Senior R&D Manager – Implantable Neurotechnology

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 an experienced and technically hands-on R&D Manager to lead our Implantable Receiver-Transmitter Unit (IRTU) team within the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) division. This is a hands-on management role requiring deep electrical engineering expertise combined with the leadership ability to guide a high-performing, cross-functional team through the full development lifecycle of next-generation implantable neurotechnology. The ideal candidate brings a proven record in implantable medical device development, with hands-on experience spanning implantable power systems, wireless communications, and physiological signal acquisition.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Engineering

• Serve as a hands-on technical leader and contributor in the architecture, design, and development of the next-generation IRTU platform.
• Lead and personally contribute to the electrical design of implantable battery systems, wireless recharge circuitry, and power management subsystems.
• Drive BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication protocol design, RF architecture, and antenna design and integration for implantable devices.
• Oversee and actively participate in the design of analog sensing front-ends, including neural signal acquisition, and ADC interfaces.
• Review and approve schematics, PCB layouts, firmware architecture, and design verification plans.
• Identify and resolve complex technical challenges across electrical, embedded, and mechanical domains.

Team Management

• Manage, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team of Electrical Engineers (EE), Embedded Systems Engineers, Mechanical Engineers (ME), and technicians.
• Define team goals, allocate resources, and manage individual workloads to ensure on-time milestone delivery.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development planning for all direct reports.
• Foster a culture of technical rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to recruit top-tier engineering talent as the team scales.

Program & Project Execution

• Own the IRTU program roadmap from concept through design freeze, working closely with Systems, Clinical, and Regulatory teams.
• Define and track program milestones, risks, and dependencies; provide regular status updates to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory Affairs to support design controls, FMEA, verification & validation (V&V), and 510(k)/PMA submissions.
• Partner with operations and supply chain on DFM reviews and transition to manufacturing.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Systems Engineering to define and decompose requirements from the system to the subsystem level.
• Interface with Clinical and Neuroscience teams to ensure design decisions align with patient safety, usability, and efficacy objectives.
• Engage with external vendors, CROs, and technology partners to supplement internal capabilities where needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline
• 8+ years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with a minimum of 3 years in a technical leadership role.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in implantable or Class III medical device development.
• Proven experience working within an FDA-regulated development environment (21 CFR Part 820, IEC 60601, ISO 14708 (Active Implantable Medical Devices), or equivalent).
• Proficiency in design tools such as Altium Designer, Cadence, or equivalent platforms.
• Strong understanding of design controls, risk management (ISO 14971), and V&V processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of presenting technical content to executive audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in brain-computer interface, neuromodulation, or cardiovascular pacing device development.
• Background in low-power RF/BLE system design for implantable or wearable applications.
• Experience with bioelectric signal sensing, analog front-end design, and physiological data acquisition.
• Expertise in implantable battery technology, inductive/wireless recharge systems, and power management circuit design.
• Experience leading teams through FDA submission (510(k), De Novo, or PMA) for active implantable devices.
• Background in embedded firmware development or strong working familiarity with real-time embedded systems.
• Knowledge of IEC 60601-1, ISO 14708-1/3 (Active Implantable Medical Devices – General Requirements and Implantable Neurostimulators), and MRI conditional device standards.

Work Environment

This is a fully on-site position based at our San Diego, CA facility. The role requires regular presence in our hardware engineering lab, cleanroom, and prototype development facilities. Occasional travel to clinical sites, contract manufacturers, or industry conferences may be required (estimated up to 10%).

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $140,000 – $175,000 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 at this time.

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 and now and build the future with us.