Senior R & D Manager-CA

Synchron Inc. • San Diego, CA

2d • $140,000 - $175,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and technically hands-on R&D Manager to lead our Implantable Receiver-Transmitter Unit (IRTU) team within the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) division. This is a hands-on management role requiring deep electrical engineering expertise combined with the leadership ability to guide a high-performing, cross-functional team through the full development lifecycle of next-generation implantable neurotechnology. The ideal candidate brings a proven record in implantable medical device development, with hands-on experience spanning implantable power systems, wireless communications, and physiological signal acquisition.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline
• 8+ years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with a minimum of 3 years in a technical leadership role.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in implantable or Class III medical device development.
• Proven experience working within an FDA-regulated development environment (21 CFR Part 820, IEC 60601, ISO 14708 (Active Implantable Medical Devices), or equivalent).
• Proficiency in design tools such as Altium Designer, Cadence, or equivalent platforms.
• Strong understanding of design controls, risk management (ISO 14971), and V&V processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of presenting technical content to executive audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in brain-computer interface, neuromodulation, or cardiovascular pacing device development.
• Background in low-power RF/BLE system design for implantable or wearable applications.
• Experience with bioelectric signal sensing, analog front-end design, and physiological data acquisition.
• Expertise in implantable battery technology, inductive/wireless recharge systems, and power management circuit design.
• Experience leading teams through FDA submission (510(k), De Novo, or PMA) for active implantable devices.
• Background in embedded firmware development or strong working familiarity with real-time embedded systems.
• Knowledge of IEC 60601-1, ISO 14708-1/3 (Active Implantable Medical Devices – General Requirements and Implantable Neurostimulators), and MRI conditional device standards.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a hands-on technical leader and contributor in the architecture, design, and development of the next-generation IRTU platform.
• Lead and personally contribute to the electrical design of implantable battery systems, wireless recharge circuitry, and power management subsystems.
• Drive BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication protocol design, RF architecture, and antenna design and integration for implantable devices.
• Oversee and actively participate in the design of analog sensing front-ends, including neural signal acquisition, and ADC interfaces.
• Review and approve schematics, PCB layouts, firmware architecture, and design verification plans.
• Identify and resolve complex technical challenges across electrical, embedded, and mechanical domains.
• Manage, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team of Electrical Engineers (EE), Embedded Systems Engineers, Mechanical Engineers (ME), and technicians.
• Define team goals, allocate resources, and manage individual workloads to ensure on-time milestone delivery.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development planning for all direct reports.
• Foster a culture of technical rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to recruit top-tier engineering talent as the team scales.
• Own the IRTU program roadmap from concept through design freeze, working closely with Systems, Clinical, and Regulatory teams.
• Define and track program milestones, risks, and dependencies; provide regular status updates to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory Affairs to support design controls, FMEA, verification & validation (V&V), and 510(k)/PMA submissions.
• Partner with operations and supply chain on DFM reviews and transition to manufacturing.
• Work closely with Systems Engineering to define and decompose requirements from the system to the subsystem level.
• Interface with Clinical and Neuroscience teams to ensure design decisions align with patient safety, usability, and efficacy objectives.
• Engage with external vendors, CROs, and technology partners to supplement internal capabilities where needed.

Benefits

• Subsidized medical and dental insurance coverage for you and your dependent(s)
• Life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability
• 401k
• Discretionary unlimited PTO
• Flexible Spending Account for you and your dependent(s), with eligible plan elections
• Commuter benefits for NY employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level