Demo

Materials Scientist

Actalent
Minneapolis, MN Contractor
POSTED ON 8/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/20/2026

Materials Scientist

Long-Term Opportunity | Medical Device Company | Offers Benefits

Job Description

Join a team developing and supporting cutting-edge medical technologies that improve and save lives. The Materials Scientist in this role would provide hands-on laboratory support and technical expertise across a portfolio of innovative cardiac products. You will help evaluate material performance, assess manufacturing and operational changes, conduct laboratory testing, and analyze data to support product quality and reliability. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong foundation in materials science who enjoys solving technical problems, working in a laboratory environment, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

  • Perform material characterization, testing, and evaluation within a laboratory environment.
  • Support investigations related to material performance, product reliability, and manufacturing processes.
  • Conduct experiments and generate data to support engineering decisions.
  • Assist with failure analysis, root cause investigations, and material assessments.
  • Evaluate proposed manufacturing, material, or operational changes and assess potential impact on product performance.
  • Analyze material properties and processing variables to support product development and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and supplier partners to identify and implement solutions.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret laboratory and process data.
  • Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate findings and recommendations.

Essential Skills

  • Expertise in materials engineering, metallurgy, materials science, or metallurgical disciplines.
  • Proficiency in failure analysis, material characterization, and laboratory techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), metallographic cross-sectioning, DSC, FTIR, biostability, and adhesion testing.
  • Experience with materials characterization techniques and polymers, particularly in medical device contexts.
  • Strong understanding of materials science fundamentals, including structure-property relationships and material behavior.
  • Ability to analyze data and communicate technical findings effectively.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 3 years of experience in an industrial or academic laboratory setting.
  • Experience conducting laboratory testing, research projects, or material characterization through industry, internships, co-ops, or academic work.

Work Environment

Work on life-changing medical technologies while gaining exposure to advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Collaborate with experienced engineers and scientists in a laboratory setting to build technical expertise. Contribute directly to the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of innovative medical devices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $25 - $40

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