At WHOOP, we’re on a mission to unlock human performance and healthspan. WHOOP empowers members to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies, behaviors, and daily lives.
WHOOP Labs is the research and physical product testing arm of WHOOP. We conduct human-centered research and hardware validation to ensure our devices, components, and systems meet the highest standards of scientific rigor, usability, and performance.
WHOOP is hiring a Senior Research Manager, Physical Product to lead and scale research efforts supporting hardware advanced development and physical product innovation. This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping research strategy across the hardware lifecycle—from early concept through NPI and continuous improvement. As a strategic partner, program leader, and people manager, you will build deep cross-functional relationships, drive operational excellence across complex research programs, and develop a high-performing team that delivers rigorous, high-impact research.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serve as the primary research partner to Hardware, Systems, Product, Signal Processing, and Quality teams, representing WHOOP Labs in roadmap and planning discussions and ensuring research strategy aligns with hardware priorities and long-term product vision.
Shape how research informs decision-making across the physical product lifecycle by advocating for rigorous, data-driven development practices and translating benchtop validation into meaningful human subject research.
Own intake, scoping, prioritization, resourcing, and execution of physical product research initiatives, partnering closely with Program Management to manage risk, communicate progress, and drive operational excellence across research workflows and lab operations.
Provide senior-level leadership for hardware validation study design, protocol development, benchmarking methodologies, test method development, and mixed-methods research, ensuring scientific rigor and actionable insights.
Serve as a senior individual contributor on complex hardware validation initiatives while championing participant experience and best practices in human subjects research.
Manage, coach, and develop a team of researchers and coordinators, fostering strong research craft, operational discipline, cross-functional collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Human Factors, Biomedical Engineering, Design Research, Psychology, Exercise Science, or a related field.
5+ years of experience conducting research for physical products, ideally within hardware, health technology, wearables, or consumer product environments, with demonstrated experience bridging technical validation and human subject research.
3+ years of people management experience, including coaching, performance development, team scaling, and leading cross-functional research programs across hardware development lifecycles (NPI through CI).
Strong understanding of hardware systems and experience operating within engineering-driven product development environments.
Proven ability to build trusted relationships, influence without direct authority, and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders through written, verbal, and executive-level presentations.
Experience managing research vendors and external partners, coupled with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate ambiguity in fast-paced environments.
Strong technological fluency, including experience with data management systems and leveraging AI tools to improve operational efficiency while maintaining research rigor and quality standards.
Strong commitment to embracing and leveraging AI tools in day-to-day tasks, ensuring AI-assisted work aligns with the same high-quality standards as personal contributions.
