Distinguished Scientist

MiniMed; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 186,000 - 316,000; Full time

Job summary

MiniMed is seeking a Distinguished Scientist to provide technical leadership in next‑generation insulin delivery fluid‑path systems, including infusion sets and reservoirs. You will drive strategy from concept through design transfer and commercialization, emphasizing accuracy, reliability, and manufacturability.

The role requires 15+ years of experience in medical devices, with a focus on fluid‑path components, insulin compatibility, and cross‑functional collaboration across R&D, regulatory,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of relevant experience; or advanced degree with 13+ years of relevant experience.
• Master or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in medical device or combination product development, preferably involving insulin delivery systems or fluid-path components.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development and technical strategy for insulin delivery fluid-path systems, including infusion sets, reservoirs, tubing, cannulas, connectors, and associated components.
• Drive concept generation, feasibility, design optimization, prototyping, design verification, validation support, and design transfer for new and improved insulin delivery products.
• Advance fluid-path performance, including insulin delivery accuracy, flow resistance, occlusion prevention, priming, leakage prevention, mechanical integrity, and system reliability.
• Lead innovation in extended-wear infusion technologies and reservoir systems to improve wear duration, consistency of delivery, patient comfort, and usability.
• Evaluate insulin compatibility and functional interactions between insulin formulations and fluid-path components to support reliable in-use performance.
• Identify and resolve complex product design and performance challenges through engineering analysis, experimental testing, root-cause investigation, and risk-based decision-making.
• Partner with systems engineering, R&D, clinical, regulatory, quality, operations, and suppliers to translate technology concepts into scalable, manufacturable, compliant products.
• Provide supporting technical guidance on materials selection, material characterization, and biocompatibility for fluid-path and patient-contacting components, working with specialized teams as appropriate.
• Build external partnerships with suppliers, universities, and research organizations to evaluate emerging fluid-path technologies and accelerate product innovation.
• Contribute to technical leadership through patents, publications, technical forums, and technology roadmap development.
• Mentor and develop engineering and scientific talent, strengthening product-development and problem-solving capabilities across the organization.

Skills

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Problem solving

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master/PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related field

Job description

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 26 Oct 2026.

At MiniMed, you can begin a lifelong career of exploration and innovation, while helping make a difference in the lives of people living with diabetes around the globe. You'll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation for a more connected, compassionate world.

About The Role

MiniMed is seeking a highly experienced Distinguished Scientist to provide technical leadership in the product development of insulin delivery fluid-path systems, including infusion sets, insulin reservoirs, tubing, cannulas, and associated components. This leader will drive innovation, design excellence, and reliable performance of next-generation insulin delivery technologies, supported by expertise in materials selection and biocompatibility.

The Distinguished Scientist serves as a senior technical leader responsible for developing next-generation fluid-path technologies and products for insulin delivery systems, with primary emphasis on infusion sets, insulin reservoirs, tubing, cannulas, connectors, and associated components. This individual leads technical strategy from early feasibility and concept development through design, prototyping, verification, validation, design transfer, and commercialization. The role advances insulin delivery accuracy, flow performance, reliability, usability, manufacturability, and extended-wear capabilities. The Distinguished Scientist applies deep knowledge of fluid-path architecture, component design, interfaces, insulin compatibility, and device performance to solve complex engineering challenges and translate innovative technologies into robust product solutions.

This leader shapes long‑term fluid‑path technology roadmaps and influences product architecture and platform decisions across MiniMed’s insulin delivery portfolio.

As a recognized technical leader, the Distinguished Scientist mentors talent, develops external partnerships, and collaborates across R&D, systems engineering, clinical, regulatory, quality, and manufacturing teams to deliver safe, effective, and innovative products.

As a secondary area of responsibility, the individual provides technical guidance on materials selection, material characterization, and biocompatibility considerations relevant to fluid-path and patient‑contacting components, in collaboration with appropriate subject‑matter experts.

Impact

This role has significant impact on the development and commercialization of differentiated insulin delivery fluid‑path technologies, including infusion sets and reservoirs. The Distinguished Scientist drives improvements in delivery performance, reliability, extended wear, patient experience, and scalable manufacturing. Through technical strategy, cross‑functional leadership, and execution of complex development programs, this leader influences portfolio roadmaps, mitigates product risks, and accelerates innovative, high‑quality insulin delivery solutions.

Subject Matter Expertise

Recognized technical expert in the design and development of insulin delivery fluid‑path systems, including infusion sets, reservoirs, tubing, cannulas, connectors, fluid interfaces, and subcutaneous delivery components. Expertise includes fluid‑flow and delivery performance, insulin compatibility, system integration, product reliability, extended‑wear technology, design verification, and design transfer. Supporting knowledge of materials selection, material characterization, and biocompatibility is desirable.

Responsibilities may include the following and other duties may be assigned.

