Director of Research & Development

About Salt Medical

As a global CDMO and end-to-end partner, Salt Medical supports the full medical device lifecycle, from development through to manufacturing and supply. Our expert team, ISO cleanroom facilities, and international network enable high-quality, cost-effective production, as well as precision component sourcing with fast and reliable lead times for global MedTech companies.

Our European headquarters in Galway is expanding to support growing international business needs, and we are seeking an experienced Director of R&D to join our leadership team.

The Opportunity

The Director of R&D will play a critical leadership role in driving international research and development initiatives across the organisation. This position will lead and support multidisciplinary teams while ensuring the successful delivery of global innovation projects aligned with strategic business goals.

The ideal candidate brings strong MedTech leadership experience, technical expertise, and a passion for innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate international R&D projects aligned with business objectives, timelines, and project milestones.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the R&D organisation and support delivery of the company’s innovation vision.
• Build, structure, and resource high-performing R&D teams across multiple regions.
• Foster a culture of technical innovation, first-principles engineering, and scientific excellence.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, engineering, quality, operations, and commercial teams globally.
• Partner with strategic marketing and commercial functions to define patient and user needs.
• Drive innovation initiatives that create technological and commercial value for the business.
• Identify and proactively manage technical and project risks within complex multinational programs.
• Support strategic planning, complaint investigations, invention disclosures, technical documentation reviews, and structured problem-solving initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 13485 quality management systems and support internal and external audit readiness activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Biomedical, Electrical, or Materials Engineering. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ leadership experience within the medical device industry.
• Strong background in areas such as:
• Structural Heart
• Electrophysiology
• Neurovascular
• Peripheral Vascular Intervention
• Proven success managing international projects and globally distributed teams.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic vision into executable R&D programs.
• Strong understanding of complex medical device development processes and assembly techniques.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience contributing to a collaborative, respectful, and scientifically driven culture.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and bonus package
• Occupational pension plan
• Health and life insurance
• Career progression and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work on impactful global MedTech innovation projects