Product Development Materials Engineer

Premier Dental US; Plymouth Meeting (PA); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Product Development Materials Engineer to lead the research and development of cutting-edge dental materials. This role is pivotal in designing and optimizing materials for restorative and preventative dentistry, ensuring they meet clinical and market standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in product development, particularly within medical devices, and possess a strong foundation in materials science. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to advancements in dental technology, all while working remotely within the continental US. If you are passionate about improving dental products and thrive in a dynamic environment, this role is for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in product development for medical devices, preferably dental products.
• Strong understanding of materials science and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop new dental materials aligned with market needs.
• Manage projects and analyze performance data for product enhancements.

Skills

Materials Science

Project Management

Data Analysis

Problem-Solving

Technical Communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science

Master’s Degree in Chemistry

Tools

3D Printing Technologies

FDA Device Regulations

Job description

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Reports to the VP of New Product Development and is fully remote within the continental US, with occasional trips to the HQ in Plymouth Meeting, PA.

Position summary:

A Product Development Materials Engineer is responsible for supporting research and development of new dental materials, product enhancements, and product redesigns, focusing on materials used in restorative and preventative dentistry. The role involves planning and coordinating testing, analyzing data, and collaborating with external partners and teams to ensure materials meet clinical, safety, and market standards. The position requires exercising independent judgment. This job description is not exhaustive of all duties involved.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Key responsibilities may include:

1. Originating new products aligned with customer needs and business goals.
2. Designing and developing new dental material compositions, optimizing their properties, biocompatibility, and performance.
3. Managing key projects, processes, and analyzing performance data.
4. Negotiating contracts with consulting firms, universities, labs, and individuals for research and support.
5. Collaborating with dental professionals for user evaluations of product performance.
6. Staying updated on advancements in dental materials science through literature review and technology scouting.
7. Contributing to patent development and protection related to dental materials.
8. Refining manufacturing processes for quality and scalability.
9. Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (FDA, ISO) during development.
10. Working closely with cross-functional teams to bring new dental materials to market.

Required skills and qualifications:

• At least eight years of experience in product development within medical devices and/or oral care products; experience in Professional Dental Products is preferred.
• Understanding of materials science, testing methods, and manufacturing processes, especially for restorative and preventative dental materials like bioactive materials, composites, cements, adhesives, dentifrices, varnishes, 3D printing materials, etc.
• Experience in experimental design, data analysis, and reviewing scientific literature.
• Ability to interpret technical data related to physical and performance testing and validation.
• Familiarity with FDA device regulations.
• Strong problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to lead projects to completion.
• Effective communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to troubleshoot and develop solutions during product development.
• Collaborative and open working style.
• Energetic, enthusiastic, accountable, and able to motivate others.
• Willingness to travel within the US, with limited international travel.

Educational requirement: PhD or Master’s Degree in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field with a focus on polymer science; PhD preferred.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Medical Equipment Manufacturing