Align

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 and coating material process development. The ideal candidate will have a background in polymeric material 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.

Role expectations

• Apply deep expertise in structure–property relationships of UV-curable polymeric materials to advance research and development in 3D printing and surface coating applications.
• Investigate and propose innovative materials and process solutions to enhance additive manufacturing and coating technologies.
• Lead multiple R&D projects, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.
• Mentor and support engineers and laboratory technicians by sharing technical knowledge and best practices.
• Drive new product development initiatives from concept through commercialization.
• Design and evaluate products using diverse material systems, including polymers, composites, ceramics, metals, and adhesives.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work to develop, test, and optimize novel materials and formulations.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external collaborators to deliver scalable, manufacturable solutions.
• Contribute to intellectual property development and maintain comprehensive technical documentation.
• Develop and manage project plans, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and key deliverables.
• Prepare and present detailed technical reports and presentations summarizing experimental results and strategic recommendations.
• Address a wide range of technical challenges, from routine testing to complex, multidisciplinary problem-solving.

What we're looking for

• PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field preferred
• 8+ years of experience in materials research and 3D printing with a focus on polymer structure–property relationships and process development.
• Proficiency in polymer characterization techniques such as mechanical testing, thermal analysis, rheology, and spectroscopy.
• Strong ability to work independently and communicate technical findings effectively.

Preferred Experience:

• Background in dental or medical device materials and applications.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in 3D printing technologies, including resin-based systems (e.g., SLA, DLP).
• Experience with coating processes and post-processing techniques for 3D printed parts (e.g., curing, surface treatments, functional coating).

Pay Transparency

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.

About Align Technology

Your growth and well-being:

At Align, every smile matters. We’re committed to helping you thrive by supporting the health, growth, and well-being of our team members through a variety of tools and programs. While specific offerings may vary by location and role, Align employees can typically expect:

• Health and well-being programs to keep you thriving in both body and mind.
• Employee-exclusive discounts on Invisalign products.
• Learning opportunities through online learning resources and support for your individual development plans.
• Inclusive, global workplace that fosters collaboration, recognition and belonging.

Country and/or role specific details will be shared with you by your recruiter during the interview process.

Discover Align:

We are a global community of game-changers and smart team players, united by our belief in the power of a smile. Our dynamic team of exceptional employees is dedicated to transforming the industry and creating extraordinary outcomes every day.

Align’s core values of agility, customer, and accountability are more than words to work by, they are words we live by. The actions we take every day speak to who we are as a company and our focus on being truly impactful. We celebrate our differences, and the many ways we support one another— ultimately creating a more inclusive organization and world as we continue transforming smiles and changing lives.

We foster a culture where thinking differently and seeking new experiences are not just encouraged but celebrated. With the Align Mindset, we empower each other, ensuring every voice is heard and valued in an inclusive environment that inspires creativity and collaboration.

At Align, we believe in the power of a smile, and we know that every smile is as unique as our employees. As we grow, we are committed to building a workforce rich in diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences, fostering a culture of open-mindedness and compassion. We live our company values by promoting healthy people and healthy communities, all with the intent of changing millions of lives, one unique smile at a time.

As part of our commitment to innovation, Align Technology includes exocad and Cubicure, companies that enhance our offerings and extend our impact to industry transformation.

Eager to learn how we embrace our global differences and nurture employee well-being?

Explore Align's culture here!

Want to discover more about exocad and Cubicure? Click on their names for additional information.

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Equal Opportunity Statement:

Align Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all our practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected category. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are applying, and employment eligibility will be verified as a condition of hire.

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