Director, Product Management and R&D

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we're passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

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

Base Compensation Range: $177,750 - $222,250
*In addition, you qualify for:

• Annual bonus opportunity of 22% based on company performance (if applicable per hiring authorization)
• Annual equity award of $30,000

Outstanding Benefits and Perks
We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
• 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)
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D

• Flexible Time Off Policy

• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year

This position supports Mesa's SDC business. Our Sterilization and Disinfection Control division manufactures and sells biological and chemical indicators that assess the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection processes for pharmaceutical, healthcare, and dental industries.

Job Summary

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.

Duties/Responsibilities

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

Experience/Education

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bio/chemical engineering, or related scientific/engineering field
• 10-15 years of progressive experience in product development, R&D, or technical product management within life sciences/medical device or related regulated industries
• 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
• Proven track record of successfully developing multiple regulated products from concept through tech transfer and commercialization handoff
• 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
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and data-driven development approaches
• Excellent program management skills with demonstrated ability to drive multiple concurrent projects to completion
• Outstanding communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences
• Experience building and developing high-performing technical teams
• Travel required approximately 25% of time, both domestic and international

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in relevant scientific discipline
• Cleaning and/or sterilization product experience
• Consumables management/development experience in regulated industries
• Deep understanding of microbiology and/or sterilization applications in biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and/or healthcare settings
• Experience in GMP/GLP-regulated environments with knowledge of quality systems (ISO 13485, ISO 9001, FDA QSR)
• 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
• German language proficiency (English language fluency required)

Physical Demands:

• Sitting: Often for extended periods at desks or meetings.
• Standing or walking: Occasionally for meetings or office tasks.
• Using computers: Typing and using office equipment.
• Lifting: Light, less than 10 pounds.
• Repetitive motions: Frequent use of keyboard and mouse.
• Travel: as required to locations with both domestic and international travel

Environmental Conditions:

• Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort.
• Lighting: Adjustable lighting to reduce eye strain.
• Noise Levels: The noise level is moderate, with occasional interruptions from phone calls and conversations. Use non-canceling headphones if necessary.
• Ergonomics: Workstations with desk and adjustable chairs to support good postures.
• Ventilation: Good ventilation to ensure a comfortable working environment, though this can vary depending on the building.

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.