Jake Mertens

About Jake Mertens

I’m an R&D leader in MedTech who works at the intersection of engineering rigor, clinical reality, and organizational execution. My career has focused on translating complex innovation into real, regulated products—without losing sight of why the technology matters in the first place.At Philips Image Guided Therapy, I’ve led high-visibility R&D and advanced development programs across structural heart and peripheral vascular disease, including the launch of the VeriSight Pro 3D ICE catheter and multiple early-stage innovation initiatives. My experience spans the full development lifecycle—from exploratory and advanced R&D through new product development and sustaining engineering work—providing a grounded perspective on how decisions made early echo through commercialization and long-term product performance.I bring a systems-level mindset to leadership—balancing technical depth with strategic clarity, and building alignment across engineering, clinical, regulatory, quality, and commercial teams. With an MS, an MBA, and PMP certification, I’m most effective when helping organizations navigate complexity, make durable decisions, and move innovation forward with discipline.I’m particularly interested in how R&D organizations scale: portfolio strategy, operating models, talent development, and the transition from breakthrough ideas to reliable products in regulated environments. I hold patents and have contributed to technical publications, but I’m equally proud of the teams I’ve helped grow and the programs that delivered when the path wasn’t obvious.I’m not actively seeking a new role, but I value thoughtful conversation and connection with others working in medical-device R&D, innovation leadership, and technology development. If we’ve worked together—or if our paths overlap—feel free to reach out.

Experience

1. Head of Innovation Program Management, Cardiac Solutions

   Philips

   May 2024 — Present · Plymouth, MN, US

   Lead innovation and advanced R&D program management for Cardiac Solutions, supporting early-stage and pre-commercial initiatives in highly regulated medical-device environments- Provide portfolio-level program leadership across cross-functional R&D teams, aligning technical execution with strategic priorities, resource constraints, and organizational operating models- Partner with engineering, clinical, quality, regulatory, and business leadership to navigate uncertainty, manage risk, and drive disciplined decision-making in ambiguous development spaces- Shape governance, planning, and communication frameworks that improve transparency, accountability, and execution across complex innovation programs.

Education

• University of St. Thomas

  Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administration and Management, General

  2015 — 2018

• University of Michigan

  Master of Science (MS), Molecular and Integrative Physiology

  2010 — 2013

• University of Minnesota

  Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Biomedical Engineering

  2005 — 2010

Skills

• Solidworks
• Matlab
• Medical Devices
• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Culture
• Immunohistochemistry
• Medical Device R&D
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Biomaterials
• Cell
• Pre-Clinical Studies
• Supplier Quality Engineering
• Minitab
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Stem Cell Research
• Muscle Physiology
• Cell Biology
• Iso 13485
• Product Development
• Biomechanics
• R&D
• Physiology
• Mimics
• Quality System
• V&V
• Electrophysiology
• Tissue Engineering
• Design of Experiments