Senior Systems Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Systems Design Manager

Company: Boston Scientific

Location: Arden Hills, MN, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Systems Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-27T02:17:32

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a high-performing team responsible for the system-level design of active implantable devices within Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) and Urology divisions.

• Drive innovation and product development by defining high-value products, creating system requirements, and managing the overall system design process.

• Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning, empowering team members to solve complex challenges and make risk-based decisions.

• Serve as a primary technical point of contact for cross-functional organizations including Marketing, Regulatory, Technical Services, Medical Safety, Quality, and Clinicals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical management function within R&D, focusing on the foundational system design of active implantable medical devices. The emphasis on both people leadership and technical oversight, coupled with extensive cross-functional interaction, suggests a strategic operational role that bridges technical development with business objectives and patient outcomes. The requirement for on-site presence four days a week indicates a collaborative and hands-on management approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Recruit, coach, develop, and retain top engineering talent to meet current business needs and build future technical and leadership capabilities.

• Establish clear expectations and foster an entrepreneurial environment that empowers team members to solve complex problems and exercise sound technical judgment.

• Ensure high-quality deliverables for technical projects of significant scope, maintaining technical excellence across product and technology development activities throughout the product lifecycle.

• Lead technology integration and knowledge transfer, driving the development of departmental tools and methodologies to enhance efficiency and innovation.

• Guide teams through technical challenges, escalations, and trade-off decisions, maintaining a strong focus on patient needs, product quality, and business objectives.

• Provide technical leadership and governance across the product lifecycle, ensuring compliance with design control and quality system requirements.

• Build strategic partnerships across AIS and the broader Boston Scientific network to achieve departmental and organizational goals.

• Develop and monitor department budgets, collaborating with functional leads and program managers on resource plans and development schedules.

• Present project and technical updates, along with strategic recommendations, to senior leadership, ensuring clear communication with all stakeholders.

• Develop project investment proposals and business cases as needed to support strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, technical oversight, strategic planning, and financial stewardship. The emphasis on product lifecycle management, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration is central to operations within a highly regulated medical device environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 8 years with a Master's degree.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading a technical engineering group.

• Established success leading technical teams, managing complex projects, and delivering results in integration or new product development settings.

• Proven track record of developing medical technology from early-stage development through full product launch and sustaining activities.

• Experience in a regulated industry. Required Skills:

• Systems Design & Engineering: Deep knowledge of systems engineering methods and tools, including architecture, modeling, and product line engineering. Proficiency in design controls, focusing on user needs, intended use, system requirements, system design, and traceability.

• People Leadership: Proven ability to recruit, coach, develop, and retain technical talent. Experience establishing clear expectations and fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous learning.

• Technical Project Management: Demonstrated success in managing complex projects, delivering results in integration or new product development, and guiding teams through technical challenges and trade-off decisions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven effectiveness in collaborating across functions, influencing without direct authority, and enabling highly effective teams. Ability to build strategic partnerships.

• Regulatory Compliance & Quality Systems: Understanding of design controls and quality system requirements. Experience in a regulated industry is essential.

• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate technical issues and risks clearly, concisely, and transparently across all organizational levels. Experience presenting to senior leadership.

Preferred Skills:

• Background in implantable device development.

• Knowledge of Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) systems and products (ICDs, pacemakers, CRTs, diagnostic devices, programmers, etc.).

• Understanding of regulatory expectations for medical device product approvals.

• Proven success in building strong partnerships with cross-functional teams within and outside of product development.

• Experience working with global R&D teams.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize resource needs across competing projects.

• Track record of leading change management initiatives.

• Familiarity with Lean/Agile concepts (scrums, burnups, retrospectives, backlog, minimizing WIP).

• Desire to understand clinical needs and engage with physician customers.

• Strong personal drive, individual accountability, and bias for action.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong foundation in systems engineering and design controls, crucial for developing complex medical devices. The leadership experience requirement, coupled with a background in regulated industries, points to a role that demands robust operational discipline and strategic decision-making. The preferred skills highlight a specialized understanding of the CRM market and agile methodologies, suggesting a desire for candidates who can hit the ground running with domain-specific knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful system-level design projects for complex products, ideally within the medical device or regulated industries.

• Provide examples of how you have defined system requirements, managed architecture, and ensured traceability from user needs to design specifications.

• Include case studies illustrating your approach to leading technical teams through product development lifecycles, highlighting challenges overcome and results achieved.

• Showcase experience with design control processes, including documentation of user needs, system requirements, system design, and verification/validation activities. Process Documentation:

• Present examples of established systems engineering processes, including requirements management, architecture development, and risk management frameworks.

• Illustrate your experience in developing and implementing departmental tools and methodologies to improve design efficiency and product quality.

• Demonstrate how you have ensured compliance with design control and quality system requirements through documented processes and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the nature of a Senior Systems Design Manager role in a regulated industry heavily implies the need to showcase past work. This section infers the types of evidence candidates should prepare to demonstrate their expertise in system design, team leadership, and adherence to rigorous development processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,800 - $239,000 annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance package.

• Annual Bonus target (subject to plan eligibility and requirements).

• Long-term Incentives (subject to plan eligibility and requirements).

• Relocation assistance may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Access to BSC Benefits Connect portal for detailed benefit information.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard for full-time exempt roles). The role requires on-site presence at least four days per week in Arden Hills, MN.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the Arden Hills, MN location. The note about compensation being commensurate with experience, education, and business needs is standard for exempt roles. The mention of variable compensation (annual bonus and long-term incentives) is typical for management positions in this industry, reflecting performance-based rewards. Relocation assistance is explicitly stated as not guaranteed but potentially available.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Technology / Healthcare Devices

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Boston Scientific is a global company with tens of thousands of employees). This size indicates a structured environment with established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for broad impact.

Founded: 1979 (Boston Scientific Corporation). With over 45 years of history, the company has a deep-rooted expertise in medical innovation and a strong market presence.

Company Specialties: Advanced medical technologies, high-performance solutions for cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, oncological, neurological, and urological diseases.

Team Structure:

• The role leads a team within Active Implantable Systems (AIS) R&D, specifically focusing on Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) and Urology divisions.

• The team comprises engineers responsible for system-level design.

• The manager reports within the R&D hierarchy and collaborates extensively with Marketing, Regulatory, Technical Services, Medical Safety, Quality, and Clinicals organizations. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and a rigorous, evidence-based approach to product development, aligning with regulatory requirements.

• Utilizes systems engineering methodologies, including architecture, modeling, and product line engineering.

• Adherence to strict design control processes and quality system requirements.

• Potential adoption of Lean/Agile concepts for process optimization and efficiency.

Company Website: www.bostonscientific.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Boston Scientific is a well-established leader in the medical technology sector. The company's culture is characterized by a commitment to innovation, patient outcomes, and high performance, as evidenced by its stated values. The R&D environment within AIS is highly technical and regulated, requiring a structured yet adaptable approach to product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineer. This role is a significant step into leadership, managing a team of specialized engineers and influencing product strategy at a system level. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise and strong people management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Systems Design Manager reports within the AIS R&D structure. They will have direct reports (engineers) and will interact with peers and senior leadership across various departments. This structure facilitates cross-functional alignment and provides visibility to higher-level strategic discussions.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts the development of life-saving and life-enhancing medical devices. Success in this role means enabling the creation of high-quality, compliant, and innovative products that improve patient outcomes, enhance physician capabilities, and contribute to Boston Scientific's market leadership and revenue growth. Effective system design is foundational to product performance, reliability, and regulatory approval.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in implantable systems, CRM, or advanced systems engineering principles, potentially leading to principal engineer or chief architect roles.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to Director-level positions within R&D or operations, managing larger teams and broader functional areas.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into roles in program management, product management, or regulatory affairs, leveraging systems design knowledge.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities for training in new technologies, regulatory updates, leadership development, and participation in industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, reputable medical technology company. The combination of technical leadership and people management provides a well-rounded foundation for future growth into more senior operational and strategic positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate R&D environment within a large medical device company. This typically implies a focus on collaboration, innovation, and adherence to strict protocols.

