Research and Development Engineering Manager

Research and Development Engineering Manager (m/f/d)

Medical Devices | Mechanical Engineering | People Leadership

Location: Eastern Switzerland | Full-time | Permanent | Primarily On-site

Great engineering begins with people who are empowered to make a difference.

Are you an experienced R&D leader who combines strong mechanical engineering expertise with a genuine passion for developing people?

Do you believe that successful innovation comes from collaboration, trust and empowering talented engineers rather than micromanagement?

Then this opportunity could be an exciting next step in your career.

On behalf of an established, internationally active Swiss medical technology company, Karakas Recruiting is looking for an experienced and approachable R&D Engineering Manager to lead and further develop a team of skilled engineers.

Our client operates in a highly specialised and regulated medical technology environment, developing technically sophisticated products with a meaningful impact on patient care.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and further develop an experienced team of mechanical and product development engineers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative working environment where creativity, ownership and open communication are encouraged.
• Provide technical guidance in mechanical design, product development and engineering decisions.
• Contribute to the development of innovative medical devices and surgical instruments, from concept through to product realisation.
• Ensure high standards of technical documentation, design controls and regulatory compliance.
• Improve engineering processes, development methods and digital workflows.
• Work closely with senior R&D leadership and cross-functional teams, including Quality, Regulatory Affairs and Manufacturing.
• Empower team members to take responsibility while providing clear direction and support.

Your Background

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Technology or a comparable discipline.
• Several years of hands-on experience in mechanical medical device development.
• Ideally, experience in orthopaedic implants, trauma, joint reconstruction, dental implants, surgical instruments or related medical technologies.
• Proven experience in leading, coaching and developing technical teams.
• Strong understanding of CAD, mechanical design and technical engineering drawings.
• Practical experience with design controls, development documentation and regulatory requirements such as EU MDR and FDA.
• A structured approach combined with digital awareness and a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent English communication skills. German is an advantage but not a requirement.

The Person We Are Looking For

Beyond technical expertise, we are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with people.

You are approachable, down-to-earth and confident without being overly hierarchical. You know when to provide guidance and when to give your team the freedom to develop its own ideas.

You bring curiosity, adaptability and the ability to navigate a dynamic engineering environment while building trust and encouraging continuous improvement.

What Makes This Opportunity Special

• A meaningful leadership position within an innovative Swiss medical technology environment.
• The opportunity to shape and develop an established, experienced engineering team.
• Technically challenging products with a direct connection to patient care.
• A collaborative culture that values initiative, open communication and mutual respect.
• Close interaction with senior leadership and the opportunity to contribute your ideas.
• Attractive employment conditions and long-term development opportunities.

Location & Working Model

The position is based in Eastern Switzerland , with a strong emphasis on on-site leadership and close collaboration with the engineering team.

Home office is possible by mutual agreement , while regular presence on-site remains an important part of the role.

We welcome applications from qualified professionals across Switzerland and Europe who are genuinely open to relocating to the region.

Let's Talk

Not every exciting career opportunity starts with an active job search.

Sometimes, it begins with a confidential conversation about your experience, ambitions and what truly matters to you.

As the founder of Karakas Recruiting , I personally manage this search and accompany candidates throughout the recruitment process.

If this opportunity resonates with you, I would be delighted to hear from you.

Sevda Karakas

Founder | Executive Search & Direct Search

Swiss MedTech & Life Sciences

[email protected]

www.karakas-recruiting.ch

All enquiries will be treated with discretion and professionalism.