Director, Product Management and R&D

Description

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

Requirements

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.

This is a remote position anywhere within the United States, with preferred locations being Bozeman, MT or Denver, CO.

• Ventilation: Good ventilation to ensure a comfortable working environment, though this can vary depending on the building.
• Familiarity with stage-gate, Agile, or other structured product development methodologies
• Standing or walking: Occasionally for meetings or office tasks.
• Track record of securing and managing external technology partnerships or collaborations
• German language proficiency (English language fluency required)
• Consumables management/development experience in regulated industries
• Proven track record of successfully developing multiple regulated products from concept through tech transfer and commercialization handoff
• 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
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in relevant scientific discipline
• Strong technical knowledge of consumable product design, formulation development, analytical methods, manufacturing processes, and scale-up
• Experience managing product development budgets and complex technical project portfolios
• 10-15 years of progressive experience in product development, R&D, or technical product management within life sciences/medical device or related regulated industries
• Lifting: Light, less than 10 pounds.
• Direct hands-on R&D experience combined with product management or technical leadership roles
• Lighting: Adjustable lighting to reduce eye strain.
• Travel required approximately 25% of time, both domestic and international
• Outstanding communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences
• Repetitive motions: Frequent use of keyboard and mouse.
• 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
• Cleaning and/or sterilization product experience
• Experience in GMP/GLP-regulated environments with knowledge of quality systems (ISO 13485, ISO 9001, FDA QSR)
• Ergonomics: Workstations with desk and adjustable chairs to support good postures.
• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bio/chemical engineering, or related scientific/engineering field
• Experience building and developing high-performing technical teams

Benefits

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including potential bonus opportunities, equity awards, commission, and a comprehensive benefits package based on the position.

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

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance