Medical device engineers in a design review meeting discussing 3D CAD models on screen with prototypes and components on the table at StarFish Medical.

Director, Program Strategy

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Position Overview

StarFish Medical is looking for a Director, Program Strategy to help shape how new medical device programs are defined, proposed, and launched.

In this role, you will work closely with clients and StarFish teams to determine the proper development and commercialization strategy, define StarFish’s proposed program, and coordinate input across Business Development, Engineering, and Program Management. Your work will directly influence how new client programs are structured and set up for successful execution.

This is a hands-on, senior individual contributor role for someone who enjoys working at the front end of medical device development—where strategy, engineering judgment, and client needs come together.

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Location

Work Location: (Irvine, CA): We value in-person collaboration and expect team members to work on-site at our Irvine office. For candidates who live farther away, we are open to discussing a hybrid work arrangement, depending on role requirements and individual circumstances.

Department: Business Development – Program Strategy

Why You’ll Love It Here

At the Irvine site, you’ll join a small, high-energy team that values ingenuity, curiosity, and practical problem solving. You’ll work in a creative environment where your early-stage engineering skills directly impact breakthrough medical technologies.

What You’ll Do

  • Work with clients to understand their medical device concept, business goals, and commercialization path.
  • Define StarFish’s proposed development program, including scope, structure, phases, deliverables and key assumptions.
  • Coordinate inputs from Business Development, Engineering, and Program Management to prepare new programs for launch.
  • Develop high-quality proposals, SOWs, and program plans that clearly articulate the path from concept to commercialization.
  • Identify technical, regulatory, and execution risks early and help shape strategies to address them.
  • Support a smooth transition from pre-sales into program initiation with the PMO and technical teams.
  • Participate in client meetings, presentations, and technical discussions.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of proposal tools, cost models, and program strategy practices

What You Bring

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in medical device development, systems engineering, or program strategy within a regulated environment.
  • Strong understanding of the medical device development lifecycle.
  • Experience creating proposals, estimating development effort, and defining development programs.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Comfortable working with ambiguity and early-stage concepts.
  • Experience in a consulting or product development services environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with early-stage feasibility and commercialization strategy.
  • Experience presenting to executive or senior technical stakeholders.

Salary

  • Base Salary: USD 160,000 – 210,000 annually
  • Base salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.
  • Annual variable compensation: Target of 8 -10% of base salary, tied to goal achievement
  • Additional Compensation: Employees are eligible for a profit-sharing program

Benefits of working at StarFish Medical:

Becoming a part of a group of passionate individuals striving to make a meaningful impact, combined with:

  • Make a meaningful impact through life-changing medical technologies
  • Excellent benefits package for you and your family
  • Profit-sharing program
  • Monthly all-hands meetings and an open communication culture
  • Active social committee with events during work and outside hours. Some for individuals, some for families
  • 401(k) participation
  • Vacation and sick days

Why Join Us?

At our Irvine location, you’ll join a close-knit team that values initiative, curiosity, and pride in creating and maintaining an outstanding workspace. We’d love to hear from you, especially if you’re curious, hands-on and thrive in mechanism design, concept development, and early-stage engineering!

Don’t meet every single requirement?
Studies show that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still encourage you to apply—you may be just the right fit.

StarFish Medical is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations upon request throughout the hiring process.