Change people's lives and love what you do! Cochlear develops world-leading medical devices that help people hear. As a top 100 medical device company and market-leader in implantable hearing devices, more people choose a Cochlear-branded cochlear implant system than any other. Our employees tell us that the number one reason they enjoy working for Cochlear is the opportunity to make a difference to people's lives.
We are currently seeking a Regulatory Affairs Specialist to join our Global Regulatory Affairs team based in Kuala Lumpur. This is an exciting opportunity to partner directly with Product Development and R&D teams, influencing the regulatory strategy of medical devices and software solutions used by thousands of hearing implant recipients worldwide.
Unlike traditional market-facing regulatory roles, this position plays a critical role within the product development lifecycle, ensuring innovative products and software solutions are developed with global regulatory requirements in mind from concept through commercialization.
About the Role
As a Regulatory Affairs Specialist, you will provide regulatory expertise throughout the lifecycle of Cochlear products, supporting both pre-market development activities and post-market software sustaining activities.
You will work closely with global cross-functional teams to define regulatory strategies, assess product and software changes, ensure submission readiness of technical documentation, and support regulatory approvals across major international markets.
This role supports a global product portfolio with primary exposure to the United States and European regulatory environments, while collaborating with regulatory teams across APAC, EMEA, Latin America and North America.
What You'll Be Doing
Regulatory Strategy & Product Development Support
- Partner with R&D and cross-functional project teams to provide regulatory and standards compliance advice throughout product development.
- Define regulatory pathways and documentation requirements for new products and software releases.
- Support the development of regulatory strategies that align with business objectives and global market access plans.
- Assess Design History File (DHF) deliverables to ensure submission readiness.
- Evaluate the impact of regulatory activities on product launch and commercialization plans.
Regulatory Submissions & Lifecycle Management
- Prepare and coordinate regulatory submissions to agencies including FDA, EU Notified Bodies and international regulatory authorities.
- Support approvals for new products, software releases and manufacturing changes.
- Develop, adapt and maintain technical documentation and regulatory dossiers required for global registrations.
- Monitor submission progress and ensure timely completion of post-approval commitments and renewals.
Software & Regulatory Change Assessment
- Assess software updates, design modifications, labelling changes and promotional materials for regulatory impact.
- Provide guidance on software-related regulatory requirements and associated documentation needs.
- Support the evaluation of software risks, including cybersecurity, validation and data privacy considerations.
- Collaborate with development teams to ensure regulatory expectations are incorporated into software development activities.
Regulatory Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Act as a trusted regulatory partner to R&D and product development teams.
- Work closely with regional regulatory teams to support global registrations and submissions.
- Support CAPA Review Boards and regulatory compliance activities.
- Monitor emerging global regulations and advise stakeholders on potential business impacts.
- Represent Regulatory Affairs at project meetings, forums, audits and inspections as required.
What Success Looks Like
In this role, you will become the regulatory voice within product development teams, helping shape innovative medical device and software solutions from early concept through to market approval.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:
- Balance regulatory compliance with business objectives.
- Influence stakeholders across a matrix organization.
- Navigate ambiguity and make sound regulatory judgments.
- Build effective partnerships with R&D, Quality and regional Regulatory Affairs teams.
- Proactively identify regulatory risks and recommend practical solutions.
About You
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, Healthcare, Biomedical, Legal or a related discipline or Advanced degree in Engineering, Scientific, Healthcare or Legal disciplines.
- Minimum 3 years experience in Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Product Development and/or Software Development.
- Strong understanding of medical device regulatory requirements.
- Experience preparing technical documentation, reports and regulatory submissions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to collaborate and influence within cross-functional and global teams.
What Will Make You Stand Out
- Experience with Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) or regulated healthcare software.
- Exposure to FDA, EU MDR or other global regulatory frameworks.
- Understanding of software validation, software development lifecycle and risk management.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity and data privacy considerations within regulated products.
- Experience supporting R&D or product development teams.
- Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC).
Why Join Cochlear
- Join a global medical technology leader that transforms lives through hearing innovation.
- Work on cutting-edge implantable medical devices and software technologies.
- Gain exposure to global regulatory strategy and international product development projects.
- Collaborate with highly experienced regulatory, engineering and product development professionals across multiple regions.
- Enjoy a hybrid working arrangement with standard Malaysian working hours.
- Build a long-term global career within a mission-driven organization.
Apply today and help create a world of hearing for everyone.
