Director, Product Management and R&D

Overview

Lead product strategy, R&D, and NPD for Sterilization business, managing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• risk management
• project ownership
• cross-functional
• regulatory compliance
• portfolio management
• innovation leadership

Tasks

-Stakeholder Communication: Collaborate with executive leadership on project status, strategy deployment, and team performance. -Team Development: Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of Product Managers, Scientists, and Engineers, fostering a collaborative and curious culture. -Using computers: Typing and using office equipment. -Risk Management: Identify and mitigate technical, regulatory, and market risks through sustaining support and innovation pathways -Project Ownership: Lead cross-functional teams through all phases of New Product Development (NPD) and Sustaining Engineering projects, ensuring scope, timeline, and budget adherence. -Customer & Market Insight: Integrate voice-of-customer, competitive intelligence, and market trends into product planning and innovation strategies. -Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a central liaison between R&D, Product Management, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to ensure cohesive execution and alignment. -Strategic Leadership: Define and drive the upstream product strategy for the Sterilization business, aligning with divisional goals and market opportunities. -Regulatory & Quality Compliance: Ensure all product development activities meet applicable regulatory standards (e.g., ISO, FDA, AAMI) and internal quality systems. -Noise Levels: The noise level is moderate, with occasional interruptions from phone calls and conversations. Use non-canceling headphones if necessary. -Portfolio Management: Oversee the product portfolio lifecycle, including ideation, prioritization, development, launch, and post-market support. -Technology & Innovation Leadership: Champion the adoption of emerging technologies and scientific advancements to enhance product performance and differentiation, including manufacturing process automation

Requirements

• phd
• doe
• gmp/glp
• iso 13485
• leadership
• product development

What You Bring

Mesa Labs is seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Product Management and R&D to lead upstream initiatives for our Sterilization business within the SDC division. This high-impact role is responsible for overseeing Upstream Product Management (including Strategy/Roadmap) as well as both New Product Development (NPD) and Sustaining Engineering efforts, with full project management accountability for prioritized programs. Acting as a central leadership hub, this position drives alignment and collaboration across R&D, Product Management, Operations, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Commercial teams. The Director will lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of Product Managers, Scientists, and Engineers, fostering innovation, technical excellence, and customer-centric product strategies. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in life sciences or medical device product development, proven leadership capabilities, and a passion for delivering high-quality solutions that meet global sterilization standards. -Experience managing product development budgets and complex technical project portfolios -Proven track record of successfully developing multiple regulated products from concept through tech transfer and commercialization handoff -Repetitive motions: Frequent use of keyboard and mouse. -German language proficiency (English language fluency required) -Ergonomics: Workstations with desk and adjustable chairs to support good postures. -Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in relevant scientific discipline -Minimum 5 years people management experience in lead or leadership roles managing cross-functional product development teams through upstream regulated product development and sustainment phases -Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and data-driven development approaches -Standing or walking: Occasionally for meetings or office tasks. -Experience in GMP/GLP-regulated environments with knowledge of quality systems (ISO 13485, ISO 9001, FDA QSR) -Strong technical knowledge of consumable product design, formulation development, analytical methods, manufacturing processes, and scale-up -10-15 years of progressive experience in product development, R&D, or technical product management within life sciences/medical device or related regulated industries -Cleaning and/or sterilization product experience -Lifting: Light, less than 10 pounds. -Direct hands-on R&D experience combined with product management or technical leadership roles -Familiarity with stage-gate, Agile, or other structured product development methodologies -Track record of securing and managing external technology partnerships or collaborations -Experience building and developing high-performing technical teams -Ventilation: Good ventilation to ensure a comfortable working environment, though this can vary depending on the building. -Outstanding communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences -Consumables management/development experience in regulated industries -Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bio/chemical engineering, or related scientific/engineering field -Travel required approximately 25% of time, both domestic and international -Lighting: Adjustable lighting to reduce eye strain. -Deep understanding of microbiology and/or sterilization applications in biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and/or healthcare settings -Excellent program management skills with demonstrated ability to drive multiple concurrent projects to completion

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Benefits

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including potential bonus opportunities, equity awards, commission, and a comprehensive benefits package based on the position. -Annual equity award of $30,000 -Nine (9) paid company holidays per year -Company paid life insurance and AD&D -Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start -Annual bonus opportunity of 22% based on company performance (if applicable per hiring authorization) -401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1 -Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws -Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life -Flexible Time Off Policy -Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year -Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options, Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts -Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)

About Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

-is a global leader in providing high-quality scientific instruments and services. -specializes in solutions for testing and monitoring critical systems. -offers a range of innovative products, from bioprocessing and quality assurance to laboratory testing. -is a trusted partner for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare industries. -diverse portfolio includes calibration equipment, biological indicators, and sterilization monitoring. -works on a global scale, supporting industries that rely on precision and compliance with rigorous standards. -has been a pioneer in the development of automated testing and monitoring systems. -has experienced consistent growth, expanding into new international markets with ease. -is particularly known for its leadership in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

Sector Specialisms

Security Clearance

-criminal background checks are performed upon offer acceptance.