Materials Scientist - Photopolymer Development

Shoptalk; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RSUs equity

Healthcare coverage

401K matching

Parental Leave

Sabbatical Leave

Flexible time off

On-site parking

Commuter benefits

Unlimited 3D prints

Job summary

Formlabs in Somerville, MA is seeking a Materials Scientist – Photopolymer Development to design and optimize photopolymer formulations for additve manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of materials science within a fast-paced R&D environment.

You will lead the end-to-end transition of new materials from lab concept to commercial launch, establish structure‑property relationships, and work with product, hardware, and software teams to ensure seamless performance on the Form 4 platform.

Qualifications

• Hands-on lab work to develop and characterize photopolymer formulations.
• Ability to convert lab results into scalable, manufacturable processes.
• Strong data analysis and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize complex photopolymer formulations for additive manufacturing.
• Lead end-to-end transition of new materials from lab concept to commercial launch.
• Establish structure-property relationships through rigorous experimentation and characterization.
• Learn 3D printing process and hardware to inform formulation decisions.
• Collaborate with product management, hardware, and software teams to meet customer needs on the Form 4 platform.

Skills

Hands-on lab work

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

BS/MS/PhD in polymer science or related field

Tools

Python

JMP

MATLAB

Minitab

Job description

About Formlabs:

Do you want to change how the world creates?

At Formlabs, we’re building the tools that make it possible for anyone to bring their ideas to life, from cutting-edge products to life-saving medical devices. Our 3D printing technology powers innovation at more than 50,000 industry leaders worldwide, including Apple, Google, Tesla, New Balance, and NASA. Together, we’re helping everyone design, prototype, and manufacture faster than ever before.

We’re a team of hands-on builders, engineers, and innovators reinventing how the world makes physical things. If you’re ready to shape the future of fabrication, come build it with us.

Your Impact:

Materials development presents one of the greatest opportunities to innovate in 3D printing, unlocking new applications in different industries such as engineering, consumer, manufacturing, automotive and healthcare. Our materials science team works closely with product management, hardware and software teams to develop new materials that push the boundaries of what can be done with 3D printing.

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who’s excited to break new ground in an industry that’s moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist - Photopolymer Development!

What You’ll Do:

• Design and optimize complex photopolymer formulations to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing.
• Lead the end-to-end transition of new materials from lab scale concept to commercial launch, supporting technology transfer and scale-up.
• Establish structure-process-property relationships through rigorous experimentation and analytical characterization to meet demanding product specifications.
• Learn about the 3D printing process and underlying hardware, and use that knowledge to inform formulation decisions and provide input to future hardware decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, hardware, and software teams to develop products that meet customer needs and work seamlessly on the Form 4 platform.

About You:

• BS, MS, or PhD in polymer science, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science or a related field.
• Results-oriented and motivated by delivering products in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Experience developing thermoset materials including epoxies, urethanes, or acrylates.
• Enjoys working hands-on in the lab conducting experiments and analyzing large data sets to drive decision making.
• Able to work autonomously and push projects forward with a high level of independence.
• Track record of success including publication, IP generation, or product commercialization.
• Practices good documentation and can organize complex data, create SOPs, and write clear, detailed internal reports.

Bonus Skills:

• Familiarity with additive manufacturing technologies
• Programming and digital analysis (Python, JMP, MATLAB, Minitab etc)
• Experience with high performance polymers, composites, or elastomers

Our Perks:

• Robust equity program to build future wealth through RSUs
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 401K matching and access to financial advisors
• Generous paid Parental Leave (up to 16 weeks)
• Tenure-based paid Sabbatical Leave (up to 6 weeks)
• Flexible Out of Office Plan – Take time when you need it
• Ample on-site parking & pre-tax commuter benefits
• Healthy on-site lunches, snacks, beverages, & treats
• Regular sponsored professional development opportunities
• Many opt-in culture events across our diverse community
• And of course… unlimited 3D prints

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Even if you don't check every box, but see yourself contributing, please apply. Help us build an inclusive community that will change the face of 3D printing.

Compensation

We are all owners of Formlabs and direct beneficiaries of our success. We believe that equity is a critical component of compensation at Formlabs, and we want our newest team members to understand the potential value of their equity compensation. Full time employees receive equity, in the form of RSUs. Your financial investment will grow with us in accordance to your impact.

At Formlabs, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. Your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, location and expected impact on the organization.

The annual base pay range for this role is:

$75,000—$115,000 USD