Senior Development Technologist

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

Are you passionate about advancing healthcare through innovation? At Smith + Nephew, we’re looking for a driven and meticulous Senior Development Technologist to join our dynamic R&D team. This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wound care by designing market-leading products to solve the problems and challenges of living with a wound.  If you love hands-on innovation, thrive in a collaborative environment and are ready to make a meaningful impact, then we want to hear from you.

This position is responsible to develop and deliver designated new product development activities, including investigation of the underlying science / engineering, provision of technological evidence and generation of quality requirements to support transfer to manufacturing, that together fulfil the needs of the project and therefore the business.

• Define and lead the overall strategy for product design, development, and transfer to manufacture in collaboration with NPD teams and external partners.

• Understand customer needs to create product performance specifications and develop viable technical solutions using knowledge of materials and technologies.

• Develop and implement test strategies to support feasibility studies, verification/validation activities, and product claims.

• Liaise effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure technical alignment and support.

• Identify, plan, and deliver all necessary technical activities to support product design and manufacture in line with quality management systems.

• Support the development of underlying scientific and technological principles for projects, including resource and skill planning.

• Forecast and manage technical project budgets to ensure efficient cost control.

• Lead, coach, and develop project and technical team members to align with business objectives.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and enhance ways of working within the NPD team.

• Act as the primary interface for design control and compliance, ensuring all technical work meets regulatory standards and is audit-ready (e.g. FDA, BSI).

• Review and approve GxP documentation in compliance with applicable QMS procedures.

• Promote and uphold company health and safety policies to maintain a safe working environment.

You’ll be someone who thrives on solving complex problems and making a real impact in healthcare. With a solid foundation in science or engineering, you’ll bring both technical know-how and a collaborative approach to the table. You’re confident navigating regulatory frameworks and passionate about improving product performance and patient outcomes.

• A degree or equivalent experience in a relevant life science or engineering field, plus hands-on experience leading design control projects in a regulated environment.

• Someone who builds positive relationships across teams, communicates with clarity, and brings people together to solve problems and deliver results.

You. Unlimited.

We believe in creating 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 our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/ 
• Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays, and paid volunteering hours.
• Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance, and more.
• Flexibility: Hybrid working model (for most professional roles).
• Training: Hands-on, team-customised, and mentorship-based development.
• Extra Perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs, salary sacrifice bicycle and car schemes, and many other employee discounts.

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