Chief Technology Officer

About Viking Arm Medical

Viking Arm Medical is a Norwegian start-up at the forefront of thoracic surgery innovation. We develop next-generation surgical retractors and related products to improve surgical ergonomics, enhance procedural efficiency and optimize recovery for patients. Operating under ISO 13485 and EU MDR principles with a global network of qualified subcontractors, we have multiple novel products in development and are progressing toward production readiness and regulatory submission.

To lead our technical organisation through the transition from development to commercialisation, we are now seeking a Chief Technology Officer.

Position Summary

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a key-member of the MT, leading the company’s technical and product development strategy as we transition from R&D to commercialisation. The CTO will oversee Product Development, design control, product verification and validation, and industrialisation, ensuring that all engineering activities align with regulatory/quality requirements, clinical needs, manufacturability and corporate goals and objectives..

This is a senior leadership role, shaping both the technology roadmap and the organisational structure required to scale production and maintain regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate combines hands-on engineering experience with strategic leadership, and is able to bridge mechanical design, systems engineering and regulatory affairs in a lean medtech start-up context. The position reports to the CEO and is based in Oslo, Norway.

Key Responsibilities

Product & Technology Leadership

• Define and execute the technical roadmap and long-term innovation strategy for the company’s thoracic and sternal retraction systems.
• Lead all R&D and design control activities from concept to production, including risk management, usability engineering and verification and validation.
• Translate clinical and user requirements into robust design inputs, and ensure compliance with ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEC 62366 and EU MDR (Annex II–III).
• Oversee mechanical design, prototype development and design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA).

Regulatory & Quality Oversight

• Maintain the Design History File (DHF), Risk Management File (RMF) and usability documentation, and ensure technical documentation supports CE marking and future submissions.
• Act as the primary technical interface with the Notified Body, and preserve optionality for a future US FDA pathway (21 CFR Part 820).
• Integrate risk management and design verification into all stages of product development.
• Collaborate with QA/RA management and external consultants to achieve and maintain regulatory readiness.

Supplier, Manufacturing & Testing Coordination

• Lead supplier qualification, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) and technical audits across machining, assembly and sterilization workflows.
• Approve critical design parameters such as tolerances, surface finishes and material standards.
• Manage technical relationships with specialised subcontractors, including precision machining, sealing systems and material suppliers.
• Oversee industrialisation and manufacturability reviews, ensuring readiness for scale-up and reprocessing workflows.

Validation, Testing & Data Analysis

• Define and interpret verification and validation programmes, including mechanical, autoclave and cyclic fatigue testing.
• Evaluate mechanical integrity, seal performance and force distribution under simulated use conditions.
• Apply experimental and computational methods to correlate engineering data with intended use scenarios.
• Lead investigations of test results and nonconformities and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Organisational & Strategic Leadership

• Build and lead the engineering and supply-chain functions, fostering accountability and cross functional collaboration.
• Provide technical input to the CEO on R&D priorities, investment decisions and intellectual property strategy.
• Contribute to strategic planning, funding and investor communications by providing a strong technical foundation.
• Guide intellectual property strategy and support patent filings.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in medical device R&D, including leadership roles in Class II/III device development.
• Proven record of bringing surgical instruments or comparable devices from prototype to CE marking and/or FDA clearance.
• Deep understanding of ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEC 62366 and EU MDR.
• Experience with supplier qualification, process validation and DFM/DFA in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills with clinicians, regulatory teams and suppliers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English (Norwegian advantageous).

Personal Attributes

• Strategic yet hands-on technical leader and team builder who thrives in a fast-moving, high accountability environment, driven by a passion for the Medical Device arena.
• Structured and analytical, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Skilled communicator who can align technical goals with commercial, clinical and stakeholders priorities.
• Committed to compliance integrity, technical excellence and regulatory discipline in product development.

What We Offer

• A central senior leadership role shaping the technology and organisation of an innovative surgical device company.
• The opportunity to help bring patented, disruptive medical devices from development to market.
• A compact, expert and collaborative team with direct access to clinical advisors and decision makers.
• An Oslo base in a global environment, with real personal growth and career development potential.
• A competitive package, including a performance-based stock option plan.

How to apply

To join our mission of advancing thoracic surgery, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and your vision for the CTO role at Viking Arm Medical AS to:

Email: [email protected]