Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs-CA

Synchron; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized medical and dental insurance

401k

Discretionary unlimited PTO

Job summary

Synchron is seeking a Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs for their San Diego office. The ideal candidate will lead regulatory strategies for software, firmware, and hardware in the development of brain-computer interfaces. A minimum of 12 years of regulatory affairs experience in medical devices, particularly Class III, is required.

In this role, you'll partner with cross-functional teams, oversee regulatory submissions, and ensure compliance with FDA regulations. Join Synchron to make a significant impact in the medical device industry.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of regulatory affairs experience in the medical device industry.
• Strong software and firmware regulatory expertise.
• Deep knowledge of 21 CFR Parts 820, 812, 814.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory strategy for new BCI platform development.
• Author and manage IDE, PMA, and PMA supplement submissions.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations and standards.

Skills

Regulatory strategy

Cross-functional leadership

FDA submissions

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or life sciences

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Regulatory compliance tools

Project management software

Job description

About Synchron

Synchron’s vision is to build non‑surgical brain‑computer interfaces at global scale that protect the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and autonomy. Our first mission is to develop motor decoders that restore the ability of 15 million people with paralysis to interact with the digital world. Our second mission is to develop whole‑brain cognitive decoders that enable hundreds of millions of people with cognitive decline to preserve and expand their agency as cognition changes over time. In pursuing these goals, we aim not only to help humans flourish, but also to drive fundamental discoveries in human intelligence. Our team operates at the intersection of healthcare and technology, translating breakthrough research into real‑world, safety‑critical systems.

Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs

Location: San Diego, California (Onsite)

Department: Regulatory

Reports to: VP, Regulatory and Quality

About The Role

We are seeking a Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs who will serve as the senior regulatory leader for Synchron’s San Diego operations, providing strategic and operational oversight across software, firmware, and hardware regulatory activities. This role will own regulatory strategy for new BCI platform development, with oversight of ongoing product updates, and manufacturing‑related submissions, working closely with cross‑functional teams in engineering, quality, and clinical to ensure regulatory readiness at every stage of the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Strategy and Submissions
  • Lead regulatory strategy and submission planning for software, firmware, and hardware for new product development programs and product updates
  • Author and manage IDE, PMA, and PMA supplement submissions to the FDA; support additional international filings as needed
  • Develop and execute software and firmware regulatory strategy for complex BCI devices, including AI/ML considerations, software and firmware change management, and lifecycle documentation in compliance with applicable guidance
  • Provide regulatory support for manufacturing‑related activities, including process changes and design transfers
• Cross‑Functional Leadership
  • Partner with engineering, software, quality, clinical, and operations teams to integrate regulatory requirements from early development through commercialization
  • Provide regulatory guidance on new product concepts, design inputs, and technology transfers
  • Support project planning and roadmaps with well‑defined regulatory milestones and risk assessments
• Regulatory Intelligence and Compliance
  • Monitor evolving FDA regulations, guidance documents, and international standards relevant to Class III implantable devices and complex software‑and‑firmware‑driven medical technologies
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with IDE and approved submission commitments, including reporting obligations and correspondence management
  • Represent Synchron in FDA meetings, pre‑submission interactions, and agency correspondence
• Minimal travel expected (<10% of the time). Potential planned travel for FDA meetings, cross‑site collaboration, and conferences.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, life sciences, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of regulatory affairs experience in the medical device industry, with progressive responsibility including demonstrated experience with complex, high‑risk (Class III) active implantable neurological or cardiac devices.
• Strong software and firmware regulatory expertise for complex medical devices, including experience with AI/ML‑enabled features, software and firmware change management, and applicable FDA guidance.
• Track record of leading FDA submissions (IDE, PMA, supplements) and managing agency interactions independently.
• Familiarity with manufacturing‑related regulatory considerations, including process changes and design transfers, in a device development or scale‑up context.
• Experience supporting new product development from concept through submission, including design control and risk management integration.
• Deep knowledge of 21 CFR Parts 820, 812, 814, and applicable international standards.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate regulatory complexity for engineering and executive audiences.
• Effective time management and interpersonal skills.
• Builds productive internal and external working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• RAC certification (RAPS).
• Experience with brain‑computer interfaces, neural stimulation, or implantable neurotechnology.
• Familiarity with OUS regulatory pathways (CE Mark, TGA, or similar).
• Experience scaling a regulatory function at a growth‑stage medical device company.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent problem‑solving.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to partner cross‑functionally and influence stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with comfort operating in a lean, startup‑style environment.

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $210,000 – $240,000 depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or equity grants, subject to board approval and company policy.

Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position currently.

Benefits (for W‑2, full‑time, exempt employees in the US only) ***Intern positions not eligible

• Subsidized medical and dental insurance coverage for you and your dependent(s)
• Life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability
• 401k
• Discretionary unlimited PTO
• Flexible Spending Account for you and your dependent(s), with eligible plan elections
• Commuter benefits for NY employees

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Synchron is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

Join Us

At Synchron, you will be part of a transformative mission and you will work alongside driven people who believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to make a lasting impact. If you are excited to stretch your skills and contribute to something meaningful, apply now and build the future with us.