Principal Project Manager

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.
Job Title
Principal Project Manager
Location(s)
Covaris - Woburn - MA

Job Description

Covaris, LLC., a PerkinElmer company, is a profitable and rapidly growing technology company headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. Covaris developed the proprietary and patented Adaptive Focused Acoustics™ (AFA) technology platform, holding a leadership position in sample preparation for DNA sequencing and providing significant benefits to drug delivery and formulation development. For more information, visit

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Project Manager to lead complex hardware/software development projects within the life sciences industry. In this role, you will oversee project planning, execution, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful delivery of innovative solutions. Your expertise in risk management, budget oversight, stakeholder communication and conflict resolution will be essential as you drive projects forward. This is a great opportunity for a proactive leader with a strong technical background and a passion for advancing the life sciences field to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization. This position will be located at our global headquarters in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Essential Responsibilities: The employee may be required to perform all or a combination of the following essential responsibilities as determined by business necessity.

Project Planning and Execution:

• Develop comprehensive project plans outlining scope, timeline, milestones, and resource requirements.
• Execute projects according to the project plan, ensuring adherence to quality standards and project deliverables.
• Maintain an integrated, up-to-date view of NPI deliverables and Design History File (DHF) readiness against documentation milestones.
• Plan and run Phase and Gate reviews (PR/GR): set agendas, drive approvals and required documentation, and confirm deliverables are gate-ready.
• Coordinate across multiple concurrent and complex NPI programs, managing interdependencies and shared-resource constraints; mentor junior project manager(s) and help establish project-management tools, processes and cadence.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Product management, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, Sales, and other teams to ensure alignment on project goals and objectives.
• Foster a collaborative and communicative environment to facilitate successful project outcomes.

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure successful project delivery.
• Proactively address issues as they arise, keeping the project on track and within scope.

• Maintain an active risk register and decision log, escalating issues with clear options and recommendations.
• Flag in advance when a Phase or Gate review (PR/GR) is at risk of slipping, along with a recovery plan.

Budget Management

• Monitor project budgets and expenditures, ensuring financial goals are met.
• Provide regular financial updates to stakeholders and make recommendations for cost optimization.

Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate project progress, updates, and challenges effectively to all stakeholders.
• Conduct regular status meetings to discuss status, issues, decisions and other critical aspects of the project

Reporting

• Create comprehensive weekly/monthly reports as required on the status and key aspects of the project for leadership communication

Non-Essential Responsibilities: In addition to the essential responsibilities listed above, the employee may be required to perform other non-essential functions. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a scientific field with 7+ years of post-college experience, or a Master's degree with 5+ years of experience.

• Minimum of 5+ years as a technical Project Manager leading integrated hardware/software (preferably instrument) development projects and managing cross-functional teams, including experience leading multiple concurrent or complex NPI programs.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485 and medical device development & certification is required

• Familiarity with PMBOK; PMP certification preferred.

• Strong understanding of biochemical and mechanical engineering is highly desired.

• Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage stakeholder expectations, and resolve conflicts effectively.

• Skilled in developing work breakdown structures (WBS), project schedules, budgets, and resource planning.
• Ability to travel up to 10% to domestic customers and vendors.

• Understanding of electro-mechanical device development.
• Familiarity with Scrum, Kanban, and structured problem-solving methodologies (A3, Fishbone, Six-Step, etc.).
• Knowledge of PERT charts, Monte Carlo Simulation, FMEA, DOE, and DFM.
• Six Sigma certification is a plus.

The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $150,000 to $175,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Reasonable Accommodation: Covaris is committed to the spirit and the letter of the Americans with Disabilities Act. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate otherwise qualified individuals.
PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.