The Company:
We are Open Bionics, a growing startup based in Bristol that designs, develops and manufactures beautiful bionic limbs. The flagship product is the Hero Arm, a myo‑electric arm that turns disabilities into superpowers.
Our Mission & Values:
“Create and Democratize Technology that Enhances the Human Body”.
Innovate – Look at the problem differently.
Empower – Enable people to act with confidence.
Be Ambitious – Think bigger.
Treat People Equally – Treat everyone with equal respect.
Role Specification:
We are looking for a visionary and execution‑focused Head of R&D to define and lead the future of product development at Open Bionics. This is a pivotal role at the heart of the business, responsible for turning bold ideas into world‑class bionic products that directly improve people’s lives.
You will own the end‑to‑end R&D function, leading a multidisciplinary engineering team and driving the development of innovative, user‑centred products from early concept through to launch and beyond. You will be responsible for building and delivering a scalable product roadmap, aligning technical development with company strategy, and ensuring excellence across design, quality, regulatory and delivery.
This role requires a combination of strategic thinking and hands‑on leadership. You will need to navigate complexity, make confident decisions in ambiguous environments, and maintain a high‑performing team capable of delivering at pace as the company grows.
Responsibilities:
* Lead the technical direction of Open Bionics product development, in alignment with the company vision, objectives and values.
* People Management – Line managing, developing and supporting all members of the R&D team.
* Project Management – Set project timelines, manage the product critical path and lead gateway review meetings.
* Process Management – Run and continuously improve R&D processes, including the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and change request process.
* Maintain and communicate R&D performance through regular KPI reporting.
* Strategic planning – Identify potential roadblocks and implement preventative and corrective actions.
* Secure funding – Identify and apply for grants to fund new product development.
* Risk management – Lead risk management around compliance, regulatory, quality, safety and project timelines.
* Maintain a long‑term (5‑year) product development pipeline.
* Champion a co‑design methodology where the user’s experience and needs sit at the heart of research and development.
* Perform quarterly reviews of the R&D department to align activities with the product pipeline, company objectives, values and vision.
* Ensure clear product specifications & attributes are defined and delivered through quality gateways.
* Support the Quality team to meet ISO standards throughout the NPI process.
* Manage the intellectual property portfolio and grow its value through effective IP management.
* Maintain R&D budget, expenses and cost management, including tooling, piece cost and labour.
* Communicate quickly and effectively if project parameters or scope change.
Qualifications & Experience:
* Broad engineering expertise across mechanical, product, electronics and software development with the ability to operate at both strategic and technical levels.
* Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and delivering complex products through the full lifecycle from concept to commercialisation.
* Strong decision‑making capability, able to make timely, well‑reasoned decisions in ambiguous or high‑pressure situations.
* Excellent communication skills, able to articulate complex technical concepts to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
* Highly analytical and data‑driven, using structured problem‑solving approaches to inform decisions and drive performance.
* Resilient, composed under pressure and capable of responding to changing priorities and unforeseen challenges.
* High levels of emotional intelligence and self‑awareness, managing both personal and team dynamics effectively.
* Experience delivering projects against time, cost and quality objectives with strong planning, prioritisation and execution in a fast‑paced environment.
* Degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Mechanical, Electrical, Product Design or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
* Experience within a regulated environment (e.g. medical devices, ISO standards or similar).
* Experience implementing or improving R&D processes such as New Product Introduction (NPI) or change control.
* Exposure to intellectual property (IP) development, including patents and design protection.
* Experience scaling engineering teams or functions within a startup or high‑growth environment.
Benefits:
* 32 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
* Additional day of leave for moving house or getting married.
* Company pension scheme.
* 50% subsidised gym/sports membership or exercise classes (up to £30).
* Up to 50% cost covered for professional accreditations.
Other Information:
Open Bionics is an Equal Opportunities employer. If you are disabled and require any reasonable adjustments, please contact shaun@openbionics.com.
We welcome enquiries from everyone and we value diversity in our workplace. We may operate positive action measures to encourage people from under‑represented groups to apply and help them overcome disadvantages in competing with other applicants.
If you are successful, you will be expected to provide proof of your right to work in the UK.
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