movement disorders, and transform care of neurological conditions. We do this through innovative implantable therapies that modulate the activity of neural structures, including the brain and spinal cord.
Work model, sponsorship, relocation At Boston Scientific, we value collaboration and synergy. This role follows a hybrid work model requiring employees to be in our local office at least three days per week. Relocation assistance will be offered for this position. Boston Scientific will not offer sponsorship or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position at this time.
Your responsibilities
Own the R&D strategy for Mechanical and Surgical Access, defining a strategic vision for next-generation systems based on patient and clinician needs, technology advancements, and business opportunities.
Drive global functional excellence in R&D, including sustaining and new product development, while establishing technical best practices.
Oversee the design, development, and integration of complex Class III implantable and non-implantable medical devices. Leverage post-market insights to improve future product designs.
Partner with Marketing to identify and assess new product opportunities and markets aligned to divisional strategy. Develop deep understanding of user expectations and critical product features.
Plan, budget, and execute product development programs in accordance with SOPs, international standards, and regulatory requirements.
Identify and secure intellectual property that is critical to the long-term success of the business.
Lead R&D contributions in the due diligence process for potential acquisitions.
Inspire and develop a high-performing global team (15+ employees), fostering engagement, accountability, and talent retention.
Champion organizational change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Communicate effectively across all organizational levels, delivering clear updates on scientific progress, development status, and strategic messaging.
Build strong cross-functional relationships across BSC and with external partners, including physicians, KOLs, and industry experts.
Stay ahead of industry trends to anticipate market shifts and inform business strategy.
Collaboratively shape short- and long-term strategy for the Neuromodulation division.
Required qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Minimum of 10 years' experience in medical device research and development
Minimum of 10 years' experience leading cross-functional teams and complex project portfolios within matrixed organizations
Proven success managing and developing teams of 15 or more professionals across technical functions
Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end medical device product development, from concept through manufacturing transfer and market launch
Strong strategic mindset and business acumen, with a track record of commercializing products in regulated industries
Deep understanding of surgical access and mechanical design for implantable devices
Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
Preferred qualifications
Experience working with Class III implantable devices
Background in spine, pain management, robotic surgery, or neurosurgery
Demonstrated success leading global R&D teams and cross-functional collaboration
Skilled communicator comfortable engaging senior leadership and external stakeholders
Self-starter with the ability to think strategically and drive organizational impact
Requisition ID: 623341
Minimum Salary: $162,400
Maximum Salary: $308,600
The anticipated compensation listed above and the value of core and optional employee benefits offered by Boston Scientific (BSC) will vary based on actual location of the position and other pertinent factors considered in determining actual compensation for the role. Compensation will be commensurate with demonstrable level of experience and training, pertinent education including licensure and certifications. At BSC, it is not typical for an individual to be hired near the bottom or top of the anticipated salary range listed above.
Compensation for non-exempt (hourly), non-sales roles may also include variable compensation from time to time (e.g., overtime and shift differential) and annual bonus target (subject to plan eligibility and other requirements).
Compensation for exempt, non-sales roles may also include variable compensation, i.e., annual bonus target and long-term incentives (subject to plan eligibility and other requirements).
For MA positions: It is unlawful to require or administer a lie detector test for employment. Violators are subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
As a leader in medical science for more than 40 years, we are committed to solving the challenges that matter most—united by a deep caring for human life. Our mission to advance science for life is about transforming lives through innovative medical solutions that improve patient lives, create value for our customers, and support our employees and the communities in which we operate.
Boston Scientific is an equal opportunity employer. To ensure full implementation of its equal employment policy, the Company will continue to take steps to assure that recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion, compensation, and all other personnel decisions are made and administered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information or any other protected class. Boston Scientific complies with applicable state and federal laws regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements as applicable to specific roles.
#J-18808-Ljbffr