Senior Director, Instrumentation & Software

Neogen Corporation • Oakdale, MN

1d

About The Position

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing! The Senior Director, Instrumentation & Software will lead a multidisciplinary R&D organization responsible for defining and delivering the next generation of advanced instrumentation platforms and their associated software. Reporting directly to the Chief Science Officer, this role sets the long‑term technology strategy, drives innovation across hardware and software, and ensures that complex, integrated solutions are delivered reliably, compliantly, and in alignment with customer and market needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field; or equivalent practical experience.
• Extensive experience (typically 12+ years) in engineering/R&D for instrumentation, embedded systems, or complex hardware‑software products, including full lifecycle delivery from concept through commercialization and sustaining support.
• Significant leadership experience (typically 7+ years) managing multi‑level teams in a product development environment, including other managers and senior engineers.
• Proven systems engineering background with demonstrated ability to define architectures spanning hardware, firmware, and software, and to apply modern software development practices (e.g., Agile/hybrid methodologies, CI/CD, automated testing, secure development).
• Experience working in quality‑driven or regulated environments (such as diagnostics, medical devices, aerospace, industrial) with familiarity in risk management, compliance practices, and design controls.
• Strong strategic and business acumen, with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, and a track record of delivering multiple complex programs on time and to committed objectives.

Nice To Haves

• an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline
• experience in life sciences, diagnostics, laboratory automation, medical devices, industrial instrumentation, or related domains
• familiarity with standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IEC 62304, IEC 61010, functional safety, and cybersecurity standards
• experience with cloud connectivity, data platforms, and remote monitoring/control
• prior responsibility for multi‑million‑dollar R&D budgets and complex portfolio planning

Responsibilities

• Define and own the long‑term instrumentation and software strategy, system architecture, and technology roadmap in alignment with R&D and business priorities.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a high‑performing engineering organization, including managers and senior technical experts across systems, hardware, firmware/embedded, and application software.
• Oversee end‑to‑end product lifecycle for instrumentation and software, from concept and requirements through architecture, design, implementation, verification/validation, release, and sustaining engineering.
• Establish and maintain best‑in‑class engineering processes and standards, including SDLC, Agile/hybrid practices, design controls, configuration management, cybersecurity, reliability, and documentation.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Quality/Regulatory, Operations/Manufacturing, Field Service, and Commercial teams to translate market and user needs into integrated hardware‑firmware‑software solutions and successful product launches.
• Manage program portfolios, budgets, and resource allocation; monitor KPIs/OKRs for engineering execution, quality, reliability, security, and team health, and drive continuous improvement and risk mitigation across the organization.

Benefits

• An impactful senior leadership role reporting to the Chief Science Officer, with direct responsibility for shaping multi‑year technology and platform strategy.
• The opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary, inclusive R&D organization and to build, coach, and develop high‑performing teams across systems, hardware, firmware, and software.
• A collaborative, cross‑functional environment partnering with Product Management, Quality/Regulatory, Operations/Manufacturing, Field Service, and Commercial teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Exposure to complex, cutting‑edge instrumentation and software challenges, including system architecture, lifecycle ownership, and continuous improvement of engineering practices.
• A comprehensive standard benefits package, with reasonable accommodations available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

What This Job Offers

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