Employee Spotlight: Nicole Cufaude

Nicole Cufaude

Laboratory Manager and Head of Global Service Line – Medical Device Testing TÜV SÜD, New Brighton, MN

Expert in Laboratory Development & Strategy, Team Leadership, Microbiology, Biocompatibility, Packaging, and Chemistry Testing for medical devices.

With over 10 years of experience leading multidisciplinary laboratory teams and over 20 of experience in the medical device industry, Nicole Cufaude is an experienced medical device testing strategy and operations expert.

As the Laboratory Manager at TÜV SÜD’s Center of Excellence in New Brighton, Minnesota, Nicole oversees a wide portfolio of services within a state-of-the-art, ISO 17025-accredited facility, including:

• Microbiology & Sterilization Validations
• ISO 10993 Biocompatibility Testing
• Chemical Characterization
• Packaging Integrity & Distribution Testing

Before joining TÜV SÜD in 2021, Nicole spent a decade at a reputable medical device manufacturer and held senior leadership roles in laboratory services. She successfully led global insourcing initiatives, expanded R&D testing capabilities, and managed multimillion-dollar laboratory infrastructure projects. Today, Nicole leverages her deep technical expertise and operational leadership to drive efficiency, precision, quality, and regulatory confidence for TÜV SÜD’s clients in the medical health sector.

Areas of Expertise

• Laboratory Development & Strategy • Microbiology & Sterilization
• Biocompatibility & Chemical Characterization
• Team Leadership & Talent Development

How Nicole Supports Your Success

• A World-Class Testing Environment, Built for You.
  Nicole led the expansion of TÜV SÜD’s state-of-the-art testing laboratory in New Brighton, enhancing capabilities in biocompatibility, microbiology, chemistry, and packaging to create an environment built for precision, compliance, and exceptional client service from day one.
• Consistently Reliable Turnaround Times.
  Under Nicole’s leadership, the labs have achieved a consistent 98% on-time testing performance, helping clients stay on schedule.
• A Team and Culture Built Around Your Success.
  Nicole is passionate about developing high-performing teams and systems that align with TÜV SÜD’s commitment to safety, quality, and client success, while strengthening trust and long-term partnerships.

MEET THE EXPERT

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn

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