Align Technology
Sr. Materials Engineer, R&D Core Materials
Align Technology, San Jose, California, United States, 95199
Sr. Materials Engineer, R&D Core Materials
Join to apply for the Sr. Materials Engineer, R&D Core Materials role at Align Technology.
Department:
Research & Development
Location:
US-California-San Jose
Compensation:
$149,800 - $206,000 / year
Align Technology, Inc. is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer with deep expertise in polymer science, sustainability, material compatibility, and medical device packaging to lead complex, cross‑functional projects spanning orthodontic accessory and ancillary product compatibility, recycled materials innovation, and advanced packaging development.
This role serves as a technical leader and subject‑matter expert (SME) who defines testing strategy, establishes technical direction, and partners across the organization to translate material innovations into scalable, compliant, and sustainable product solutions.
You will collaborate across R&D, eCommerce, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, Legal, and Supply Chain to deliver robust material solutions that enable Align’s growth and sustainability goals.
Role expectations
Lead and own material selections and studies for orthodontic accessory and ancillary products to ensure safety, functionality with Invisalign orthodontic appliances, and packaging.
Drive the development of circular‑material technologies by transforming recycled polymers into high‑performance, qualified applications.
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
M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Polymer Science, Materials 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.
Must have the technical abilities to apply results to product performance metrics.
Strong background in sustainability and recycled materials development, including processing, evaluation, and qualification for value‑added applications.
Hands‑on experience in packaging materials design, development, and validation for medical or consumer products.
Excellent technical communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
Strong 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.
High standards of execution, integrity, and accountability, with a strong commitment to achieving results and goals.
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.
Pay transparency Provided base salary ranges represent the expected pay for this position. Actual placement depends on individual skills and experience.
General description of all benefits Align offers employees full‑time benefits including medical, dental, vision, family benefits, and more. Additional perks and insurance options are available to support employee wellness and work‑life balance.
Benefits
Discounts on Invisalign and Vivera after 90 days of employment.
Backup child/elder care and caregiving concierge.
Family forming benefits for employees and spouses or domestic partners.
Breast milk delivery and lactation support services.
Employee assistance program.
Hinge Health virtual physical therapy available to all employees and eligible dependents (age 18+).
Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
Basic life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment.
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter benefits.
401(k) plan with company match and Roth options.
Employee stock purchase program (eligible after 20 hours per week).
Paid vacation up to 17 days in the first year, accruing based on tenure.
Sick time accrued by hour, with carryover up to 80 hours.
11 company‑designated paid holidays each year.
Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave after 12 consecutive months; 4 weeks for less than 12 months.
Paid bereavement leave up to 3 days.
Full pay for up to 10 days of jury duty for non‑exempt employees.
Optional purchase of additional insurance such as legal, critical illness, and long‑term care.
Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type:
Full‑time
Job function:
Management and Manufacturing
Industry:
Medical Equipment Manufacturing
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 applicable country, and employment eligibility will be verified as a condition of hire.
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Department:
Research & Development
Location:
US-California-San Jose
Compensation:
$149,800 - $206,000 / year
Align Technology, Inc. is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer with deep expertise in polymer science, sustainability, material compatibility, and medical device packaging to lead complex, cross‑functional projects spanning orthodontic accessory and ancillary product compatibility, recycled materials innovation, and advanced packaging development.
This role serves as a technical leader and subject‑matter expert (SME) who defines testing strategy, establishes technical direction, and partners across the organization to translate material innovations into scalable, compliant, and sustainable product solutions.
You will collaborate across R&D, eCommerce, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, Legal, and Supply Chain to deliver robust material solutions that enable Align’s growth and sustainability goals.
Role expectations
Lead and own material selections and studies for orthodontic accessory and ancillary products to ensure safety, functionality with Invisalign orthodontic appliances, and packaging.
Drive the development of circular‑material technologies by transforming recycled polymers into high‑performance, qualified applications.
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
M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Polymer Science, Materials 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.
Must have the technical abilities to apply results to product performance metrics.
Strong background in sustainability and recycled materials development, including processing, evaluation, and qualification for value‑added applications.
Hands‑on experience in packaging materials design, development, and validation for medical or consumer products.
Excellent technical communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
Strong 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.
High standards of execution, integrity, and accountability, with a strong commitment to achieving results and goals.
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.
Pay transparency Provided base salary ranges represent the expected pay for this position. Actual placement depends on individual skills and experience.
General description of all benefits Align offers employees full‑time benefits including medical, dental, vision, family benefits, and more. Additional perks and insurance options are available to support employee wellness and work‑life balance.
Benefits
Discounts on Invisalign and Vivera after 90 days of employment.
Backup child/elder care and caregiving concierge.
Family forming benefits for employees and spouses or domestic partners.
Breast milk delivery and lactation support services.
Employee assistance program.
Hinge Health virtual physical therapy available to all employees and eligible dependents (age 18+).
Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
Basic life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment.
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter benefits.
401(k) plan with company match and Roth options.
Employee stock purchase program (eligible after 20 hours per week).
Paid vacation up to 17 days in the first year, accruing based on tenure.
Sick time accrued by hour, with carryover up to 80 hours.
11 company‑designated paid holidays each year.
Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave after 12 consecutive months; 4 weeks for less than 12 months.
Paid bereavement leave up to 3 days.
Full pay for up to 10 days of jury duty for non‑exempt employees.
Optional purchase of additional insurance such as legal, critical illness, and long‑term care.
Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type:
Full‑time
Job function:
Management and Manufacturing
Industry:
Medical Equipment Manufacturing
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 applicable country, and employment eligibility will be verified as a condition of hire.
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