Senior Materials Engineer – R&D Core Materials Engineering (Polymer)

Description

• Lead material selections, evaluation, and qualification across a range of polymer‑based material systems used in Align products. 
• Own material strategy and execution for new product introduction (NPI), regional launches, and sustaining activities. 
• Independently manage multiple parallel material workstreams with high visibility and business impact. 
• Lead dental materials assessments (e.g., composites, adhesives, polymers) to support product global launch and meet regional requirements.  
• Define testing strategies and deliver clear data-driven technical recommendations to cross‑functional stakeholders. 
• Support medical device packaging materials and systems as part of overall material ownership. 
• Design, evaluate, and optimize medical and consumer packaging for performance, manufacturability, and sustainability in accordance with ISO 11607 and ASTM/ISTA standards. 
• Design and perform standard and customized polymer characterization (thermal, mechanical, rheological, spectroscopic) and long-term reliability evaluations. 
• Define and approve material specifications; author validation protocols and reports documentation per Design Control and QMS requirements. 
• Lead collaboration with internal teams and external partners to evaluate, qualify, and scale sustainable materials and packaging solutions globally. 
• Support chemical-compliance and biocompatibility evaluations to ensure regulatory readiness and provide data for product filings. 
• Translate complex test results into clear technical reports, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations that guide product and business decisions. 
• Mentor and coach engineers and technicians to strengthen experimental design, data integrity, and sustainability best practices across the materials function. 

• M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline. 
• 8+ years of R&D experience involving polymers, packaging, or medical devices.   
• Proven expertise in polymer characterization, structure–property analysis, and material compatibility evaluation.  
• Demonstrated ability to translate material performance into product-level requirements and outcomes.  
• Lead and execute hands-on laboratory testing and material characterization, including experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.   
• Practical experience in packaging materials design, development, and validation for medical or consumer products.  
• Excellent technical communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.  
• Proven analytical thinking and ability to translate data into practical engineering recommendations. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and influence cross-functional stakeholders.   
• Demonstrated learning agility, ownership, and a proactive, results-driven mindset. 
• Ability to take initiative, follow through, and approach challenges with curiosity and persistence in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong execution, integrity, and accountability. 

• Experience evaluating material interactions for chemical and functional compatibility with medical devices and packaging systems. 
• Knowledge of environmental, chemical, and packaging compliance standards, including REACH, RoHS, Prop 65, TSCA, ISO 10993, and ISO 11607. 
• Familiarity with sustainable packaging materials, validation methods, and relevant ASTM and ISTA test standards (e.g., ASTM F88, F1980; ISTA 3A). 
• Working knowledge of design control, risk management, and validation processes in accordance with ISO 13485 and FDA QSR requirements. 

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