Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs-CA (opens in new tab) San Diego, CA →

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

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized medical and dental insurance

401(k)

Discretionary unlimited PTO

Flexible Spending Account

Commuter benefits for NY employees

Job summary

Synchron is seeking a Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs for their San Diego operations. This position involves overseeing regulatory strategies for new brain-computer interface (BCI) platform development and managing submissions to regulatory bodies. The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of experience in regulatory affairs in the medical device sector and a strong background in software and firmware regulations.

This role provides a unique opportunity to influence the development of innovative technologies that aim to improve the quality of life for those with neurological challenges. Selected candidates will enjoy a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of regulatory affairs experience in the medical device industry.
• Strong software and firmware regulatory expertise for complex medical devices.
• Track record of leading FDA submissions (IDE, PMA, supplements).

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory strategy and submission planning for new product development.
• Partner with engineering and clinical teams to integrate regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with FDA regulations and standards.

Skills

Regulatory affairs experience

Expertise in software and firmware regulations

Leadership in FDA submissions

Knowledge of 21 CFR Parts 820, 812, 814

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, life sciences, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs-CA

Requisition ID: 1032

Salary Range: $210,000.00 To $240,000.00 Annually

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.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs to serve as the senior regulatory leader for Synchron’s San Diego operations. This role provides strategic and operational oversight across software, firmware, and hardware regulatory activities. It owns the 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.

Location

San Diego, California (Onsite)

Reports to

VP, Regulatory and Quality

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.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• 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.

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

Benefits (W‑2, full‑time, exempt employees in the US only)

• Subsidized medical and dental insurance coverage for you and your dependent(s)
• 401(k)
• 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.