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

Department: Research & Development

Location: US-California-San Jose

Compensation: $152,200 - $209,350 / year

Description

Role summary

Align Technology, Inc. is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer with strong expertise in polymer science, sustainability, material compatibility, dental composite and adhesive, and medical device packaging to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives.

This role serves as a technical owner and subject-matter expert (SME) across polymer materials, dental materials, and packaging systems, you will be responsible for material verification, qualification, validation strategy, and risk‑based decision making across multiple high‑impact programs.

You will collaborate closely with R&D, eCommerce, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, Legal, and Supply Chain to ensure materials are robust, compliant, scalable, and ready to support global commercialization.

Role expectations

• 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.
  
  

What we’re looking for

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
  
  

Complementary skills

• 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.

Applicant Privacy Policy

Review our Applicant Privacy Policyfor additional information.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Align Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all our practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected category. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are applying, and employment eligibility will be verified as a condition of hire.