R&D Technical Lead

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.  

Are you ready to take on a highly visible role where you can shape the execution of complex R&D initiatives and drive real impact across a global organization? As a R&D Technical Lead based in Coyol, Alajuela, you will play a critical role in connecting teams, driving clarity, and ensuring that key projects move forward with purpose and momentum. This is an opportunity to work at the center of innovation, collaborating across functions to bring meaningful healthcare solutions to life.

What will you be doing?

• Leading execution of product support and lifecycle initiatives across a diverse R&D portfolio

• Defining and maintaining structured execution plans, including milestones, dependencies, and critical paths

• Developing technical strategies to support design changes, line extensions, and OEM programs

• Acting as a key integrator across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams

• Driving alignment on scope, priorities, and execution approach with diverse stakeholders

• Identifying risks, tradeoffs, and constraints while enabling timely and informed decision making

• Ensuring initiatives progress with accountability, clarity, and urgency

• Supporting the development of scalable processes and consistent ways of working

• Partner with technical and functional leaders to ensure solutions meet performance, compliance, and business objectives

What will you need to be successful?

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field is required, advanced degree preferred

• 5 to 8+ years of experience leading complex, cross functional technical initiatives in a regulated environment

• Advanced English proficiency is required, with strong verbal communication skills and the ability to confidently lead technical discussions with global stakeholders

• Experience in product lifecycle management, design changes, or sustaining engineering

• Strong understanding of regulatory and quality standards such as FDA, ISO 13485, or MDR

• Proven ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable plans

• Experience working across global teams, including manufacturing and supply chain partners

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence without formal authority

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating across global teams

You. Unlimited

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve. 

Inclusion + Belonging - Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/ 

• Your future:  stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.

• Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.

• Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave. 

• Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.

• Training: Training program, unlimited learning.

• Extra perks: employees association, and more…

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