Jobs · Manufacturing · California

Director of Manufacturing

Real · Irvine, CA · 1 mo ago
On-siteManufacturingFull-time

About the role

A venture-backed medical device innovator developing next-generation cardiovascular technologies is seeking a Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead manufacturing industrialization, supplier operations, and commercialization readiness for complex Class III interventional medical devices. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an experienced manufacturing and operations professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys building scalable systems, leading external manufacturing networks, and driving products from development through commercial launch.

The Opportunity: As the leader of Manufacturing Engineering & External Operations, you will be responsible for establishing and scaling manufacturing capabilities within a virtual manufacturing environment. You will work cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Clinical, and Supply Chain teams while partnering closely with contract manufacturers and critical suppliers to ensure successful clinical and commercial execution.

Why This Role? Join a rapidly growing medical device organization developing transformative cardiovascular technologies. Play a critical role in shaping manufacturing strategy and commercialization efforts. Work directly with executive leadership and global stakeholders. Influence supplier strategy, manufacturing scale-up, and operational excellence initiatives. Be part of an innovative, collaborative, and mission-driven team focused on improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering & External Operations organization.
  • Drive manufacturing industrialization, design transfer, and commercial launch readiness for complex Class III medical devices.
  • Partner with R&D teams to implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Scalability initiatives.
  • Oversee contract manufacturers and critical suppliers, ensuring robust manufacturing processes and operational performance.
  • Lead process validation activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols.
  • Establish manufacturing governance frameworks, KPIs, supplier performance metrics, and operational excellence programs.
  • Support regulatory submissions, audits, inspections, CAPA activities, and change management processes.
  • Develop long-term manufacturing scale-up strategies aligned with company growth objectives.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, yield, throughput, capacity, and cost optimization.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of manufacturing engineering, industrialization, technical operations, or manufacturing leadership experience within medical devices.
  • Hands-on experience supporting Class III medical devices, catheter-based technologies, or other complex interventional products.
  • Proven success managing outsourced manufacturing environments, supplier relationships, and product commercialization programs.
  • Strong expertise in process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PFMEA, process capability, and manufacturing risk management.
  • Deep understanding of FDA Design Controls, FDA QSR/QMSR, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and EU MDR requirements.
  • Experience leading cross-functional initiatives in highly regulated environments.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to approximately 30%.

Benefits

  • Medical coverage
  • Dental coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Paid leave (where required by applicable law)

Eligibility may vary based on location and hire date and is subject to change.

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