R&D Manager – Front End Innovation
Solventum
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Maplewood • Minnesota • Texas • United States
Visit company websiteExplore more
Salary
💰 $163,200 - $224,400 per year
About the role
- Assisting in the Identification and prioritization of front-end innovation (FEI) and technology exploration programs that shape future products, platforms, and technology strategies
- Allocating resources across exploratory programs to balance speed, risk, and potential impact
- Driving early technical de-risking by supporting direct reports in identifying critical unknowns, designing focused experiments, and generating data that clarifies feasibility, scalability, and differentiation
- Energizing work groups by fostering a climate that encourages curiosity, experimentation, calculated risk-taking, learning from failure, and strong teamwork while developing technical talent capable of operating effectively in early-stage, uncertain environments.
- Working collaboratively with Product Development, Marketing, Medical Affairs, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory to ensure front-end solutions are actionable and positioned for effective transition to new product development
- Developing and maintains deep awareness of external technologies, emerging science, startup activity, and academic research relevant to the organization’s future technology landscape and integrating external insights into internal FEI programs and roadmaps.
Requirements
- Bachelors Degree in a science or engineering discipline (completed and verified prior to start) from an accredited institution
- 7 years of relevant experience in a regulated industry, medical devices preferred, utilizing design controls to design, develop, verify, validate, and commercialize new products
- Masters degree or higher in an applicable technical field (preferred)
- Previous experience managing people, leading teams, and developing/managing budgets (preferred)
- Expertise in project technical leadership with the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate, mentor, and grow talent
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, familiarity with strategizing on early technical innovations
- Broad technical depth across relevant disciplines including materials, engineering, and biology
- Experience collaborating with marketing, laboratory, quality, regulatory, and other functions common in MedTech
- Experience in evaluating technology readiness
- Proficiency in MS Office applications (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint), strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to read and understand technical drawings
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental & Vision
- Health Savings Accounts
- Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Disability Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits
- Paid Absences
- Retirement Benefits
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
design controlsproduct developmenttechnical leadershiptechnology readiness evaluationmaterials engineeringbiological engineeringanalytical skillsproblem-solving skillsproject managementbudget management
Soft Skills
team leadershipmentoringcollaborationcuriosityexperimentationrisk-takinglearning from failurecommunication skillsorganizational skillstalent development
Certifications
Bachelor's DegreeMaster's Degree