Sr. Materials Engineer

Department: Research & Development

Location: US-California-San Jose

Compensation: $149,850 - $206,100 / year

We are looking for an innovative candidate to be a key contributor as a Senior Material Engineer in our San Jose, CA location. As a key member of the R&D Materials Engineering team, you will be responsible for planning and executing projects that focus on 3D printing, material research and development. The ideal candidate will have a background in polymeric product development in resin based additive manufacturing.

In addition, it is desirable to have experience in cosmetics, thermoplastics, coating and adhesive, and/or thermoset materials in dental or medical industries.

• Drive product development from concept through validation and launch, ensuring performance and reliability of resin-based 3D printing materials.
• Develop and refine 3D printing processes, including print parameters, curing protocols, and surface finishing techniques
• Investigate post‑processing methods such as cleaning, thermal curing, UV exposure, and surface treatments to enhance final part performance
• Apply knowledge of polymer chemistry, structure–process-property relationships, to improve material performance
• Support design verification and regulatory documentation for new materials
• Conduct hands‑on lab work to develop, test, and refine process workflows
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, clinical, marketing, regulatory, and legal teams to ensure product readiness
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through innovative material and process solutions
• Mentor junior engineers and lab technicians by sharing technical expertise and best practices
• Work with other engineers, designers, and managers to solve technical problems, develop product roadmaps.
• Manage multiple projects, ensuring timely execution and alignment with development goals

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in material research, with emphasis on polymer structure–property relationships and characterization
• Proficiency in polymer characterization techniques: mechanical testing, thermal analysis, rheology, Effective communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration and technical reporting
• Preferred Qualifications
• 3–5 years of experience in 3D printing technologies, especially resin‑based systems (e.g., SLA, DLP)
• Experience in dental or medical device product development
• Familiarity with coating processes, post‑processing, and surface treatments for 3D printed parts

• 2+ years in photopolymer material/ development
• 2+ years in product development, preferably in medical devices

If provided, base salary or wage rate ranges are the range in which Align reasonably expects to set a candidate’s pay for the posted position. Actual placement depends on the individual skills and experience level of a candidate plus the total compensation and equity across team members. For other locations outside of the primary location, the base salary range will be adjusted geographically.

For Field Sales roles, the salary listed is the base pay only and does not include the applicable incentive compensation plan. A cost of living adjustment may be added to base pay for higher cost areas in the U.S.

Our internship hourly rates are a standard pay determined based on the position and your location, year in school, degree, and experience.

General description of the benefits Align offers to full‑time employees in this position.

• Discounts on Invisalign and Vivera to employees and their eligible dependents after 90 days of employment
• Back‑up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge
• Family Forming Benefits – Available to Employees, and their spouse or domestic partner, covered under one of Align’s health plans
• Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services
• Employee Assistance Program
• Hinge Health Virtual Physical Therapy – Available to all employees and eligible dependents (age 18+) enrolled in an Align medical Plan

• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance in accordance with those plans.
• Basic Life…