Office Location(s): Arden Hills, Minnesota. This location is a significant R&D hub for Boston Scientific.

Workspace Context:

• The role requires on-site presence four days per week, suggesting a collaborative workspace designed for team interaction, project discussions, and access to necessary facilities.

• Access to advanced engineering tools, laboratories, and IT infrastructure is expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse team of engineers, cross-functional partners, and senior management.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours, likely around 40 hours per week. While a hybrid model is in place, the expectation is regular in-office presence for team collaboration and management. Flexibility may be offered within the hybrid framework, but the core work demands consistent team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model with a strong emphasis on in-office collaboration underscores the importance of team dynamics and direct communication in the development of complex medical devices. This environment is structured to support rigorous engineering practices while fostering innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on leadership experience, technical approach to systems design, and management philosophy. Expect questions about team building, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making.

• Technical/Panel Interview(s): Interviews with senior engineers, peers, and cross-functional stakeholders to assess technical depth in systems engineering, medical device development, and regulatory compliance. This may include scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review (Implied): While not explicitly stated, candidates will likely be asked to present examples of their work, particularly concerning system design, project leadership, and process improvement. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, challenges, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Director of R&D) to evaluate strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solution (system design approach), the challenges encountered, and the quantifiable results (e.g., improved performance, reduced risk, successful launch, efficiency gains).

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you led teams, mentored engineers, managed cross-functional efforts, and made critical technical or strategic decisions.

• Emphasize Process Adherence: Demonstrate your understanding and application of design controls, systems engineering methodologies, and regulatory compliance in your work.

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or key competency (e.g., System Architecture, Requirements Management, Team Leadership, Process Improvement). Use clear visuals and concise explanations.

• Tailor: Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with Boston Scientific's specific needs in Active Implantable Systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• System Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach the system design for a hypothetical new implantable device, including key considerations, risks, and stakeholder engagement.

• Leadership Dilemma: Prepare to discuss how you would handle a common team management challenge, such as underperformance, inter-team conflict, or managing competing priorities.

• Process Improvement Case: Be ready to present a past project where you identified a process gap and implemented improvements, detailing the methodology and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior management role in a regulated industry like medical devices is typically rigorous. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not only technical competence but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the operational complexities of product development. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for showcasing practical experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Systems Engineering Tools: Proficiency with tools for architecture definition, requirements management, modeling, and product line engineering. Specific examples might include DOORs, Cameo Systems Modeler, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar platforms used for complex system design and simulation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana for project planning, tracking, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or internal company platforms for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools for analyzing technical data, performance metrics, and project progress. This could range from Excel to more advanced statistical software depending on the team's specific needs.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise reports for senior leadership, potentially using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or integrated reporting features within project management or PLM systems.

CRM & Automation:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) is highly probable for managing product data, design history, and change control in a regulated environment.

• Workflow Automation: While not explicitly detailed, an understanding of how to leverage automation within design and development processes would be beneficial, especially with the mention of Lean/Agile concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Senior Systems Design Manager in medical devices is heavily focused on rigorous engineering and project management tools. PLM systems are critical for managing the complex documentation and traceability required by regulatory bodies. Familiarity with simulation and modeling tools is also expected for system-level design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to develop cutting-edge technologies that improve patient lives.

• Quality: Unwavering commitment to product quality, safety, and efficacy, driven by rigorous processes and standards.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional partnerships, and open communication to achieve shared goals.

• High Performance: Expectation of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement from individuals and teams.

• Diversity: Valuing diverse perspectives and backgrounds to foster a richer, more innovative work environment.

