Thermo Fisher

Senior R&D Project Manager

Brno, Czechia Full time

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Project Manager to lead complex product development programs within our Chemical Analysis Division (CAD). Our instruments support critical applications across Safety & Security, Environmental, Food Safety, Energy, Mining, Life Sciences Manufacturing, and Recycling — and are used both in the field and directly on production lines where reliability and performance truly matter.

This role is ideal for a strong program leader with a background in R&D and software-driven product development who enjoys working in a global, matrixed environment. You will play a key role in bringing innovative analytical instrumentation solutions from concept through commercialization, ensuring high-quality delivery across software, hardware, and systems integration.

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams within the PPA Business Unit and across the broader organization to deliver robust, customer-focused solutions to market.

What You Will Do

  • Lead end-to-end product development programs from concept through commercialization, with primary accountability for software delivery and full-system integration across hardware, firmware, and services.

  • Build and drive execution plans covering scope, schedule, cost, risks, resources, and quality to ensure on-time, high-quality releases.

  • Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Systems, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Marketing, Sourcing, and Service teams to ensure technical alignment and seamless product realization.

  • Oversee software development execution, leveraging Waterfall methodologies with familiarity in Agile/Scrum frameworks to deliver predictable, reliable releases.

  • Manage scope, change, and risk through structured governance, proactively mitigating issues and maintaining program momentum.

  • Align stakeholders and communicate clearly through data-driven updates, executive reporting, and transparent decision-making.

  • Ensure launch readiness by coordinating manufacturing transfer, service enablement, documentation, and lifecycle support activities.

What We’re Looking For

Experience

  • 5+ years of project or program management experience

  • Experience leading multiple cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization

  • Background in R&D and product development environments

  • Experience managing software-focused development programs

Skills & Capabilities

  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization

  • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

  • Proven ability to deliver complex projects on time

  • Strong risk management and problem-solving skills

  • Experience managing scope, change control, and cross-functional dependencies

  • Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution

  • Strong conflict resolution and decision-making skills

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (MS Project, Teams, Excel)

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree required

  • Advanced degree and/or PMP certification preferred