Principal Engineer, Material Scientist

Vantive is a vital organ therapy company on a mission to extend lives and expand possibilities for patients and care teams. For 70 years, our team has driven meaningful innovations in kidney care. Our focus is deepening the dialysis experience through digital solutions and advanced services while investing in transforming vital organ therapies to increase flexibility, efficiency, and patient longevity.

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Engineer, Materials Scientist to join our Disposables R&D team in Plymouth. In this role you will use specialized knowledge of materials and processing to shape the technical vision for research and design of containers and disposable products for kidney care modalities. You will lead design and manufacturing teams in extrusion, molding, material processing and design transfer.

• Develop products and processes, incorporating materials science, design, quality improvement, and research techniques for renal products.
• Serve as the technical materials expert for design change programs—including new products, suppliers, materials, labeling, CAPA/NCR, cost reduction, and remediation.
• Produce pilot production runs of materials and sheeting for development and to establish process capability.
• Conduct polymeric materials characterization, blending, and processing.
• Identify, investigate, and solve complex engineering problems using risk‑based, customer‑focused approaches and tools such as dFMEA, Human Factors Engineering, statistical software, and CAD.
• Coordinate and communicate R&D efforts with global cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Schedule, budget, and lead engineering projects with minimal guidance.
• Adhere to design control procedures, safety rules, company policies, FDA and international regulations and guidance.
• May supervise engineers and/or technicians.
• May contribute to intellectual property through invention disclosures and patent applications.

• BS in Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field; MS or Ph.D. preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in disposables medical product development.
• Advanced knowledge of chemistry, materials science and general engineering principles for new plastic materials.
• Expertise in plastic material processing—inject molding, extrusion, ultrasonic welding, UV/solvent bonding, sterilization.
• Knowledge of FDA Design Controls and ISO 13485 Quality Management Systems preferred.
• Knowledge of ANSI/AAMI/ISO 14971 Medical Device risk management preferred.
• Takes initiative, learns quickly, innovates, and implements best practices and continuous improvements.
• Schedules, budgets, and leads engineering projects with minimal guidance.
• Trains and coaches others in technical expertise.
• Self‑directed, resourceful, and manages multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration and influencing skills.

The estimated base salary for this position is $104,000–130,000 annually. The range reflects anticipated pay, but actual compensation may vary based on market data, location, skills and experience. Additional compensation may include discretionary bonuses and/or long‑term incentives.

• Health, dental and vision coverage beginning on day one.
• Basic life, accident, short‑term and long‑term disability, and business travel accident insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with Aon Pooled Employer Plan (Aon PEP) support.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and comprehensive time‑off benefits (paid holidays, PTO ranging 20–35 days, family and medical leaves, paid parental leave).
• Commuting benefits, employee discount program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits.

Vantive is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Vantive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please let us know the nature of your request and contact information. Accommodation Form

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