At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical design of innovative animal wearable devices from concept to production.
- Company: Join MSD, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to innovation in animal health technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on customer needs and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and 5+ years in technical leadership or project management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our Animal Health Technology Solutions offers global animal identification and monitoring solutions for companion animals and livestock. These solutions enable pet owners to better manage the health and well-being of their pets and enable livestock producers to improve well-being and animal production. Technology Solutions include Core Technologies in Livestock Identification, Dairy, Beef and Swine monitoring, for which the product/market fit is established, as well as products in discovery.
Our Technology Solutions division is evolving. We are moving to a Product Operating Model - a new way of working that empowers product teams to take full ownership and accountability for delivering customer and business value in ways our customers love and that work for the business. Our product teams are cross-functional and durable, bringing together all the skills required to deliver impactful outcomes. Each team includes a Product Manager, Technology Lead, Product Designer, Delivery Lead, engineers, and developers. We believe in customer centricity, ownership, and accountability.
Solutions must be:
- Valuable - customers choose to buy or use them
- Viable - aligned with business constraints and goals
- Usable - intuitive and user-friendly
- Feasible - achievable with our technical capabilities
Leadership of the team is shared between the Product Manager and the Technology Lead, ensuring balanced guidance that bridges product vision and technical execution.
We're looking for a Collar Tech Lead to provide technical leadership for an animal wearable device within our solution. You'll lead the technical design and execution of the collar from concept through mass production, ensuring it is robust, reliable, scalable, and ready for real-world use. Working closely with the Product Manager, core product team, R&D, NPI, Operations, Customer Success, and manufacturing partners, you'll own technical architecture, system integration, validation, risk management, and technical readiness for launch and ongoing support.
What you'll do:
- Lead the technical strategy, architecture, and design for the collar
- Translate customer and business needs into practical technical solutions
- Ensure the collar meets requirements for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost
- Work cross-functionally to support product discovery, experimentation, and field learning
- Define and oversee validation, quality, and launch readiness activities
- Identify and manage technical and production risks early
- Support field issue investigations and drive continuous improvement
- Track technical metrics and use data to guide engineering decisions
What we're looking for:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
- 5+ years' experience in technical leadership or technical project management for multidisciplinary hardware products
- Experience working in cross-functional product teams
- Strong knowledge of IoT architecture, embedded systems, hardware, mechanics, integration, and validation
- Experience developing mass-production wireless IoT or wearable devices
- Experience across the full product lifecycle, from concept to mass production
- Strong communication, organisation, and stakeholder management skills
- A customer-focused, accountable mindset with a drive to deliver measurable outcomes
Preferred experience:
- Geofencing, animal technology, or similar field-deployed hardware solutions
About you:
You are a collaborative technical leader who can influence without direct authority, thrive in a matrix environment, and balance customer needs, business priorities, and technical trade-offs. You enjoy solving complex problems, learning quickly, and working with multidisciplinary teams to deliver products that make a real difference.
Collar Tech Lead employer: MSD
MSD is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and diversity, making it a great place for professionals seeking meaningful work in animal health technology. With a strong focus on employee growth, collaborative work culture, and innovative product development, team members are empowered to take ownership of their projects while contributing to solutions that enhance the well-being of animals globally. Located in Rahway, NJ, employees benefit from a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Collar Tech Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to animal health technology. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. Focus on articulating your technical skills and experiences clearly, especially those related to IoT and wearable devices.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to innovative solutions in animal health.
We think you need these skills to ace Collar Tech Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Collar Tech Lead role. Highlight your experience in technical leadership and cross-functional teamwork, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in IoT architecture and product lifecycle management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for animal technology and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention any relevant projects you've led and how they relate to the collar device we’re developing.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your problem-solving abilities. We love candidates who can tackle complex challenges, so share examples of how you've navigated technical hurdles in past projects, especially in multidisciplinary teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MSD
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of IoT architecture, embedded systems, and the specific technologies related to animal wearables. Be ready to discuss how these technologies can be applied to meet customer needs and improve product performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams. Discuss how you've influenced decisions without direct authority and how you’ve balanced technical trade-offs with business priorities.
✨Understand the Product Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the full product lifecycle from concept to mass production. Be prepared to talk about your past experiences in managing risks and ensuring quality during each phase of development.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, demonstrate your strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Share instances where your collaborative approach led to successful outcomes in previous projects.