Project Manager, R&D

About Baxter

Baxter is focused on improving healthcare access and outcomes for people everywhere, guided by a long-standing belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life. Since 1931, this mission has shaped the way the company works and innovates.

The organization is built around a shared commitment to save and sustain lives. Its culture emphasizes courage, trust, collaboration, accountability, and a strong sense of ownership in delivering meaningful results.

Role Overview

In this R&D program management role within Connected Care, you will help shape software-enabled medical devices that affect patient outcomes and support clinicians in day-to-day care. The work involves leading cross-functional efforts, aligning teams, and driving the delivery of Baxter’s next-generation software medical device platform.

You will work closely with engineering, quality, regulatory, and other stakeholders to guide projects from early discovery through requirements, development, verification, launch, and ongoing support.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as both a business and technical leader for one or more software-centered R&D initiatives within Connected Care.
• Set project direction, define goals, and make sure the scope is clearly established and kept under control.
• Manage the complete lifecycle of a software medical device product, including discovery, requirements, development, verification, launch, and sustaining work.
• Maintain regular communication with leadership and cross-functional partners to keep everyone aligned.
• Identify project risks early, communicate them clearly, and create practical mitigation plans.
• Anticipate areas of disagreement and help teams reach workable, mutually beneficial resolutions.
• Support ongoing improvements in the software development lifecycle.
• Partner with other program managers to help launch new products successfully, including first-time 510(k) submissions.
• Keep teams accountable for timelines, execution quality, and delivery commitments.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is preferred, along with 8+ years of experience; alternatively, a Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience is acceptable.
• At least 3 years of experience leading cross-functional projects, preferably in software or regulated medical devices.
• Strong understanding of SDLC, quality systems, and Agile project management.
• Experience overseeing full product lifecycles from discovery through launch and sustaining.
• Working knowledge of FDA pathways such as 510(k) and combination products.
• Ability to drive execution, manage scope, and reduce risks proactively.
• Strong presentation and communication skills for both technical and leadership audiences.
• Self-driven mindset with comfort working in fast-paced settings and challenging assumptions when needed.

Work Arrangement

This position follows a flexible workplace approach, which requires a minimum number of onsite days each week. The arrangement is intended to support in-person collaboration and may be adjusted, paused, or discontinued based on business needs, local laws, and legal requirements.

Compensation

The estimated base salary for this role is between $120,000 and $165,000 per year. Actual pay may be higher or lower depending on market conditions and other factors, including location, skills, expertise, and experience. This position may also qualify for discretionary bonuses.

Eligibility

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, the company cannot provide visa sponsorship or take over an existing sponsorship.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive comprehensive medical and dental coverage starting on day one, along with basic life, accident, short-term disability, long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Additional benefits may include an employee stock purchase plan, a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, educational assistance, paid holidays, paid time off, family and medical leave, paid parental leave, commuting support, an employee discount program, employee assistance resources, and childcare benefits.

Equal Opportunity and Support

The employer provides equal employment opportunities and considers qualified applicants without discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or disability.

Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities during the application or interview process.

Important Notice

The company has identified fraudulent recruiting activity in which impersonators contact job seekers while pretending to represent the organization. Applicants are encouraged to be cautious and review the recruitment fraud information carefully.