Director, Systems Engineering - ENT R&D

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 9 Sep 2026

 

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Our Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Operating Unit provides innovative technologies that support clinicians in treating sinus, otology, head and neck, skull base, airway, and related conditions. Our ENT technology includes powered instruments, image-guided surgical systems, and sinus implants that enhance precision, safety, and efficiency across both office and operating room settings—helping improve patient outcomes in a complex and evolving specialty.
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The Director of Systems Engineering leads a multidisciplinary engineering organization responsible for the design, integration, and lifecycle management of complex medical device systems within the ENT Operating Unit. This role drives systems architecture, requirements management, cross-functional integration, and risk oversight while partnering across hardware, software, firmware, and clinical teams to deliver reliable, innovative solutions. The leader will establish systems-level strategies and scalable engineering processes that improve product quality, accelerate time to market, and support the continued advancement of sophisticated ENT therapies and technologies.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to: 

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, build, and scale a high-performing Systems Engineering organization, including hiring, succession planning, and leadership development.

• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, engagement, and continuous improvement to drive retention and organizational performance.

• Serve as a transformational leader and change agent, advancing organizational effectiveness and cross-functional collaboration across R&D.

Systems Engineering Strategy & Talent Development

• Develop and advance systems engineering capabilities aligned with emerging methodologies and ENT therapy area needs.

• Drive consistent application of DRM and systems engineering best practices across R&D functions.

• Provide functional leadership and operational oversight of the Systems Engineering organization.

• Mentor and develop engineering talent to build a strong pipeline of future technical and organizational leaders.

System Architecture & Concept Development

• Define and influence ENT platform and system architecture strategy in collaboration with Upstream Marketing to ensure portfolio differentiation and long-term competitiveness.

• Translate scientific, clinical, and technological insights into scalable system architectures and a clear product development roadmap.

• Partner with clinical experts and advisory networks to validate technical direction and inform design decisions.

• Influence cross-functional priorities and ensure alignment of architecture decisions with business and product strategy.

• Communicate architectural vision, trade-offs, and technical strategy to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Systems Development & Integration

• Lead systems engineering execution within a Core Team Model to enable high-quality, compliant, and on-time product launches.

• Own system-level requirements and architecture across therapy delivery systems, devices, programmers, and accessories.

• Ensure seamless integration across hardware, software, and firmware development partners.

• Drive technology reuse and platform standardization to improve efficiency, scalability, and development speed.

 This role will require <25% of travel to enhance collaboration and ensure successful completion of projects.

                                                                                      

Must Have

• Bachelor's degree with 10 years of relevant experience OR Masters degree with 8 years of relevant experience

• 7 years of managerial experience

• Strong foundation in systems engineering disciplines, ideally in electrical, mechanical, biomedical, and software engineering

• Experience developing and delivering highly complex, high-reliability systems and technologies in regulated environments

Nice to Have

• Medical device industry experience with Class I, II, or III regulated products

• Progressive leadership experience managing complex medical device technology and product portfolios, with responsibility for both strategic direction and tactical execution

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional, matrixed teams and drive alignment across engineering, clinical, regulatory, and commercial stakeholders

• Demonstrated business acumen with strong executive presence and clear, effective communication skills across all organizational levels

• Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities with a track record of data-driven decision-making

For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.

Physical Job Requirements

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position. 

The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.

U.S. Work Authorization & Sponsorship

At Medtronic, we are committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact. In alignment with our enterprise-wide workforce planning approach, U.S. work authorization sponsorship (H-1B, TN, J, etc.) is offered exclusively for Principal-level roles and above, where specialized expertise aligns with long-term business needs. Roles below the Principal level require candidates to possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.

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Apply only through official Medtronic channels. All legitimate Medtronic recruiting communications come from approved Medtronic platforms and official @medtronic.com email addresses. 

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If you have any questions, concerns regarding the authenticity of a communication alleged to have been made by or on behalf of Medtronic, please contact us immediately at [email protected]. 

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Benefits & Compensation
 

Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values. We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help to create.  We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.
 

Salary ranges for U.S (excl. PR) locations (USD):$198,400.00 - $297,600.00

This position is eligible for a short-term incentive called the Medtronic Incentive Plan (MIP).

This position is eligible for an annual long-term incentive plan.

The base salary range is applicable across the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and specific locations in California. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others).

The following benefits and additional compensation are available to those regular employees who work 20+ hours per week: Health, Dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Life insurance, Long-term disability leave, Dependent daycare spending account, Tuition assistance/reimbursement, and Simple Steps (global well-being program).

 

The following benefits and additional compensation are available to all regular employees: Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match, Short-term disability, Paid time off, Paid holidays, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), and Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).

 

Regular employees are those who are not temporary, such as interns.  Temporary employees are eligible for paid sick time, as required under applicable state law, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Please note some of the above benefits may not apply to workers in Puerto Rico.

 

Further details are available at the link below:

Medtronic benefits and compensation plans

It is the policy of Medtronic to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Medtronic will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

If you are applying to perform work for Medtronic, Inc. (“Medtronic”) in any position which will involve performing at least two (2) hours of work on average each week within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, you can find here a list of all material job duties of the specific job position which Medtronic reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. Medtronic will consider for employment qualified job applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.