SummaryLocation: Irvine, California (On-site)
Travel: up to 30%, including travel to Kardionโs Stuttgart, Germany office.
About KardionKardion is a cardiovascular medical device company developing next-generation mechanical circulatory support technology, with dual headquarters in Irvine, California and Stuttgart, Germany. Every moment matters โ our team is building toward a future where circulatory support gives patients and clinicians more time, more options, and more certainty.
Position SummaryThe VP, R&D โ Delivery System owns the architecture, design, performance, and commercialization readiness of every delivery system component in Kardionโs MCS-class percutaneous circulatory support system โ introducers, guidewires, loaders, and other procedural enablers. This is an executive technical leadership role, guiding the delivery system effort from early feasibility through design verification, system testing, and clinical readiness, in close partnership with Kardionโs Stuttgart-based engineering team.
Responsibilities- Own the architecture of all delivery system components used to introduce, gain vascular access, guide the pump into place, and support the desired indwell time.
- Lead design and optimization of introducers, guidewires, and other delivery system components.
- Direct selection of high-performance polymers, metals, nitinol structures, and coatings for blood compatibility, fatigue resistance, and placement stability.
- Own design verification (DV) strategy for delivery system accessories, including simulated-use, procedural, and reliability testing.
- Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to scale from low-volume builds to repeatable manufacturing (DFM/DFA).
- Collaborate daily with Kardionโs Germany-based pump and controller engineering teams to ensure a seamless, integrated product.
- Identify and protect patentable innovations in catheter delivery, introducers, guidewires, and pump accessories.
Other Responsibilities- Build, mentor, and retain a deeply technical, multidisciplinary engineering team.
- Own budget, timelines, and milestone delivery for delivery system workstreams, with regular executive and board reporting.
Required Qualifications- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years in medical device R&D, including 5+ years leading complex disposable or pump-based systems.
- Class III cardiovascular device experience.
- Demonstrated experience designing catheter-based delivery systems (introducers, guidewires, loaders, or similar accessories).
Preferred Qualifications- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience supporting clinical trials and PMA submissions.
- A track record building and leading high-performing technical teams, ideally in a startup or fast-scaling environment.
- Comfort partnering across time zones and cultures, including with international engineering teams.
Work Environment/Travel- On-site in Irvine, CA.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, up to 30%, including to Kardionโs Stuttgart, Germany office.
- Occasional early or late meetings to overlap with the CET time zone.
CompensationThe anticipated base salary range for this position is $250,000 โ $300,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and location. Kardion offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), and paid time off.
Equal Opportunity StatementKardion is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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