Director of Engineering

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

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Director of Engineering will lead the functional managers and related team members responsible for sustaining and developing new products.  We are looking for an innovative individual with extensive experience managing commercial development and sustaining engineering for products that include both hardware and software.  This experience should include Lean R&D, Visual Management Techniques, DFSS, Agile, and Scrum, traditional project management, and other processes for managing technical teams. 

This position will lead a diverse technical team that includes electrical, mechanical, and software engineers.  Customer engagement in the development process will be a critical element of the role so the candidate must be an advocate of a customer centric design process as well as work closely with Project Managers and the EL/LS Division Product Line Managers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive new product development and innovation including sustaining existing products
• Build and lead a high energy team with strong customer focus and high retention rate
• Managing site cross-functional team leaders (EE, ME, FW, SW, Test and Sustaining) to build a better and more technically competent organization ready to meet current and future needs of our product technologies
• Create a collaborative team atmosphere with a focus on continuous improvement of self, functional groups, process and the organization
• Ensure that functional resources are optimally selected and aligned to support departmental and project objectives
• Providing technical hands-on leadership directly managing design efforts when necessary
• Supporting operations management on sustaining activities including change management and/or quality improvement projects requiring deeper knowledge of the development staff
• Creating and executing continuous improvement projects for the R&D process
• Lead and train staff on relevant technical skills, BKM, KPM, LEAN, Strategy Deployment, and visual management
• Developing key metrics to build R&D efficiency improvements into the roadmap
• Managing; budget, employee hiring, training/mentoring
• Act as a formal project manager on assigned development programs
• Develop and nurture strong working relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including senior leadership, department heads, and individual contributors. Act as a bridge between various teams to ensure alignment on strategic goals and initiatives.
• Support organizational success in other duties as assigned

Skills and Experience

• A master of Science degree in a technical field is required.
• 10+ years of proven technical management experience in a commercial setting, including project management, personnel management, and budgeting and planning.
• Track record of developing leading-edge technology and complex new products using a cross-functional team.
• Good understanding of business management processes, procedures, and finance
• Experience using Lean R&D including visual management, Scrum, etc., and employing technology to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strategic planning and tactical efficiency for Engineering, both technical and organizational elements.

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. 

2025 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

$130,000 – 210,000 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.