Director of Product Development

About Oxford Instruments:

Our purpose is to accelerate breakthroughs that create a brighter future. We design, build and sell Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) that analyze material topography, elasticity, conductivity and other properties. Our world‑class products and technologies help customers address the greatest challenges of the 21st century.

The Director of Product Development will lead, manage, and provide strategic direction for the product development function within the AFM business. He/she will own and deliver the timely completion of new product introductions to enable continued growth of our AFM business.

• Lead product development team in design and implementation of AFM technology using a hands‑on approach and systems‑engineering experience.
• Play an integral role in the AFM business leadership team, helping to improve and deliver the long‑term strategy that will grow our AFM business.
• Deliver the new product roadmap for the AFM business, with ownership of the early‑stage development phases.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership, mentor talent, drive team development and succession planning to maintain the levels of expertise needed in the business.
• Manage and sustain engineering projects, providing support for existing products and new products as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, utilize best practices, select new tools and techniques that will continue to improve product quality and the development process.
• Utilize best documentation practices.
• Oversee and optimize third‑party engineering services/outsourcing.
• Plan, estimate, prioritize and manage agreed project deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with safety, design, quality and corporate processes.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for all projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years’ experience leading cross‑functional product development teams.
• 5+ years’ experience as a systems engineer.
• Proven experience leading high‑performing product development teams.
• Experience working within a project management matrix structure.
• Proven experience in the design and development of hardware, firmware, and software solutions.
• Experience with modern project management and reporting tools such as Microsoft TFS or other bug or issue tracking system.
• Experience in reporting on the status of projects, people, and processes.
• Experience in developing microscopy or similar product type applications.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to handle numerous details.
• Strong problem solving, decision‑making, and creative thinking abilities.
• Demonstrable confidence, excellent interpersonal and communication skills to lead technical teams.
• Proven ability to work well within a board‑level team to deliver the goals of the overall business.
• Ability to motivate and challenge others.

In accordance with California law, the expected salary for this full‑time, benefited position is between $190,000 - $250,000, plus a management bonus. The actual compensation will be determined considering factors such as relevant skills and experience and other factors permitted by law.

• Generous benefit packages – competitive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) program with options for pre‑ and post‑tax retirement savings.
• Paid Time Off – 4 weeks of PTO accrued each pay period.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Progressive paid family leave policy.
• Professional development – $5,250 annual tuition reimbursement after 6 months of service.

Santa Barbara, CA (in‑person).

Reports to:

President, Oxford Instruments AFM.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visa at this time for this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Oxford Instruments is committed to providing…