• Lead product development and technical strategy for insulin delivery fluid‑path systems, including infusion sets, reservoirs, tubing, cannulas, connectors, and associated components.
• Drive concept generation, feasibility, design optimization, prototyping, design verification, validation support, and design transfer for new and improved insulin delivery products.
• Advance fluid‑path performance, including insulin delivery accuracy, flow resistance, occlusion prevention, priming, leakage prevention, mechanical integrity, and system reliability.
• Lead innovation in extended‑wear infusion technologies and reservoir systems to improve wear duration, consistency of delivery, patient comfort, and usability.
• Evaluate insulin compatibility and functional interactions between insulin formulations and fluid‑path components to support reliable in‑use performance.
• Identify and resolve complex product design and performance challenges through engineering analysis, experimental testing, root‑cause investigation, and risk‑based decision‑making.
• Partner with systems engineering, R&D, clinical, regulatory, quality, operations, and suppliers to translate technology concepts into scalable, manufacturable, compliant products.
• Provide supporting technical guidance on materials selection, material characterization, and biocompatibility for fluid‑path and patient‑contacting components, working with specialized teams as appropriate.
• Build external partnerships with suppliers, universities, and research organizations to evaluate emerging fluid‑path technologies and accelerate product innovation.
• Contribute to technical leadership through patents, publications, technical forums, and technology roadmap development.
• Mentor and develop engineering and scientific talent, strengthening product‑development and problem‑solving capabilities across the organization.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of relevant experience; or advanced degree with 13+ years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in medical device or combination product development, preferably involving insulin delivery systems, fluid‑path components, or infusion technologies
• Technical leader with substantial experience developing complex medical devices, preferably insulin delivery products, infusion sets, reservoirs, or related fluid‑path technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to guide products from concept through design verification, validation, and commercialization is essential.
• Expertise in fluid‑path component design, engineering analysis, functional performance testing, reliability, failure investigation, design controls, and risk management for regulated medical devices.
• Ability to assess fluid delivery performance, component interfaces, insulin compatibility, extended‑wear requirements, and manufacturing constraints to make sound product‑development decisions.
• Proven success leading complex cross‑functional technical initiatives, influencing platform architecture and technology strategy, and translating scientific and engineering advances into practical product solutions.
• Strong communication, presentation, organizational, and project leadership skills, including the ability to mentor senior technical staff and work effectively in a matrixed organization.
• Working knowledge of materials selection, material characterization, and biocompatibility as supporting considerations for patient‑contacting and fluid‑path components.
• Direct product development experience with insulin infusion sets, insulin reservoirs, tubing, cannulas, connectors, or other drug‑delivery fluid‑path components.
• Experience developing extended‑wear infusion technologies and improving fluid delivery accuracy, reliability, occlusion performance, and patient usability.
• Experience with insulin compatibility, drug‑device interfaces, and functional performance of insulin delivery systems.
• Experience in design verification, validation, reliability testing, design transfer, and manufacturing scale‑up of medical devices.
• Knowledge of global medical device regulations, design controls, and risk management requirements.
• Experience in materials selection, material characterization, or biocompatibility evaluation for patient‑contacting components.
• Track record of innovation through patents, publications, technical leadership, or technology commercialization.
• Experience mentoring senior technical staff, influencing portfolio strategy, supporting regulatory submissions, or managing technical teams.
• Previous experience managing teams of scientists is a plus.

Physical Job Requirements

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position.

The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer and communicate with peers and co‑workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.

Benefits & Compensation

MiniMed offers a competitive salary and flexible benefits package

At MiniMed, we put people first. A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values: We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every stage of your career and life.

Salary ranges for U.S (excl. PR) locations (USD):$167,000.00 - $285,000.00

For roles located in California, Seattle WA, Washington DC, Boston MA, and New York City, the salary range is $186,000.00 - $316,000.00 USD.

Actual compensation may vary based on factors including experience, education, certifications, skills, market conditions, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others).

This position is eligible for a short‑term incentive called the Short Term Incentive (STI).This position is eligible for an annual long‑term incentive plan.

At MiniMed, we are committed to supporting the well‑being and financial security of our employees. Regular employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for a robust benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as access to a Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, life insurance, long‑term disability leave, and a dependent daycare spending account. In addition, all regular employees enjoy incentive plans, a 401(k) plan with company match, short‑term disability coverage, paid time off and holidays, participation in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and access to our Employee Assistance Program. Eligible employees may also benefit from our Non‑qualified Retirement Plan Supplement and Capital Accumulation Plan, subject to IRS minimum earnings requirements. Please note that “regular employees” refers to those who are not temporary staff, such as interns, and some benefits may not apply to employees in Puerto Rico.

For further details about our comprehensive benefits, we encourage you to visit the link below.

About MiniMed

MiniMed Benefits Overview

MiniMed is a full‑stack insulin delivery company dedicated to supporting people living with diabetes through every step of their journey - when and how they need it. For more than 40 years, we’ve been committed to redefining what’s possible: intelligent dosing systems designed for real life, predictive insights that stay a step ahead, and always on support when it’s needed most. At the heart of everything we do is a simple Mission: to make every day a better day for people with diabetes.

Learn more about our business, and our mission here.

It is the policy of MiniMed to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, MiniMed will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

If you are applying to perform work for MiniMed in any position which will involve performing at least two (2) hours of work on average each week within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, you can find here a list of all material job duties of the specific job position which MiniMed reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. MiniMed will consider for employment qualified job applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.