R&D Manager - Systems Verification

Role: R&D Manager - Systems Verification

Location: Kharadi, Pune

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Join our dynamic Robotics Systems Test team where cutting-edge technology meets rigorous verification. As a Systems Verification Manager, you will lead a team in ensuring the safety, performance, and compliance of advanced robotic medical devices that integrate hardware, software, firmware, and cloud services.

What will you doing?

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Systems Verification Engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Define team structure, roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics (KPIs) to drive organizational health and delivery efficiency.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development planning for all direct reports.
• Oversee external vendors for system testing and test initiatives, and manage vendor performances against KPIs.
• Define and own the end-to-end Systems V&V strategy and test architecture for complex robotic systems that integrate hardware, software, firmware, and cloud services.
• Provide V&V input into technical project plans, risk registers, and design control documentation; participate in design reviews and FMEAs.
• Drive the adoption and maturation of modern test practices, including BDD, test-driven development, agile test development, and advanced test automation frameworks.
• Ensure all V&V processes align with global regulatory standards (ISO 13485, IEC 62304, FDA 21 CFR Part 820).
• Provide high-level oversight on the development and execution of verification plans, test protocols, traceability matrices, and final summary reports.
• Manage cross-functional dependencies, project timelines, and resource planning, coordinating with lab management to ensure adequate equipment, personnel, and space.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for test status, risks, and test readiness to leadership, including presenting project status to executive-level management.
• Define and monitor KPIs such as test coverage, defect density, on-time sprint delivery, and verification cycle time to drive continuous improvement.

What you need to be successful?

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Biomedical Engineering. Prefer MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering
• 8+ years of total experience in Systems Test, Verification & Validation, or Quality Engineering, preferably within the medical device domain.
• 3+ years of experience directly managing or leading an engineering team (hirng, performance management, resource planning).
• Authoritative knowledge and practical experience with ISO 13485, IEC 62304, and FDA QS Regulation 21 CFR Part 820.
• Proven experience in architecting and implementing test automation strategies for systems involving hardware, firmware, and software elements.
• Deep understanding of Agile frameworks (SCRUM, SAFe) and how to scale V&V within an Agile/DevOps pipeline.
• Outstanding communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and global stakeholders.

You Unlimited.

We believe in crafting the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

Inclusion + Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).

Other reasons why you will love it here!

• Your Future: Major medical coverage + policy exclusions and insurance non-medical limit. Educational Assistance.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Privilege Leave, Floater Leave.
• Your Wellbeing: Parents/Parents-in-Law’s Insurance (Employer Contribution of 8,000/- annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave.
• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)
• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
• Extra Perks: Free Cab Transport Facility for all employees; One-Time Meal provided to all employees as per shift. Night shift allowances.