Associate Head - Engineering Services

We are seeking a dynamic and accomplished Associate Head – Engineering Services to lead and expand our engineering capabilities across custom application development, integrations, and data engineering projects. This role combines technical leadership, people management, delivery excellence, and cross-functional collaboration. 

The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, thrives in a consultative environment, and is passionate about driving high-quality solutions for life sciences and R&D organizations. 

1. Strategic Leadership & Team Development 

• Define and drive initiatives that scale team capability, productivity, and impact across projects. 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team, including competency frameworks, growth pathways, and skill-building programs. 

• Establish engineering best practices, frameworks, and standards to ensure consistent quality and delivery excellence. 

• Promote a culture of ownership, innovation, collaboration, and accountability. 

• Align team priorities with organizational goals and strategic initiatives. 

2. Client & Operational Excellence 

• Serve as a strategic advisor to clients and internal leadership, supporting escalations with a solutions-oriented approach. 

• Identify opportunities to scale solutions and deliver business value. 

• Implement automation, templates, and frameworks to improve efficiency and enable team scaling. 

• Support presales and solution consulting efforts by guiding strategy, scoping, and solution approaches (without hands-on execution). 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field. 

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, integrations, or data engineering. 

• 3–5 years of experience in leading global engineering or delivery teams in a services/consulting environment. 

• Prior experience in custom application development, ETL/ELT pipelines, and DevOps frameworks is preferred. 

• Proven ability in managing customer escalations and navigating complex delivery environments. 

• Experience participating in presales cycles and crafting technical proposals. 

• Ability to identify business opportunities and drive project pipelines. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in life sciences, pharma R&D, or scientific informatics (nice to have). 

• Exposure to enterprise platforms (LIMS/ELN/LES/MES/Scientific Data Platforms). 

• Strong project and program management capabilities. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical audiences. 

• Ability to influence senior stakeholders both internally and externally. 

CURIOSITY DRIVEN, SCIENCE FOCUSED, EMPLOYEE BUILT. Our culture is unlike any other, one where we debate, challenge ourselves, and interact with all alike. We are a curious bunch, characterized by our passion to learn and spirit of teamwork. Zifo is a global R&D solutions provider focused on the industries of Pharma, Biotech, Manufacturing QC, Medical Devices, specialty chemicals and other research-based organizations. Our team’s knowledge of science and expertise in technology help Zifo better serve our customers around the globe, including 18 of the Top 20 Biopharma companies. 

We look for Science – Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Microbiology etc. We possess scientific and technical knowledge and bear professional and personal goals.  While we have a “no doors” policy to promote free access within, we do have a tough door to walk in. We search with a two-point agenda – technical competency and cultural adaptability. 

We offer a competitive compensation package including accrued vacation, medical, dental, vision, 401k with company matching, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.  

If you share these sentiments and are prepared for the atypical, then Zifo is your calling! 

Zifo is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.