Meet Joe Mendiola – Leader for Program Management at Argonaut
What’s a day in the life of overseeing Program Managers at Argonaut?
“That’s part of the excitement—there isn’t really a typical day,” says Joe Mendiola. Joe leads a team focused on life science diagnostics, lyophilization, and combination drug product programs. His days are a mix of client check-ins, advocacy, manufacturing prioritization, and coordinating everything from shipping logistics to tech transfer timelines.
“Some clients are in steady-state mode with monthly deliveries, while others are in fast-paced development phases. I spend time aligning cross-functional teams and keeping both clients and leadership informed and synchronized.”
How does your work support Argonaut’s mission?
Joe Mendiola is motivated by the diversity of programs Argonaut supports. “We work with clients developing solutions for specific diseases, sometimes through non-invasive tools that improve quality of life. I love knowing that we’re contributing to better patient outcomes—whether it’s enabling earlier diagnostics or providing meaningful data for care decisions.”
“I love knowing that we’re contributing to better patient outcomes—whether it’s enabling earlier diagnostics or providing meaningful data for care decisions.”
What do you wish clients knew before starting a program?
Joe shares a pragmatic perspective. “There’s often a desire for flashy kits and branded packaging, but that can slow things down. Sometimes the best first step is getting in front of users and validating function before perfecting aesthetics.”
He also notes challenges around fill volumes. “Clients may want extremely small fills like 7 microliters, which is fine for benchtop R&D but difficult in manufacturing. Just bumping it to 10 microliters can make a huge difference in processability and product quality.”
Ultimately, he says, “Argonaut is a companion in development. Even if something isn’t fully defined, we help figure it out together.”
How did you get started in biotech?
With over eight years at Argonaut, Joe Mendiola’s path began in technical roles before formally stepping into program management. “I loved working in the lab, but over time, I was drawn to the broader scope of managing programs. At Argonaut, I’ve had two stints as a PM and I now lead the team.”
“Argonaut is a companion in development. Even if something isn’t fully defined, we help figure it out together.”
What advice would you give to someone new in biotech?
“Understand the manufacturing perspective,” Joe Mendiola advises. “What works at small scale might not translate directly. And stay open to learning—this field moves fast, and you grow by staying engaged and adaptable.” Importantly he goes on, “Listen to those giving you candid advice-champions will push you to the next level.’
Tell us about a passion you hold close.
Joe is modest in his description on helping others. “My dad started a scholarship for Escondido High students while coaching aquatic sports. With my family’s support, I have been blessed to be able to continue this scholarship every year as part of his legacy. Not every kid has a parent that is present or that has means, so this scholarship – that can be applied to community college, trade schools, or university – aims to help them fulfill their dreams.”
What excites you about Argonaut’s future?
“The diversity of clients and programs keeps things fresh,” Joe says. “We’re growing in capabilities and impact, and I’m excited to see where that momentum takes us—and our clients.”
Joe’s balance of technical insight, empathy and program leadership makes him a key force at Argonaut. With him guiding complex programs forward, clients can count on execution from development through delivery.
“We’re growing in capabilities and impact, and I’m excited to see where that momentum takes us—and our clients.”
Argonaut is a leader in contract manufacturing services for life sciences, IVD and drug device combination products (DDCP) with over 100K square feet of manufacturing facilities and has produced more than 4.2M kits since 2016 with Joe Mendiola’s involvement in many of these. No other life science, diagnostic, or drug product contract manufacturing organization (CMO) offers broader scale, more flexibility and faster speed to market with lower risk, and less capital expenditures.
Discover how Joe Mendiola’s expertise can elevate your manufacturing processes—reach out to us today to learn more!
