Associate Manager, R&D

VB Spine, LLC; South Carolina; On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

PTO & holidays

Training & development

Career growth

Job summary

VB Spine, LLC seeks an experienced engineering manager to lead product development and sustaining initiatives in medical devices, overseeing direct reports and coordinating cross-functional teams. The role covers resource planning, regulatory submissions (510(k), PMA, CE Mark), design reviews, and driving cost efficiencies while delivering high-quality orthopedic spine products.

The company emphasizes internal growth, mentorship, and collaboration with surgeons, R&D, and external partners to

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of medical device industry experience; supervisory experience is a plus.
• Track record in product development, sustaining activities, or design transfers.
• Experience managing multiple technology projects from inception to launch.
• Knowledge of orthopedic products and regulatory requirements (FDA, EU) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage direct reports to meet performance objectives and mentor growth.
• Plan resources and allocate personnel/equipment for product development and sustaining portfolio.
• Interface with surgeons and sales reps to gather clinical input for design.
• Lead design reviews and drive verification/validation activities.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Clinical, Marketing, and PM for project success.
• Develop and manage metrics and reporting for senior leadership.
• Develop expense budgets and manage team spending.
• Write annual performance reviews for direct reports.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s preferred or equivalent relevant experience)

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

What You’ll Do:

• Coach, develop, and manage direct reports to meet performance objectives and support their professional growth
• Manage resource planning and allocation of personnel and equipment for the product development and sustaining portfolio
• Interface with surgeons and sales representatives to gather clinical input for product design and evaluation
• Utilize advanced knowledge of surgical procedures to drive innovative solutions that meet customer needs
• Lead or actively participate on cross-functional design teams and manage large sustaining projects
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Clinical, Marketing, and Project Management to ensure project success
• Participate in and lead design reviews and product investigations
• Develop and manage metrics and reporting for senior leadership
• Approve verification and validation activities for product designs
• Support regulatory submissions including 510(k), PMA, and CE Mark
• Lead creation and refinement of engineering documentation such as Design History Files and Change Control records
• Mentor others on industry standards, design requirements, test strategies, design controls, risk management, and NC/CAPA processes
• Identify and implement improvements to reduce cost, increase efficiency, and strengthen organizational capabilities
• Develop and manage expense budgets and team spending
• Write annual performance reviews for direct reports
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships across Spine R&D, other VB sites, and external partners

What You Bring:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s preferred or equivalent relevant experience)
• 6+ years of relevant work experience (medical device industry preferred); previous supervisory experience is a plus
• Demonstrated success in product development, bringing concepts to market, and/or managing R&D sustaining activities, product transfers, NC/CAPA, or remediation
• Experience managing multiple technology projects from inception to launch
• Strong knowledge of orthopedic products (Spine preferred), including clinical issues and performance requirements
• Experience working within international regulatory requirements (FDA, EU, ROW) in the medical device industry
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong technical writing ability
• Ability to interface effectively with physicians, engineers, and operational personnel
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work with remote teams
• Applied knowledge of parametric CAD packages (Creo or SolidWorks preferred) is a plus

Why VB Spine?

We believe in growing talent from within. At VB Spine, step into a people-leadership role where you’ll develop engineers, drive sustaining excellence, and help ensure the continued success of innovative spinal products that improve patient lives.

Compensation:

Pay for this role is competitive and based on experience, qualifications, and performance. The typical pay range for this position is $125,000.00 - $135,000.00 annually, with potential for bonuses and incentives plus benefits. Final compensation is determined on a case-by-case basis and considers a variety of factors including experience level, leadership experience, and market conditions.

Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to grow within a fast-paced, dynamic company