Director, Program Strategy

Location: Irvine, CA (Hybrid)

Department: Business Development - Program Strategy

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.

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 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 engineering, strategy, and client engagement!

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.