Aerosol Scientist Manager

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 (PMS) 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 looking for an Aerosol Scientist Manager to be part of our dynamic R&D team.  This is a key contributor position, driving designs of new industry leading particle metrology instrumentation.  In this role you will have a direct impact on new product research and development, best known methods identification and ensuring our global team is provided with industry leading technical expertise.  Work requires creativity, originality and judgment in the independent development, evaluation, selection and modification of new concepts, standard techniques, procedures and criteria.  

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for R&D efforts in aerosol and gas particle metrology instrumentation, ensuring successful project planning, execution, and resource management.
• Manage and mentor a team of scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in aerosol science and aerobiology.
• Drive innovation by evaluating emerging technologies and applying advanced scientific methods to develop next-generation products that enhance R&D efficiency and outcomes.
• Shape long-term R&D strategy by identifying and integrating key trends in aerosol science, aerobiology, and particle metrology, ensuring the company remains an industry leader.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with product management, manufacturing, service, quality, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless product development and adherence to industry and internal standards.
• Support commercial activities through conference presentations, technical briefs, white papers, peer-reviewed publications, and intellectual property generation, strengthening the company’s technical reputation.
• Provide regular technical updates and project progress reports to senior leadership, offering clear insights into milestones, challenges, and next steps to ensure alignment with business goals.
• Collaborate with product management, sales and industry thought leaders to define and refine product requirements driving customer value and solving real-world problems.

Required Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in Physics, Engineering, or Electro-Optics with at least 10 years of hands-on experience in aerosol science and particle characterization instrumentation design with proven record of publications, patents, or similar achievements.
• Direct experience with the design and development of condensation particle counter (CPC) technology and related particle metrology instrumentation.
• Proficiency in using computational software (such as Finite Element Analysis, COMSOL, etc.) to design and optimize instrumentation.
• Experience translating customer use cases into product specifications and optimizing designs for real-world applications.
• Proven ability to develop and execute efficient design of experiments (DOE).
• Experience with the creation of design specifications and/or statements of work (SOW) for technical projects.
• Experience developing test specifications and test methods for aerosol or particle characterization systems.
• Experience with analyzing test results and recommending design iterations.
• A proven track record of successful technology development in a hands-on R&D role, including leadership in high-complexity projects.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deliver on tight timelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts.
• Ability to work effectively in a global, cross-functional team environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with generation of and sampling of high concentration bioaerosols in laboratory and field environments.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical cleanroom manufacturing environments and knowledge of relevant regulations and standards.
• Familiarity with semiconductor cleanroom manufacturing environments and particle contamination control.
• Familiarity with working in ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 accredited environments
• Strong understanding of ISO 21501-4 and other relevant standards in aerosol and particle metrology.

The Details

Location – This is an “in-office” position 75 – 100% 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
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Onsite Wellness Clinic (Colorado Employees)

Pay Range

$130000 - 160000 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 make competitive offers between the minimum and the midpoint of the range.   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.