Head of Product - Technology/Analyzer Platform

Role Description

Picarro's analyzer is the one piece of technology every product line depends on — Fenceline, Workplace Monitoring, CEMS, AMLD, Natural Gas, and Analytical Instruments all run on the same CRDS core. As Picarro scales its Compliance-as-a-Service model across more verticals, that core needs a single accountable owner: someone who sets one roadmap, defends it against one-off forks, and turns next-generation programs like Loki and compact-cavity CRDS into shipped platform improvements.

We're looking for a Head of Product to own that roadmap end-to-end. You'll sit at the intersection of optics, firmware, and the commercial needs of every Systems and Solution PM building on top of the platform — turning competing requests into a prioritized roadmap that makes the whole portfolio better, not just one product. This is a build role: define what “platform” means at Picarro, then prove it by shipping the modernization work already underway.

A subject matter expertise in optics is not required. Still, a strong technical background and experience with hardware or instrumentation platforms are essential. This role earns credibility with engineering first, then translates that into a roadmap the rest of the business can build on.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (engineering, physics, chemistry, or related) is required; MS or PhD is preferred.
• 10+ years in product management or engineering leadership for hardware or instrumentation platforms, ideally with optical, spectroscopy, or analytical instrumentation experience.
• Track record of owning a shared technology platform across multiple product lines or business units, not just a single product.
• Equally comfortable going deep with engineering on architecture trade-offs and translating those trade-offs for sales, customers, and executives.
• Experience managing roadmaps from concept through NPI to commercial launch, including cost and manufacturability discipline.
• Strong technical credibility — able to engage R&D and engineering as a peer, not just a requirements-taker.
• Results-oriented and comfortable being the final call when vertical priorities conflict, with the data to defend that call.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills; able to brief engineers and executives on the same roadmap.

Requirements

• Own the single technology/analyzer platform roadmap (CRDS and BB-CRDS engine, firmware, common APIs) that underpins every Picarro product line, from Fenceline and Workplace Monitoring to CEMS, AMLD, Natural Gas, and Analytical Instruments.
• Translate roadmap requests from Systems and Solution PMs into prioritized platform investments, and hold the line against forks that fragment the core.
• Drive major platform programs (Loki/next-gen analyzer modernization, compact-cavity CRDS, optical feedback) with clear specs, milestones, and exit criteria from concept through commercial release.
• Partner with Engineering leadership on architecture decisions governing modularity, serviceability, and manufacturability across the analyzer family.
• Set and defend platform performance, cost, and reliability targets, balancing what's technically possible against what verticals need to win deals.
• Represent the platform roadmap in the Quarterly Portfolio Review and other cross-functional planning forums, translating technical trade-offs for sales and executive audiences.
• Work directly with R&D, manufacturing, and select strategic customers to validate platform direction before it's locked into the roadmap.
• Some travel to manufacturing, R&D, and customer sites is required.

Benefits

• Opportunity to impact the future of industrial emissions monitoring and workplace safety.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture that values innovation and results.
• Competitive salary, bonus, equity, and comprehensive benefits.
• Flexible hybrid work environment with HQ in Santa Clara, CA.
• The base salary range for this full-time position is $150k-$190k, plus bonus and equity. All salaries are commensurate with experience, qualifications, and location.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans
• Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Vacation Policy and Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• 401K
• Social events (summer picnic, holiday party, team lunches, etc.)
• On-site Health & Wellness programs (fitness challenges, outdoor bootcamp, flu-shots, etc.)