Overview

We are supporting an early-stage MedTech company developing a next-generation Minimally Invasive Surgical technology. This breakthrough platform integrates advanced sensor technology — a functionality not standard in today’s minimally invasive surgery. Their mission is to redefine safety and performance in the operating room by combining hardware, sensors, algorithms, and software into one intelligent system.

The Role

As System Engineering Lead you will act as the company’s technical voice and key representative with their Cambridge-based development partner. You will ensure that user requirements, system intelligence, and product vision are fully aligned throughout the development lifecycle – from concept and prototyping through to verification, validation, and transfer to manufacturing.

This is a career-defining role with a clear pathway to CTO as the company scales.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead collaboration with the external development partner, ensuring on-time, on-spec delivery.
• Collect and translate surgeon and OR staff input into actionable design requirements.
• Oversee integration of hardware, sensors, control systems, and software to deliver safe and reliable performance.
• Represent the company in design reviews and escalate issues where alignment is at risk.
• Ensure software and system architecture remain future-proof for next-generation upgrades.
• Support IP capture and innovation protection.
• Gradually build and lead an internal R&D team (5–6 engineers across systems, hardware, software, GUI).

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience leading or representing technical function in collaboration with development partners.
• Strong systems engineering knowledge across hardware, electronics, and software.
• Background in minimally invasive surgery equipment OR complex electromechanical medtech.
• Ability to translate user feedback into product requirements.
• Project management skills within regulated medical device development.
• Experience managing or mentoring engineers.
• Collaborative, low-ego, comfortable in early-stage environments.
• Willingness to be frequently present in Cambridge.
• Sensor based system experience.
• Exposure to different OR setups across geographies (US, EU, Asia).
• Familiarity with US and EU regulatory submissions (510(k), CE marking).
• Knowledge of GUI design requirements for surgical devices.
• Experience with IP strategy and patents.

Location: Flexible in UK or France (frequent presence in Cambridge required)

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Manufacturing and Information Technology

Industries

• Medical Equipment Manufacturing
• Hospitals and Health Care