Agile Risk Mangement
In the age of AI and geopolitical instability (tariffs), traditional risk management needs to evolve and adopt agile processes.
Leading the Delivery of High-Reliability Technology Systems
Waheed Zarif
A PMP-certified Technical Program Leader with a unique background spanning foundational biotech R&D and the full lifecycle delivery of large-scale, integrated hardware and software platforms.
Explore my blog
View all posts »Explore my blog for content on a variety of topics that interest me, including AI/ML, program management, leadership, and more.
Image Recognition With Deep Learning - Convolutional Neural Network
A series of short articles on image recognition using Keras API
Image Recognition With Deep Learning - Neural Networks
A series of short articles on image recognition using Keras API
Image Recognition With Deep Learning - Introduction
A series of short articles on image recognition using Keras API
About me
My career began at the intersection of pure science and commercial viability. At Celdara Medical, a biotech incubator, I learned the rigorous discipline of translating complex concepts—like CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapies—into tangible products within highly regulated R&D environments.
This foundational experience in disciplined, high-stakes development now serves as the blueprint for my career in technology program management. I lead the entire lifecycle of complex, integrated systems, from initial concept and R&D to full-scale global deployment. As a program leader, I've directed the end-to-end development of integrated hardware/software platforms, managed multimillion-dollar program portfolios, and orchestrated large, cross-functional teams across multiple continents.
My core expertise lies in:
- End-to-End Program Leadership
- Complex Systems Integration (Hardware + Software)
- Strategic Stakeholder & Vendor Management
I thrive on building technology that is reliable, scalable, and impactful. My unique blend of scientific discipline and technical program leadership is particularly suited to solving the complex challenges found in the aerospace, biotech, and deep technology sectors
Work experience
Vice President, Program Management
Delos Living LLC, Los Angeles, CA
2020 - Present
I currently lead a >$4M portfolio of complex technology programs, direct strategic lifecycle initiatives like EOL and NPI, and manage large, globally distributed engineering and product teams.
Senior Director & Director, Program Management
Delos Living LLC, New York, NY
2015 - 2020
I progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, managing the full product launch for the company's flagship SaaS platform, building a global supply chain, and directing the foundational development of the DARWIN™ integrated hardware/software system.
Research Scientist
Celdara Medical, Lebanon, NH
2012 - 2015
I began my career conducting hands-on R&D in a highly regulated biotech environment, where I played a key role in advancing novel therapeutic modalities like CAR-T and CRISPR/Cas9.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering, Biotech Engineering
Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College
2011 - 2012
Bachelor of Arts, Engineering Sciences
Dartmouth College
2007 - 2011
International Baccalaureate
UWC - USA
2005 - 2007
Key Skills
Discover the proficiencies that allow me to make programs successful and bring ideas to life through problem solving, leadership, engineering, and design, and customer.
Cross-functional Leadership
Working across product, engineering, legal, finance, operations, and deployment teams.
Executive Communication
Skilled at communicating with leadership at all level to drive decision making.
Project Management
PMP-Certified with over a decade of experience managing complex, multinational projects.
Risk Management
Skilled at identifying project and program risks, and executing risk management plans.
Partnerships
Experienced in cultivating relationships with partners, vendors, and corporate clients.
Process Improvement
Proficient in problem solving and passionate about process improvement.