Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs-CA

Synchron, Inc.

San Diego, CA, US Onsite Regulatory & Medical Affairs 2025

About this role

About Synchron

Synchron’s vision is to build non-surgical brain–computer interfaces at global scale that protect the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and autonomy. Our first mission is to develop motor decoders that restore the ability of 15 million people with paralysis to interact with the digital world. Our second mission is to develop whole-brain cognitive decoders that enable hundreds of millions of people with cognitive decline to preserve and expand their agency as cognition changes over time. In pursuing these goals, we aim not only to help humans flourish, but also to drive fundamental discoveries in human intelligence. Our team operates at the intersection of healthcare and technology, translating breakthrough research into real-world, safety-critical systems.

Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs

Location: San Diego, California (Onsite)
Department: Regulatory
Reports to: VP, Regulatory and Quality

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs will serve as the senior regulatory leader for Synchron’s San Diego operations, providing strategic and operational oversight across software, firmware, and hardware regulatory activities. This role will own regulatory strategy for new BCI platform development, with oversight of ongoing product updates, and manufacturing-related submissions, working closely with cross-functional teams in engineering, quality, and clinical to ensure regulatory readiness at every stage of the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Strategy and Submissions
- Lead regulatory strategy and submission planning for software, firmware, and hardware for new product development programs and product updates
- Author and manage IDE, PMA, and PMA supplement submissions to the FDA; support additional international filings as needed
- Develop and execute software and firmware regulatory strategy for complex BCI devices, including AI/ML considerations, software and firmware change management, and lifecycle documentation in compliance with applicable guidance
- Provide regulatory support for manufacturing-related activities, including process changes and design transfers
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner with engineering, software, quality, clinical, and operations teams to integrate regulatory requirements from early development through commercialization
- Provide regulatory guidance on new product concepts, design inputs, and technology transfers
- Support project planning and roadmaps with well-defined regulatory milestones and risk assessments
Regulatory Intelligence and Compliance
- Monitor evolving FDA regulations, guidance documents, and international standards relevant to Class III implantable devices and complex software- and firmware-driven medical technologies
- Ensure ongoing compliance with IDE and approved submission commitments, including reporting obligations and correspondence management
- Represent Synchron in FDA meetings, pre-submission interactions, and agency correspondence
Minimal travel expected (<10% of the time). Potential planned travel for FDA meetings, cross-site collaboration, and conferences.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, life sciences, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
12+ years of regulatory affairs experience in the medical device industry, with progressive responsibility including demonstrated experience with complex, high-risk (Class III) active implantable neurological or cardiac devices.
Strong software and firmware regulatory expertise for complex medical devices, including experience with AI/ML-enabled features, software and firmware change management, and applicable FDA guidance
Track record of leading FDA submissions (IDE, PMA, supplements) and managing agency interactions independently
Familiarity with manufacturing-related regulatory considerations, including process changes and design transfers, in a device development or scale-up context
Experience supporting new product development from concept through submission, including design control and risk management integration
Deep knowledge of 21 CFR Parts 820, 812, 814, and applicable international standards
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate regulatory complexity for engineering and executive audiences
Effective time management and interpersonal skills
Builds productive internal and external working relationships

Preferred Qualifications

RAC certification (RAPS)

Experience with brain-computer interfaces, neural stimulation, or implantable neurotechnology
Familiarity with OUS regulatory pathways (CE Mark, TGA, or similar)

Experience scaling a regulatory function at a growth-stage medical device company

Key Competencies

Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Excellent problem‑solving
Effective written and verbal communication
Ability to partner cross‑functionally and influence stakeholders
Strong organizational and project management skills, with comfort operating in a lean, startup‑style environment

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $210,000 – $240,000 depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or equity grants, subject to board approval and company policy.

Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position currently.

Benefits (for W-2, full-time, exempt employees in the US only) ***Intern positions not eligible

Subsidized medical and dental insurance coverage for you and your dependent(s)
Life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability
401k
Discretionary unlimited PTO
Flexible Spending Account for you and your dependent(s), with eligible plan elections
Commuter benefits for NY employees

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Synchron is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

Join Us

At Synchron, you will be part of a transformative mission and you will work alongside driven people who believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to make a lasting impact. If you are excited to stretch your skills and contribute to something meaningful, apply now and build the future with us.