Head of Medical Device Manufacturing

What is Motif?

Motif is a medical device startup based in Houston, Texas. We are designing and developing minimally invasive electronic solutions for serious mental health conditions. Powered by our patent-pending methods for wireless power and data transmission, our goal is to create the smallest implantable brain stimulator to treat people with mental health disorders.

We are an early-stage startup with funding from venture capital firms, grants, and private angel and founder investments.

Motif’s technology stack consists of a small implant that is wirelessly powered via magnetic fields from an external wearable transmitter, configured and controlled from a programming interface. It delivers novel stimulation therapy to cortical targets and will evolve to record biomarkers of symptoms, disease state, and therapy response.

Where are we going?

We are currently completing the development of our first minimally invasive neural stimulation system and preparing for future versions with additional functionality based on our platform technology.

About the Job

We are seeking candidates with a background in medical device manufacturing, process improvement, and supply chain management to ensure that we have everything we need to build high quality medical devices on time. We are looking for a dynamic, adaptable professional with experience in startups or small businesses—someone who thrives in a technical environment and is comfortable wearing multiple hats. This role requires a unique balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution. You will need to dive into the details, problem-solve in real time, and roll up your sleeves to get things done, while also stepping back to see the bigger picture and collaborate with executives to drive long-term success. If you're someone who can seamlessly shift between tactical and strategic work and isn’t afraid to get in the weeds while keeping a high-level perspective, apply now to be part of our dedicated team. 

You will help launch our manufacturing function by selecting and implementing our inventory and manufacturing management software, writing our manufacturing processes, and managing a global supply chain and multi-lab facility to build Class III innovative neural implant devices. This role will work closely with design engineering to develop new processes and bring new manufacturing technologies online and under control and manage a small team to execute manufacturing and operations work. This role will also oversee the manufacturing staff that exists and that we hire over time including supply chain and inventory personnel, as well as technicians and manufacturing engineers.

This job is an ideal role for somebody well-versed in medical device development and manufacturing and process improvement at the startup level who wants to grow into broader operations management such as inventory, facilities, supply chain, and purchasing. 

Job Location: Onsite in Houston, Texas. Relocation assistance is offered for this role if you are not local.

Does this sound like you?

• Do you like creating systems and processes to help others do great work?
• Do you believe that openness and honesty are key to team success?
• Do you want to create a future where technology enables better mental healthcare?

If yes to the above, then you may love working with Motif as it is being built by highly dedicated people with passion for neurotechnology, clinical product development, and putting the patient first. We are looking for people with the same energy who will thrive in a high growth, high autonomy environment.

In this role, you will:

• Design and establish processes to support quality products
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes for handling equipment, calibration, maintenance, inventory management, and manufacturing records
• Write manufacturing work instructions alongside engineering to help ensure products are designed for manufacturability
• Work with quality and engineering to conduct risk assessments (pFMEAs), monitor build quality, and inspected at appropriate control points
• Onboard software, tooling, and new manufacturing equipment and processes to support resource planning, part lifecycle management, and new manufacturing procedures
• Run manufacturing and inventory operations
• Manage inventory and ensure full product and part traceability through receiving, inspection, and marking and labeling procedures
• Develop the build schedule and ensure builds are prioritized and changes are communicated to appropriate stakeholders
• Purchase supplies, tooling, and capital equipment for engineering and manufacturing according to our purchasing procedures
• Represent manufacturing in weekly meetings and in a quality documentation capacity
• Manage and maintain the facility and team
• Manage supply chain by selecting suppliers, working with quality on effective supplier agreements, and monitoring supplier performance
• Ensure facilities are operational and safe by implementing and following OSHA guidelines and establishing and maintaining PPE requirements, safety markings, and more
• Oversee small team of manufacturing and operations personnel, including hiring and performance management, and set work direction
• Occasionally travel to supplier conferences/trade shows such as MD&M West and/or to visit contract manufacturers and suppliers in Taiwan
• This is not an exhaustive list of duties and you may be asked to perform different tasks if your role within or the objectives of the organization changes.

To be considered, you will need:

• 6+ years of experience leading medical device manufacturing and cGMP manufacturing for products with electronics, in a small business environment
• 1+ years of experience in a finance/operations role or a manufacturing role with budget and expense responsibilities
• 2+ years of experience managing a team and/or department
• Substantial experience working with manufacturing resource planning or enterprise resource planning software for the purpose of managing manufacturing operations and builds (work orders, sales orders, etc)
• Experience in manufacturing and design documentation development, including writing and improving manufacturing procedures, developing or identifying areas for in-process inspections and influencing design for manufacturability
• Some experience in purchasing, procurement or supply chain management
• Demonstrable strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-departmental coordination
• Experience working under a Quality Management system and working with both design files and manufacturing records
• Experience hiring and managing performance for teams of manufacturing engineers, technicians, and/or support staff

It is a bonus if you have:

• Experience in managing or implementing an ISO 7 or stricter cleanroom manufacturing environment
• Experience managing or implementing a BSL Class II or stricter lab
• Experience working in an ISO 13485 quality management system
• Experience with in-house sterilization and packaging
• Experience developing new processes or bringing online new process technologies
• Experience with laser cutting and welding technologies

Benefits*

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents
• Participation in our 401k plan
• Unlimited PTO
• The chance to work with an incredible group of people working towards a common goal for a better future