Director of Research Development (R&D)

R\&D Director – Steerable Catheter \& Guidewire Systems

A venture-backed medical device company is seeking an R\&D Director to lead the development of next-generation steerable microcatheter and guidewire technologies for minimally invasive vascular interventions.

This highly visible technical leadership role owns product development from early concept through design verification, validation, and clinical readiness. The ideal candidate has successfully led the development of steerable catheter, microcatheter, or guidewire systems and possesses deep expertise in catheter architecture, shaft design, steering mechanisms, polymer extrusions, braiding, coiling, slotted hypotubes, handle design, and device performance optimization.

Ideal candidates have been a primary technical contributor or technical lead on developing a catheter, microcatheter, guidewire, or similar actively steerable intravascular device.

Responsibilities

:

• Lead design and development of steerable microcatheter and guidewire platforms.
• Drive projects from concept through design transfer.
• Develop prototypes and conduct hands-on bench testing.
• Define product requirements and engineering specifications.
• Lead design verification and validation activities.
• Support manufacturing scale-up and process development.
• Collaborate closely with regulatory, quality, clinical, and operations teams.
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers while influencing future R\&D growth.

Required Qualifications

:

• BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field.
• 5\+ years of medical device product development experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading development of catheters, ideally steerable microcatheters, steerable guidewires, or similar highly navigable intravascular devices.
• Significant experience with devices ≤3\.5 Fr and/or neurovascular, peripheral vascular, embolization, interventional radiology, electrophysiology, or related catheter-based technologies

strongly preferred

.

Ideal Expertise in

:

• Catheter shaft construction
• Polymer extrusion technologies
• Braiding and coiling
• Nitinol components
• Slotted hypotubes
• Steering mechanisms
• Handle assemblies
• Design controls and V\&V

Preferred Background

:

Candidates coming from neurovascular, peripheral vascular, embolization, interventional radiology, or advanced catheter delivery system organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location

:

On-site position in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.