Lead Scientist Product

Kimberly-Clark • Neenah, WI

15d • Hybrid

About The Position

Lead product systems development efforts for multiple projects and initiatives across the full range of FDA Class II regulated product development, from early front-end innovation through development, commercialization, and post-market surveillance. Learn and execute product development processes, including design controls, risk management, specification management, and process validation. Guide cross-functional quality, engineering, research, and manufacturing team members through design control processes. Develop product milestones, budgets, timelines, and resource forecasts for assigned projects, and ensure that product specifications and quality plans are appropriate for each project phase. Facilitate discussions with marketing and design teams regarding claims and aesthetics, and mentor junior product development team members. Plan and carry out project responsibilities with limited assistance and direction; identify and solve problems, determine root causes of complex technical issues, and recommend solutions. Build mastery of medical device product development principles and test methods and apply them to development projects.

The role is based at the Neenah - West R&E Office and uses a flexible work model that blends remote work with intentional in-person collaboration. Travel of up to 15% domestically and internationally may be required. The position is full-time and regular. The salary range is $87,260–$107,780 USD, with eligibility for a target bonus and a benefits package that includes a 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan. Kimberly-Clark does not provide relocation support for this role, but may provide immigration visa and work authorization assistance and financial support to the selected candidate if needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in an engineering or scientific discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in research or engineering, product and material development.
• At least 5 years of overall industry experience in consumer products and/or related fields.
• Proven ability to resolve complex problems for development initiatives.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 15% domestically and internationally.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of experience in Class I and II medical device development.
• Strong knowledge of consumer goods product and/or material development cycles.
• Product and material knowledge of tampons, pessaries, pads, and liners.
• Experience with ETQ or related systems.
• Experience and thought leadership in Quality Management Systems, Design Control, Design Verification/Validation, and Risk Management.
• Demonstrated ability to work with global stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead product systems development for multiple projects across the FDA Class II regulated product development cycle, from early innovation through commercialization and post-market surveillance.
• Learn and execute product development processes, including design controls, risk management, specification management, and process validation.
• Guide cross-functional quality, engineering, research, and manufacturing team members through design control processes.
• Develop project milestones, budgets, timelines, and resource forecasts.
• Ensure product specifications and quality plans are developed and executed appropriately for each project phase.
• Facilitate discussions with marketing and design teams regarding product claims and aesthetics.
• Mentor junior members of the product development team.
• Plan and carry out project responsibilities with limited assistance and direction.
• Identify, define, and solve problems to achieve unit objectives.
• Investigate complex technical issues, determine root causes, and develop and recommend solutions.
• Apply medical device product development principles and test methods to development projects.

Benefits

• Eligibility for a target bonus.
• 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan.
• Comprehensive benefits suite.
• Flexible work model blending remote work with in-person collaboration.
• Immigration visa and work authorization assistance and financial support, if needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior