R&D Program Director

Abbott Laboratories•St. Paul, MN

2d•$149,300 - $298,700•Onsite

About The Position

As an R&D Program Director, you will oversee the product development and execution of a portfolio of projects, ensuring alignment with business goals, development timelines, and budgets. You will act as the bridge between engineering teams, stakeholders, and leadership, optimizing workflows and enhancing productivity. We are looking for an experienced R&D Program Director to lead critical projects, drive strategic initiatives, and ensure seamless execution across teams. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a passion for system products comprised of multiple integrated components that work together to achieve a therapeutic outcome. This position works out of our New Brighton, Minnesota location in the Abbott Vascular division.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (preferably in Engineering, science or a closely related discipline is desired) or equivalent technical experience and demonstrated competence; additional post-graduate education may contribute toward the desired years of experience.
Requires minimum 10 years of experience in complex, technical program / project management, or other product development leadership roles
Extensive medical device development experience with complex devices involving both disposable and capital equipment that incorporates hardware and software
Skilled in project planning and execution
Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
Working knowledge of new product development methodologies
Ability to be creative in achieving objectives while assuring compliance to internal and external requirements
Ability to utilize commonly accepted project management tools to assist in the development of and adherence to a schedule
Ability or aptitude to work on problems that are complex in scope where analysis of situations or data involves multiple competing factors
Ability to form and develop interpersonal, professional relationships
Display socially and professionally appropriate behavior
Ability to work independently and in groups
Ability to work cross-functionally

Nice To Haves

Strategic & Visionary Leadership: Ability to define, communicate, and execute a compelling R&D strategy aligned with business priorities and long-term innovation goals.
End-to-End Product Development Expertise: Proven experience leading cross-functional teams through the full product lifecycle—from concept to global commercialization—especially for Class III medical devices.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skilled in partnering across Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, Marketing, and Legal to drive integrated development and market success.
Technical & Regulatory Acumen: Deep understanding of medical device standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., IEC 60601, IEC 62304, FDA guidance).
Hardware/Software Product Experience: Preference for candidates with hands-on experience developing hardware-based medical devices and/or software-driven technologies.
Talent Development & Team Leadership: Builds high-performing, diverse teams through mentorship, succession planning, and inclusive leadership.
Customer & Market Orientation: Engages with physicians, KOLs, and end-users to ensure clinical relevance and market differentiation.
Operational Excellence: Drives disciplined execution, resource optimization, and continuous improvement across programs.

Responsibilities

Drive Strategic planning and execution of product development programs aligned with global business objectives.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Regulatory, Clinical, Quality, Operations, Marketing) and external partners to ensure successful product development and life cycle management.
Responsible for managing complex R&D product development programs involving multiple cross-functional teams focused on advancing the R&D pipeline.
Leads and coordinates cross-functional team activities from Concept Phase through Product Launch Phase.
Plans and organizes interdepartmental and cross-functional activities ensuring completion of the programs to timelines, and within budget constraints.
Facilitates decision making through project management tools and cross-functional input.
Analyzes complex problems, including those related to project risks; monitors risks and develops contingencies along the program path.
Effectively communicates milestones and critical paths for each program and the portfolio to teams, peers, and executive staff audiences.
Responsible for completing documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with business and quality standards
Travel up to 20% of the time both domestically and internationally by any means necessary to support organizational goals
Understand and comply with applicable procedures, rules and regulations
Responsible for implementing and maintaining the effectiveness of the Quality System
Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies and procedures

Benefits

Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
Free medical coverage for employees via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO
An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

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