From Concept to Care: Leading R&D and Operations in the Medical Device Industry
Abstract:
This seminar focuses on the career journey and real-world experiences of a Vice President of R&D and Operations Engineering in the medical device industry. Students will gain insight into how careers evolve across engineering, innovation, operations, and leadership, and what skills, mindsets, and decisions enable long-term success. The session offers practical guidance on navigating industry roles, learning from early career choices, and building a path at the intersection of engineering, healthcare, and business impact.

Bio:
With more than 25 years in the medical device industry, Carlos M. Ortega (Vice President of R&D and Operations Engineering) has built a career at the intersection of innovation, engineering execution, and clinical impact. Having held leadership and functional roles at companies such as Terumo, Medtronic, and Johnson & Johnson, he has contributed to the development and commercialization of technologies across cardiovascular, neurovascular, aortic, and peripheral vascular therapies.

His experience spans predominantly R&D leadership, complemented by roles in operations engineering and product marketing, giving him a unique perspective on how ideas translate into manufacturable, clinically meaningful products. Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary teams, navigated complex regulatory environments, and helped organizations align technology development with patient and business needs.

He is passionate about the impact medical devices have on the lives or the patients they serve and in mentoring the next generation of professionals by sharing practical insights into building impactful careers in the medical device industry.