About this role
Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Laboratory Setting, Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.) Job Description About Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of approximately $45 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. While our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving sophisticated analytical challenges, growing efficiency in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them.
Our global distributed team delivers an outstanding combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. DESCRIPTION: As Manager, R&D, you will lead a focused and diverse SPCI Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) team, driving cost optimization, project execution, continuous improvement. You will collaborate with global and cross-functional partners to build a strong pipeline of VAVE initiatives and deliver measurable business impact.
Key Responsibilities Lead the SPCI VAVE team and drive the strategy, development, and execution of cost-out initiatives across programs. Deliver ~$5M or more in annual cost savings while developing and maintaining a strong ~$10M+ cost-out pipeline to support the following year’s savings commitments. Drive execution excellence by coordinating cross-functional project teams, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule while maintaining or improving product quality.
Generate and develop cost-out opportunities using structured ideation and analysis techniques, including product cost analysis, should-costing, costed BOM analysis, site material-spend analysis, product teardown, competitive benchmarking, and VAVE methodologies. Engage effectively with global partners and stakeholders, communicate progress, highlight risks and opportunities, and proactively seek support when required. Provide leadership, supervision, and coordination across project management and engineering design activities for VAVE projects as part of the programs.
Partners with project leaders to identify and address project risks early, establish clear mitigation plans, and remove barriers to successful execution. Collaborate closely to develop robust Design Verification Plans (DVPs) supporting project implementation. Identify process gaps and establish standard work and PPI systems to strengthen execution and drive continuous improvement.
Apply PPI and Lean methodologies and support PPI, Keys, and Lean initiatives. Develop and execute the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), including effective management of resources and project expenses. Establish and maintain the team's proficiency matrix and resource-loading plans to ensure the right capabilities and capacity are available to meet program priorities.
Mentor, coach, and develop team members, providing guidance and opportunities that support their continued professional and technical growth. Perform all responsibilities in alignment with the Code of Ethics, Diversity & Inclusion principles, and the 4-I Values. Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
10+ years of engineering experience (8+ years with a Master’s degree), with strong experience in sustenance engineering and Cost-Out/VAVE project execution. 3+ years of leadership and multi-project management experience, including management of programs with ~25+ concurrent projects. Proven track record of delivering approximately $5M+ in cost savings and building and managing a significant Cost-Out/VAVE pipeline.
Strong expertise in VAVE and product cost optimization, with hands-on experience in product cost analysis, should-costing, costed BOM analysis, material-spend analysis, product teardown, and competitive benchmarking. Proficiency in stage-gate and technical review processes, with experience driving projects through key engineering and business milestones. Strong program management skills, including planning, prioritization, execution, risk management, resource allocation, and delivery against commitments.
Demonstrated ability to drive execution excellence across multiple cross-functional initiatives, delivering projects on schedule while maintaining or improving product quality. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across technical, business, and leadership audiences. Strong people leadership and talent development skills, including mentoring, coaching, capability development, resource planning, and performance management.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to support identification of root causes and drive effective solutions. Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Competencies Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline; MBA is an added advantage. Proven ability to lead strategic, cross-functional initiatives and translate strategy into actionable plans and measurable results.
Strong knowledge and practical application of PPI, Lean, and Continuous Improvement methodologies. Working knowledge of regulatory requirements, product certifications, and applicable engineering standards, preferably in a regulated product development environment. Ability to operate effectively in a global matrix organization, build strong cross-functional relationships, and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
Ability to interpret complex simulation, experimental, and engineering data and translate insights into sound technical and business decisions.