Research Director, Engineering

Do you want to be part of a business that genuinely values entrepreneurialism , innovation and individual accountability?

We focus on our customers and are proud of the difference our technology makes. We partner with some of the biggest manufacturing companies in the world and our technical innovations are used to enhance well-known brands across multiple industries.

Research Director, Engineering - Boulder, CO

Advancements in pharmaceutical, semiconductor, display, aerospace, and life science companies are all requiring cleaner and cleaner working environments, water, and process chemicals.

Even small amounts of microscopic contaminants can ruin batches of medicines or wafers; affect the performance of integrated circuits;

or render high-resolution displays unwatchable. The challenge is how to detect contaminates approaching the size of water molecules no bigger than 1nm across (approximately 1 / 100,000 the thickness of a piece of paper) reliably and rapidly to enable companies to make real time decisions and avoid costly impacts to their business.

Particle Measuring Systems has been on the forefront of inventing and advancing particle measurement technologies for over 50 years.

Taking particle measuring capabilities to the next level requires new innovations and approaches to further advancements in technologies pushing the limit of what is physically possible.

Microscopic particle measuring requires a diverse team of engineers, scientists, and programmers designing advanced optics, lasers, low noise electronics, detectors, signal processing, AI, and material handling all working together towards a common goal.

The Role

We are seeking a Research Director for our global R&D team who has a proven ability to drive technological change and advancement.

The successful candidate will apply the scientific method to answer fundamental questions, enabling the development and delivery of disruptive new technologies that will support our productization programs and ultimately drive organic growth.

Specific Job Responsibilities :

• Lead assessment and development of new enabling technologies in support of organizational strategy.
• Lead technology scouting functions identifying emerging solutions to identified measurement challenges.
• Manage multiple internal and external research projects from inception through completion. Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet technical specifications.
• Balance internal vs. external research investment to leverage our strengths and address our weaknesses.
• Plan, execute and deliver on technology roadmap development ensuring technologies are proven and ready to support new product development roadmap programs.
• Manage personnel across the Research organization.
• Synthesize emerging technical trends leveraging internal and external technical competencies.
• Collaborate cross functionally, to ensure seamless integration of research outcomes into products and solutions. Partner with external research institutions, universities, and industry groups.
• Balance programmatic technical and business risks to ensure maximum effectiveness of limited resources, time and budget.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop research staff. Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the research team.
• Oversee the ideation and IP generation processes, maintaining a robust innovation pipeline and delivering formal barriers to competition.
• Stay at the forefront of industry trends within the semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing segments to ensure the company understands anticipated evolving needs over the next three to seven years.
• Identify and develop integration plans for critical enabling technologies in support of business strategy.
• Provide technical escalation path for NVI programs.
• Identify and select external (3rd party) technology partners to address challenges outside our internal core competencies.
• Ensure all research activities comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• International travel required, up to 10% time.

Qualifications :

• Master's Degree in Engineering or the Sciences required, Ph.D. preferred.
• MBA in business and technology management preferred.
• Requires a minimum of 15 years of experience in leadership roles for instrumentation research and development with a proven track record of success.
• Proven track record of external investment driven technology access and development.
• Strong knowledge of the high-performance electro-optic instrumentation required.
• Track record of many commercially successful new technology and product releases.
• Strong project management skills, keeping teams on time and under budget.
• Experience directly managing a diverse team of domestic and international experts.
• Experience with optical sciences, light scattering technologies and theories.
• Understanding of the use and application of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.

The Details

Location - This is an "in-office" position 60-80% of the time. The location of this position is in Boulder, CO; anticipated move to Niwot, CO in 2025.

The remainder of the time you may work from home. These percentages are targets with the actual schedule to be determined in conjunction with the Manager's expectations for the position.

Local candidates will receive first consideration, but relocation may be offered for this role.

2024 Benefits At-a-Glance

Our benefit package is provided through our parent company, Spectris.

• Medical, including sick leave.
• Health Advocate - This confidential service can help you; your spouse, dependent children, parents, and parents-in-law resolve health care and insurance-related issues, manage chronic conditions and improve your health and well-being.
• Dental - Delta Dental PPO; DeltaCare USA
• Vision - VSP Vision Plan
• 401(k)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Onsite Wellness Clinic - Onsite physician for basic health and wellness consultations.

Pay Range

$180000 - 210000 depending upon experience

How we determine what we pay (compensation philosophy)

Particle Measuring Systems determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for the Boulder, Colorado area.

We will evaluate external equity, which is the relative marketplace job worth of jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.

For new hires, we to make competitive offers between the minimum and around the midpoint of the range. This allows the new employee room for future merit increases during review cycles.

There may be times when we will offer above the midpoint. The decision to do so will be based on the applicant's level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills.

Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and the compensation rates of the employees within the company doing the same position.

Particle Measuring Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.