Principal Scientist

Principal Scientist

The Principal Scientist serves as a subject matter expert and technical leader, driving innovation and high-impact research and development initiatives across dental chemical consumables. The role identifies and evaluates emerging technologies, translates them into commercially viable products, and leads complex experimental design and execution to validate product performance, reliability, and shelf life. Operating with a high degree of independence, the Principal Scientist leads new product development and lifecycle management efforts, contributes to strategic roadmap planning, and ensures adherence to design control, risk management, and quality standards.

The role also mentors junior scientists, fosters continuous improvement in laboratory practices, and represents R&D in cross‑functional activities to support successful product launches and sustained product excellence.

• Actively seek new technologies and product features as part of innovation activities for the assigned product category and other dental chemical consumables products that could translate into new product offerings.
• Create research activity outlines (design of experiments) and schedules according to the company’s timetable and establish daily or weekly routines necessary to meet project deadlines.
• Exhibit deep knowledge and understanding (Subject Matter Expert / SME) of the assigned category and at least two adjacent categories.
• Provide input and support in the planning of the strategic roadmap across all product categories.
• Independently lead R&D activities as part of design control/design change projects within assigned or adjacent product categories.
• Lead and/or execute experiments that scientifically confirm product performance, reliability, and shelf life.
• Lead NPD feasibility work and provide support on sustaining projects at high complexity.
• Participate with significant contribution in at least a combination of four product launches and/or life‑cycle management (sustaining) projects with high impact/complexity level or applied innovation of at least one new technology platform in a commercial product.
• Maintain proficiency in NPD tollgate and design change to independently prepare and execute activities (e.g., test methods, design verification protocol and report, ECR memo).
• Represent R&D in product risk management activities (documentation of risk identification, mitigation verification, etc.).
• Apply good laboratory practices.
• Identify deficiencies and modify/improve existing procedures.
• Apply scientific theory to reach conclusions based on data analysis.
• Provide mentoring/coaching to research associates, research chemists, and junior scientists.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures including quality, complaint handling, and safety.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

• Doctoral degree in chemistry, polymer, or related fields required; or 10+ years of research in the medical device industry with at least 4+ years in the dental industry.
• Ability to work onsite five days per week.
• Skilled in conducting standard chemical or physical testing.
• Expertise in conducting various material testing (chemical and physical).
• Experience in applying good laboratory practices.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Good interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to prioritize.

• In‑office 5‑days per week
• Pomona, CA

• Works in a chemical laboratory and/or manufacturing environment with required personal protection equipment (PPE).
• Works in the presence of human and animal teeth.
• Frequently uses hands and fingers.
• Occasionally reaches up/down with arms.
• Occasionally bends and stoops.
• Occasionally walks and stands.
• Occasionally sits.
• Occasionally lifts and carries up to 15 lbs.

$156,100 - $190,700 (Target Market Salary Range)

Envista and all Envista Companies are equal opportunity employers that evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law.