Distinguished Scientist

USA-Medtronic MiniMed, Inc 1017; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 186,000 - 316,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and flexible-benefi

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

MiniMed seeks a Distinguished Scientist to lead insulin delivery fluid-path systems, including infusion sets, reservoirs, tubing, cannulas, and connectors. You will shape long-term roadmaps, drive design from concept to commercialization, and mentor senior engineers across R&D, regulatory, and quality teams.

The role emphasizes materials selection, biocompatibility, and interoperability with insulin formulations, aiming to improve accuracy, reliability, and patient usability in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to guide products from concept through design verification, validation, and commercialization.
• Experience in medical device or combination product development, preferably insulin delivery systems.
• Expertise in fluid-path component design, analysis, testing, reliability, and risk management.
• Strong communication and project leadership within a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development and technical strategy for insulin delivery fluid-path systems.
• Drive design, prototyping, verification, validation, and design transfer for new products.
• Advance fluid-path performance and extended-wear infusion capabilities.
• Mentor engineering staff and build external partnerships to accelerate innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical 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.

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.

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).

• Competitive salary and flexible benefits package.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account.
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability leave.
• Dependent daycare spending account.
• Incentive plans.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement.
• Capital Accumulation Plan.
• Short Term Incentive (STI).
• Annual long-term incentive plan.

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.

About MiniMed

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. 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. With a heritage rooted in technology, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of innovation, we’re focused on one thing: making every day a better day for people with diabetes. From our intelligent dosing systems that stay one step ahead to our always-on support when it’s needed most, we’re committed to building a connected system of care that works together and fits into everyday life, so people with diabetes can move through the day with fewer interruptions. Fewer second guesses. And more freedom to live in the moment. We’re here to make better days possible for people with diabetes. Joyful, messy, fully lived days. Days where things feel lighter, easier. For more than four decades, we’ve been driven by this mission, delivering groundbreaking advancements in technology to help people live more fully, freely, and with greater confidence. At MiniMed, diabetes care is personal for us. Many of our employees have a connection to diabetes, whether they're living with it themselves or through family members and friends, and we all show up each day to help make the lives of our coworkers and loved ones easier. Our people-first priority. At MiniMed, we put our customers at the forefront of all we do, and that focus extends to our team as well. We're dedicated to creating a culture of belonging and providing our people with all the career-building resources you might need. Our life-transforming technologies. No matter what your role at our company, you're making a difference in the lives of people with diabetes. Our innovative inventions improve their day-to-day by helping lift the mental load and allowing diabetes to fade into the background, empowering them to live life on their own terms. Our focus on the future. We're chasing the dream of a world where people with diabetes can be free of that never-ending battle of balancing blood sugar. A world where better days are the norm, not the exception. Fresh faces and new viewpoints will help create our cutting-edge solutions and define the next generation of breakthroughs in care, so that a better day can start today.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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, 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.

Worksite Safety and Compliance

For sales reps and other patient facing field employees, going into a healthcare settingis considered an essential function of the job and we expect our employees to comply with all credentialing requirements at the hospitals or clinics they support. This employer participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here.