Sr. Applications Engineer

Avantor; Carpinteria (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Applications Engineer to join their dynamic Biomaterials team. This full-time role offers the chance to optimize innovative solutions in the silicone materials sector, supporting major laboratories globally. You will engage in hands-on work, driving application development projects and collaborating across functions to ensure successful product commercialization. If you are passionate about solving complex challenges and have a strong background in silicone materials, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team committed to advancing life-changing science and making a real impact in healthcare.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in the silicone industry required.
• Ability to work in a highly matrixed environment with strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support new business opportunities and transition them to R&D product development.
• Perform advanced testing and drive projects forward in the lab.

Skills

Silicone materials knowledge

Project management skills

Technical customer support

Problem-solving

Scientific research understanding

Business acumen

Education

B.S. in Chemistry

B.S. in Engineering

B.S. in Materials Science

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

The Opportunity:

Avantor is looking for a dedicated and experienced Sr. Applications Engineer to optimize our NuSil team, delivering results against some of the most complex business and technology initiatives.

This role will be a full-time position based out of our Carpinteria, CA office. You will have the opportunity to support the growth ambitions of a Biomaterials business. If you have experience in silicone materials and are passionate about solving complex challenges and driving innovation – let’s talk!

The team

Avantor’s NuSil team is part of our Biomaterials unit. This team supports the innovation and growth objectives of major laboratories across the globe by helping with the integration of new technology solutions into their lab processes and operations.

What we’re looking for

• Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science or related field
• Experience:
  • 6+ years of silicone industry
  • 2+ years of direct technical customer support / service
  • Experience with fabrication and test methods employed in silicone component manufacture
  • Ability to work in a highly matrixed environment
  • Ability to travel 25% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science or related field
• Direct experience with the design, development, manufacture, testing and regulatory requirements associated with silicone product implementation & qualification.

How you will thrive and create an impact

A Senior Applications Engineer in NuSil supporting the Biomaterials (BM) group is expected to have broad knowledge of silicone materials and familiarity with the processing & application of these materials in the healthcare, medical, and drug delivery industries. Recognized as a subject matter expert in some facet of silicone product technology, a qualified candidate will have a track record of leading application development projects forward to successful completion, while effectively engaging stakeholders across multiple functions (e.g., Sales, New Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, etc.). This individual will be expected to drive multiple projects forward simultaneously, employing effective project management skills and data-driven decision-making capabilities. Depending on the project, the individual will need to command a working knowledge of all aspects of product design, development and commercialization including product formulation, functional material characterization, application-relevant analytical technologies, manufacturing process development, and quality assurance & relevant regulatory considerations. This role will require hands-on work in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.

An Applications Engineer for NuSil is responsible for the following:

• Work collaboratively with the NuSil Commercial team to support new business opportunities and transition them to new R&D product development projects
• Being the applications SME for new product development opportunities encompassing BM applications
• Work with customers to capture critical product attributes and with the commercial team to define strategy for effective sampling of prototype material meeting customer requirements
• Work hands-on in the lab to make new materials, perform advanced testing and drive projects forward
• Assist commercial team in transitioning new customer opportunities to new product development projects within the R&D department
• Support the new product development teams during opportunity progression and assist customer qualification activities, improving opportunity probability of success & ultimately driving NuSil growth
• Generate product profiles for newly launched products as needed
• Customer Support
• Perform application relevant and/or advanced testing to support new customer applications, process development and/or troubleshoot customer issues.
• Travel to customers to support where applicable
• Provide on-site quality/trouble shooting technical support to quality engineers
• Technical content creation for customer support/visits, trade shows, marketing campaigns, etc.
• Interface with NuSil Product Technology, Analytical Technology, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs and Operations to ensure commercialization objectives are clearly understood and cross-functional / departmental coordination is effective.
• Acquire and maintain working knowledge of commercial account management and transaction processes including the use of Salesforce as an essential tool.
• Foster a safe work environment and comply with all Standard Operating Procedures and ethical conduct requirements

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate the following skills:

• Deep technical knowledge of the chemistry and materials science of silicone products (i.e., polymers, resins, reinforced elastomers, adhesives, primers, inks, foams, greases)
• Deep understanding of HCR & LSR elastomers, gels, dispersions and adhesives for medical implants & devices and healthcare application
• Deep understanding of silicone structure-property relationships as it relates to silicone- drug interactions and how to modify drug elution rates
• Working knowledge of silicone material manufacturing processes
• Develop a practical understanding of the NuSil product portfolio and their use in customer applications.
• Demonstrated understanding of scientific research / concepts and new product development methods and utilization of relevant concepts / methodologies at different stages of the development process
• Rigorous scientific approach to product design and problem solving.
• Fundamental understanding and working knowledge of statistically-based quality principles and familiarity with Lean / Six Sigma methodologies
• Extensive knowledge of customer manufacturing & fabrication processes (e.g., injection molding, extrusion, dip coating, spray coating, sheeting, device assembly, etc.) and in-depth understanding of silicone-material application.
• Business Acumen: solid understanding of markets and competition, value propositions, business cases based on materials costing.
• Organization & Project management skills
• Proactive self-starter able to work in a dynamic environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is $112,400.00 - $187,400.00. Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.