Staff Technical Program Manager

We’re a well-funded start-up. You’ll get a chance to wear many hats, be a part of a growing team, and have the potential for exciting financial and career growth.

Here’s what sets us apart. We’ve set our sights on some of the biggest challenges facing biology today. We’re amassing a world class team of engineers, scientists, team builders and problem solvers to tackle these challenges heads-on. We’re passionate about developing the next generation technologies that will unravel the complexities of biology.

This is a unique opportunity to build, be part of an exciting start-up and be surrounded by good humans who are super capable, humble and down-to- earth.

We're searching for a Staff Technical Program Manager (TPM) to own end-to-end delivery of one or more core development teams working on hardware, software, assay, and systems integration workstreams. You will translate complex technical roadmaps into executable Scrum delivery plans, drive cross-functional alignment, and leverage AI-powered tooling to raise the bar on program transparency, risk management, and team throughput. This deeply technical, highly visible role reports to the SVP of Product Development and is based onsite in San Diego, CA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end program delivery for one or more core teams—maintaining schedule integrity, driving cross-functional accountability, and ensuring commitments are met across functions and workstreams.

• Apply domain knowledge of complex analytical instrument development programs—including hardware/software co-development cycles, verification and validation protocols, and design controls—to anticipate risks unique to physical product delivery.

• Partner to execute Cellanome's formal PDP, including TRL-based stage-gate reviews, phase exit criteria, and artifact delivery.

• Facilitate alignment sessions across Software, Hardware, Assay, Systems Integration, Computational Biology, Manufacturing, and Consumables to resolve cross-functional blockers.

• Define and enforce Definition of Ready (DoR) and Definition of Done (DoD) standards; establish and improve Scrum processes and ceremonies.

• Drive gate readiness reviews and action tracking; own the risk log and ensure mitigation plans are staffed and on schedule.

• Coordinate across PDP phases: Concept, Feasibility, Development, Verification & Validation, and Transfer.

• Build and maintain live program dashboards (Jira/Confluence) providing real-time visibility into schedule, risk, and quality metrics for leadership.

• Collaborate with Systems Integration to define integration test plans, track system-level issues, and drive resolution before gate reviews.

• Partner with Manufacturing and Consumables teams to align design-for-manufacturability requirements, consumable readiness milestones, and transfer timelines with the overall program schedule.

• Understand and apply regulatory considerations (e.g., IVD, ISO 13485, 21 CFR Part 820 awareness) as they apply to instrument development timelines and documentation.

• Deploy and continuously improve AI tooling.

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30% of working time away from work location, including overnight/weekend travel at time.

Role Requirements:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience in life sciences, medtech, or analytical instrumentation with a bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent experience.

• Strong working knowledge of Scrum and Agile delivery.

• Expert-level proficiency in Jira (workflow configuration, advanced roadmaps, dashboards) and Confluence (space administration, Macros, templates).

• Hands-on experience running programs in a formal PDP or stage-gate framework within a hardware-centric product development organization.

• Proven track record of managing cross-functional analytical instrument or device development programs from concept through V&V.

• Active and sophisticated use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, or integrated LLM plug-ins) to automate program management and scrum workflows.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to distill complex technical status into clear executive summaries.

• Valid passport and driver’s license.

• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CSM, SAFe Agilist, PMP, or equivalent certification.

• Experience with JAMA Connect or similar requirements management platforms (DOORS, Polarion).

• Familiarity with design controls and regulatory frameworks relevant to IVD or laboratory instruments (ISO 13485, 21 CFR Part 820, IEC 62304).

• Background in life science instrumentation, analytical chemistry, genomics, or cell biology platforms.

We provide competitive total compensation packages, including base pay, benefits, and equity. In California, the estimated base salary range for this position is $150,000 - $180,000/year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

What you can expect from us:

You’ll feel the energy when you walk in our door – we work hard, we have fun and we have ambitious plans to grow. Cellanome offers a comprehensive employment package that includes a competitive salary, generous stock options, great individual, and family health plans, a 401(k) and flexibility to balance work and life.

We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.