Materials Scientist, Photopolymers

Location:

Aylesbury, GB

Job  Category:
Product & Engineering

About Stratasys

Stratasys is a world leader in 3D printing and is helping drive the global shift to additive manufacturing. Our solutions support industries including aerospace, automotive, consumer products, and healthcare. Through connected 3D printers, polymer materials, software, and parts on demand, we help organizations improve product design, manufacturing agility, supply chains, and patient care.

The Role

As a Materials Scientist within our stereo lithography R&D team, you will connect the technical work of R&D with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Commercial teams. You will support the lifecycle of our stereo lithography photopolymer portfolio, with a focus on formulation, material properties, product performance, raw material qualification, quality investigations, and new product development.

What You Will Do

• Partner with factory Quality Control and Process Engineering teams to review test results and product specifications, investigate quality failures, perform root cause analysis, and conduct experimental work as needed.

• Investigate and validate alternative raw materials to help maintain supply continuity while ensuring finished products meet quality requirements.

• Collaborate with strategic raw material suppliers and internal Procurement teams.

• Investigate and resolve technical escalations and enquiries from the field.

• Improve existing products by enhancing material properties and print performance.

• Support manufacturing validation, including test method development and execution.

• Contribute to New Product Introduction projects by supporting product design quality, information transfer to manufacturing, product safety and performance, and communication with commercial teams and customers.

• Prepare developmental formulation batches and scale them from small to medium scale, up to approximately 20 kg.

• Conduct 3D printing trials using formulated resins and commercial products, along with liquid and mechanical testing such as viscosity, tensile, and thermal testing.

• Develop proficiency with stereo lithography printers and become a subject matter expert in print defects and failures.

• Provide technical expertise and documentation to Legal and Intellectual Property teams for patent filings, freedom-to-operate assessments, and other product-related matters.

• Operate laboratory equipment competently and follow established methods, quality standards, and safe working practices.

• Participate in project and technical reviews, and present findings as needed.

• Conduct online research and review internal technical reports and relevant literature.

• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment in line with internal chemical hygiene policies.

• Support compliance with COSHH requirements and proper chemical disposal practices.

What You Bring

Required qualifications and experience

• Master's degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science with a polymer focus, or a closely related discipline.

• Strong foundation in materials science, chemistry, or chemical engineering, with specific knowledge of polymer chemistry.

• Knowledge of photopolymer chemistry and formulation.

• Experience with analytical and mechanical testing.

• Hands-on experience working safely in a laboratory, including experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory equipment.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports and presenting information for different audiences.

• Strong problem-solving skills and a focus on innovation and continuous improvement in an R&D environment.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize work, maintain accurate records, and make considered decisions independently.

• Collaborative, adaptable, inquisitive, and detail-oriented approach with strong ownership of tasks.

Desirable experience and interests

• Active interest in polymer 3D printing and materials.

• Experience developing photopolymer materials for 3D printing or working in a closely related field.

• Experience working in a cross-functional environment involving R&D, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Affairs.