Director of R & D

Additional Location(s):  N/A

Diversity - Innovation - Caring - Global Collaboration - Winning Spirit - High Performance

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.       

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.

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:

At Boston Scientific, we value collaboration and synergy. This role follows an in-office work model requiring employees to be in our local office in Valencia, CA at least four 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

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 (BSC) – see www.bscbenefitsconnect.com—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 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., any 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. Now more than ever, we have a responsibility to apply those values to everything we do – as a global business and as a global corporate citizen.

So, choosing a career with Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) isn’t just business, it’s personal. And if you’re a natural problem-solver with the imagination, determination, and spirit to make a meaningful difference to people worldwide, we encourage you to apply and look forward to connecting with you!

At Boston Scientific, we recognize that nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace helps us be more innovative and it is important in our work of advancing science for life and improving patient health. That is why we stand for inclusion, equality, and opportunity for all. By embracing the richness of our unique backgrounds and perspectives, we create a better, more rewarding place for our employees to work and reflect the patients, customers, and communities we serve. 

Boston Scientific Corporation has been and will continue to be 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.

Please be advised that certain US based positions, including without limitation field sales and service positions that call on hospitals and/or health care centers, require acceptable proof of COVID-19 vaccination status.  Candidates will be notified during the interview and selection process if the role(s) for which they have applied require proof of vaccination as a condition of employment.  Boston Scientific continues to evaluate its policies and protocols regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and will comply with all applicable state and federal law and healthcare credentialing requirements.   As employees of the Company, you will be expected to meet the ongoing requirements for your roles, including any new requirements, should the Company’s policies or protocols change with regard to COVID-19 vaccination.