Director, Research & Development
Boston Scientific, Santa Clarita, CA, United States
Overview
At Boston Scientific, we’ll give you the opportunity to harness all that’s within you by working in teams of diverse and high-performing employees, tackling some of the most important health industry challenges. With access to the latest tools, information and training, we’ll help you in advancing your skills and career. Here, you’ll be supported in progressing – whatever your ambitions. 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. This leadership role is integral to building a differentiated portfolio that expands patient access to these life-transforming therapies. You will lead a global high-performing team of technical experts—engineers, scientists, and technicians—focused on exploratory, sustaining, and new product development. Success in this role requires strategic thinking, technical expertise, talent development, and collaborative influence across senior leadership and cross-functional peers. Work model, sponsorship, relocation:
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 Will Include
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 Additional Details
Requisition ID: 623341 Minimum Salary: 162400 Maximum Salary: 308600 The anticipated compensation listed above and the value of core and optional employee benefits offered by Boston Scientific 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, among other relevant business or organizational needs. At Boston Scientific, 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 include variable compensation from time to time and annual bonus target. Compensation for exempt, non-sales roles may include variable compensation, i.e., annual bonus target and long-term incentives. 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. Boston Scientific is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusion, equality and opportunity for all, and we recruit, hire, promote and compensate 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. Please be advised that certain US-based positions may require acceptable proof of COVID-19 vaccination status. Candidates will be notified during the interview process if the role requires proof of vaccination as a condition of employment. Boston Scientific will comply with all applicable state and federal law and healthcare credentialing requirements. Employees may be required to meet ongoing requirements, including any new requirements if policies change.
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At Boston Scientific, we’ll give you the opportunity to harness all that’s within you by working in teams of diverse and high-performing employees, tackling some of the most important health industry challenges. With access to the latest tools, information and training, we’ll help you in advancing your skills and career. Here, you’ll be supported in progressing – whatever your ambitions. 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. This leadership role is integral to building a differentiated portfolio that expands patient access to these life-transforming therapies. You will lead a global high-performing team of technical experts—engineers, scientists, and technicians—focused on exploratory, sustaining, and new product development. Success in this role requires strategic thinking, technical expertise, talent development, and collaborative influence across senior leadership and cross-functional peers. Work model, sponsorship, relocation:
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 Will Include
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 Additional Details
Requisition ID: 623341 Minimum Salary: 162400 Maximum Salary: 308600 The anticipated compensation listed above and the value of core and optional employee benefits offered by Boston Scientific 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, among other relevant business or organizational needs. At Boston Scientific, 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 include variable compensation from time to time and annual bonus target. Compensation for exempt, non-sales roles may include variable compensation, i.e., annual bonus target and long-term incentives. 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. Boston Scientific is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusion, equality and opportunity for all, and we recruit, hire, promote and compensate 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. Please be advised that certain US-based positions may require acceptable proof of COVID-19 vaccination status. Candidates will be notified during the interview process if the role requires proof of vaccination as a condition of employment. Boston Scientific will comply with all applicable state and federal law and healthcare credentialing requirements. Employees may be required to meet ongoing requirements, including any new requirements if policies change.
#J-18808-Ljbffr