Director of R&D

The Director of R&D will lead the research and development organization, driving innovation and product development strategies to meet business objectives. This role oversees the entire product lifecycle—from concept and feasibility through design, verification & validation (V&V), and commercialization—while ensuring compliance with FDA, ISO 13485, and other global regulatory standards. The Director will champion advanced research, implement robust development processes, and drive continuous improvement in technology and product performance. The Director will foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the R&D team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Define and execute R&D strategy aligned with business objectives and market needs.
• Collaborate with Marketing/Sales/Leadership to develop portfolio strategy and roadmap
• Identify emerging technologies and integrate them into product roadmaps.
• Develop a culture of innovation through applied research and advanced engineering methodologies.
• Maximize the development of Managers, Tech Leads, SMEs, and PLEs
• Challenges others to develop as leaders while serving as a role model and mentor.
• Inspires your team and ConMed to push the boundaries of excellence and innovation

Management/Communication:

• Contributes to R&D leadership meetings and updates
• Facilitates team and business meetings effectively
• Effectively communicates relevant organizational information to superiors
• Delivers engaging, informative, well-organized presentations.
• Resolves and/or escalates issues as appropriate.
• Understands how to facilitate communicate difficult/sensitive information.
• Identifies resources needed and assigns individual responsibilities.
• Develops team and organizational talent and development plans
• Develops and executes annual budget and resource management

Product Development & Research Execution

• Oversees the entire product lifecycle—from concept and feasibility through design, verification & validation (V&V), and commercialization—while ensuring compliance with FDA, ISO 13485, and other global regulatory standards.
• Champion advanced research, implement robust development processes, and drive continuous improvement in technology and product performance.
• Ensure projects are properly resourced with the right level of skillsets and experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Four (4) year degree minimum in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent.
• 10+ years in medical device R&D or similar, with at least 5 years in leadership roles.
• 20% Travel

Preferred Requirements:

• Masters degree is highly desirable
• Proven track record in product development under FDA and ISO 13485 compliance.

This position is not eligible for employer based sponsorship.

Benefits:

CONMED offers a wide array of benefits to fit your unique needs. Visit our Benefits Page for more information.

• Competitive compensation
• Excellent healthcare including medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage
Short & long term disability plus life insurance
• - cost paid fully by CONMED
Retirement Savings Plan (401K)
• - CONMED matches your contributions dollar for dollar, with the potential for up to 7% per pay period
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• - allows stock purchases at discounted price
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate level courses

Know someone at CONMED? Have them submit you as a referral before applying for this position to be eligible for our Employee Referral Program incentives!

CONMED is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Poster reaffirms this commitment.

Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

If you feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, you are encouraged to contact us at 800-929-7176 option #5.