Edwards Lifesciences · 14 hours ago
Senior Principal Polymer Scientist, R&D
Alton, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$139K/yr - $196K/yr
4+ years expEdwards Lifesciences is seeking a Senior Principal Polymer Scientist to drive innovations in polymeric biomaterials for medical devices. The role involves serving as an expert in polymers, developing processing techniques, and collaborating with R&D teams to create solutions for product unmet needs.
BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalMedical Device
Responsibilities
Serve as an in-house expert for polymers and coatings supporting the development of new applications to enable product development teams to create innovative break-through therapies
Develop and carry out hands-on polymer processing techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, lamination, coating, and surface modification
Conduct material characterization using various analytical techniques, interpret results and develop novel solutions for product unmet needs
Consult in polymer selection for design applications keeping in mind effect of sterilization techniques on material properties
Maintain an ongoing search for new polymeric materials/ technologies which can be used for performance improvements and provide all necessary polymeric materials support for the development of new products starting with material identification/selection based on product requirements, material selection, developing processing parameters, test method development, troubleshooting for refinement of existing products, and partner with Global Supply Chain in vendor selection
Build collaborative partnerships with R&D teams across Edwards and convert product unmet needs into viable, manufacturable solutions
Initiate and lead external collaborations to develop novel materials and technologies
Guide and mentor engineers/scientists on new and emerging technologies and participate on multi-disciplinary teams to analyze and solve complex technical challenges
Prepare concise written reports of analysis and conclusions
Present results of research and development activities to business unit leaders and senior management
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Scientific field with a minimum of 8 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education -OR- Master's Degree or equivalent in Engineering or Scientific field with a minimum of 7 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education -OR- Doctorate Engineering or Scientific field with a minimum of 4 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education (Degrees in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biomedical engineering, or related field strongly preferred)
Deep fundamental knowledge of Polymer Science with strong expertise and hands-on experience in polymer processing, testing, and characterization (mechanical, topographical, chemical, thermal, and rheological properties)
Knowledge and experience of using of Polymer Structure-Property Relationship for problem solving
Experience in converting polymers and/or coatings from ideas to bench top prototypes to commercial applications
Preferred
Experience in development of polymer-based technologies for medical devices or combination products (Class II and Class III products)
Knowledge of surface modification techniques and expertise in surface modification of polymers for medical device applications
Experience with bench-top extrusion or molding
Good understanding of effects of various sterilization modalities (gamma, e-beam, ETO, Steam etc.) on polymeric materials
A good understanding of polymer biocompatibility and related international guidance and standards is highly desired in order select optimal materials for the given application
Demonstrated ability to work under minimum supervision in a fast-paced team environment
Requires strong organizational skills and ability to manage several projects simultaneously
Proven expertise in usage of MS Office Suite
Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills
Ability to translate complex and technical information to all levels of the organizations
Recognized as an expert in own area within the organization while applying broad-based technical expertise and has full knowledge of other related disciplines
Expert knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, and concepts relevant to laboratory environment
Advanced problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills
Expert understanding of processes and equipment used in assigned work
Strong leadership skills and ability to influence change
Knowledge of and adherence to Edwards Environmental Health and Safety and Quality guidelines as they relate to department clean room medical device manufacturing
Strict attention to detail
Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment
Represents organization as key technical contact on contracts and projects
Interacts with senior external representatives on significant technical matters often requiring coordination between organizations
Adhere to all company rules and requirements (e.g., pandemic protocols, Environmental Health & Safety rules) and take adequate control measures in preventing injuries to themselves and others as well as to the protection of environment and prevention of pollution under their span of influence/control
Benefits
Competitive salaries
Performance-based incentives
A wide variety of benefits programs
Company
Edwards Lifesciences
Edwards Lifesciences is a provider of science of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Edwards Lifesciences has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (81)
2024 (70)
2023 (42)
2022 (65)
2021 (44)
2020 (28)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2000-04-03IPO
Leadership Team
Bernard J. Zovighian
Chief Executive Officer
Andrew Greene
Vice President, Strategy
Recent News
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2026-01-20
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2026-01-14
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