Research And Development Engineer

Location: Onsite – Maple Grove, MN

Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire

Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship

Pay rate up to $58/hr.

A leading medical device organization is seeking an experienced R&D Engineer III with strong expertise in polymer science, materials engineering, and early‑stage product development. This role focuses on researching, developing, and optimizing polymer‑based materials and technologies that enable next‑generation cardiovascular implants.

The ideal candidate brings hands‑on experience with medical device polymers, analytical testing, and new product development. You’ll collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and clinical teams to advance innovative materials and support the development of high‑performance, manufacturable products.

• Lead the design, development, and integration of next‑generation technologies for cardiovascular implant applications.
• Conduct material characterization, analytical testing, and data interpretation.
• Develop and validate test methods for novel materials and product concepts.
• Apply scientific and engineering principles to guide decision‑making across technical work streams.
• Prototype new concepts, processes, and test methods to support early‑phase development.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve project objectives.
• Work cross‑functionally with process development, quality, manufacturing, regulatory, clinical, and marketing teams on complex programs.
• Document development activities through reports, memos, change requests, and technical summaries.
• Analyze engineering challenges and recommend solutions or alternative approaches.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of engineering experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 1+ year with a master’s degree.
• Experience in new product development for implants or cardiovascular devices.
• Hands‑on experience with medical device polymers, biomaterials, or polymer membrane technologies.
• Background in analytical chemistry testing and data interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a self‑starter with a hands‑on, problem‑solving mindset.
• Ability to provide technical insights related to product design and development leadership.

• Experience in early‑phase or exploratory product development.
• Knowledge of adhesives, coatings, and coating application techniques.
• Experience supporting technical trade‑off decisions to optimize design, performance, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and decision‑making skills.
• Familiarity with medical device Product Development Process (PDP) lifecycle.
• Flexible, solution‑oriented approach to complex engineering challenges.

• Pay rate up to $58/hour depending on experience.
• Ideal background includes polymer scientists or chemical engineers with polymer membrane design and development experience.