• Caring: A patient-centric approach that underpins all development efforts.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands proactive collaboration with Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, Clinical, and other R&D functions to ensure alignment and successful product development.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making, relying on established engineering and quality processes.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparency and direct feedback to facilitate problem-solving and continuous learning within the team and with stakeholders.

• Empowerment: Fostering an environment where team members are empowered to take ownership, contribute ideas, and make informed decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Boston Scientific's stated values—Diversity, Innovation, Caring, Global Collaboration, Winning Spirit, High Performance—are deeply embedded in its operational culture. For a management role, demonstrating alignment with these values through leadership style and decision-making is critical.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Regulatory Complexity: Ensuring all system designs meet stringent global regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, CE Mark) while balancing innovation and time-to-market.

• Managing Cross-Functional Dependencies: Coordinating efforts across multiple departments, each with its own priorities and timelines, to achieve integrated product development goals.

• Talent Development & Retention: Attracting and retaining highly skilled engineers in a competitive market, particularly those with specialized knowledge in implantable systems.

• Balancing Innovation with Risk: Fostering an environment that encourages creative solutions while rigorously managing technical and patient safety risks.

• Budgetary Constraints: Effectively managing department budgets and resource allocation across competing projects to ensure successful project completion within financial parameters.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Systems Engineering: Deepen expertise in areas like system architecture, modeling and simulation, and product line engineering through specialized training and project work.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Access to internal leadership development programs, executive coaching, and workshops focused on people management, strategic planning, and change leadership.

• Industry Trends & Technologies: Staying abreast of advancements in implantable device technology, CRM, AI in healthcare, and regulatory landscapes through conferences, webinars, and professional development courses.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to gain deeper insights into marketing, regulatory affairs, clinical trials, and manufacturing processes, broadening operational understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior leadership roles in the medical device industry, requiring strategic thinking, strong execution, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways for both technical and leadership progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a team through a complex system design project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Assesses leadership, project management, and technical problem-solving).

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and accountability within an engineering team, especially in a regulated environment?" (Evaluates management philosophy and understanding of operational culture).

• "Walk me through your process for defining system requirements and ensuring traceability throughout the product lifecycle." (Tests technical depth in systems engineering and design controls).

• "How would you manage competing priorities and resource allocation across multiple R&D projects simultaneously?" (Assesses strategic planning and resource management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Boston Scientific's role in the Active Implantable Systems market, and how does your experience align with our mission?" (Tests research and alignment with company goals).

• "How do you build and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional partners (e.g., Marketing, Regulatory, Quality)?" (Evaluates collaboration and communication skills).

• "Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult trade-off decision involving patient safety, product performance, and project timelines. How did you approach it?" (Assesses judgment and understanding of critical operational balance). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your career trajectory and key areas of expertise.

• Case Studies: Select 2-3 significant projects that best demonstrate your leadership in system design, team management, and successful product development. For each, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge: The business or technical problem.
  • Your Role & Team: Your leadership responsibilities and team composition.
  • The Solution: Your system design approach, key decisions, and methodologies used.
  • The Outcome: Quantifiable results, impact on patients/business, and lessons learned.

• Process Focus: Explicitly discuss how you applied design controls, systems engineering principles, and managed risks within your projects.

• Conciseness: Be articulate and concise. Focus on the most impactful elements of each project. Be prepared for detailed follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of systems engineering within the medical device context, coupled with proven leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills. Candidates should be ready to provide specific examples and quantify their achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Systems Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Boston Scientific careers portal via the provided URL.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in systems design, technical leadership, medical device development, and regulatory compliance. Use keywords from the job description such as "systems engineering," "design controls," "product lifecycle," and "cross-functional collaboration." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a selection of projects that showcase your expertise in system-level design, team leadership, and navigating regulated development environments. Be ready to present these during the interview process.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Boston Scientific's mission, values, product lines (especially in AIS, CRM, and Urology), and recent company news. Understand their commitment to innovation and patient outcomes.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and technical approach to systems design.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.