R&D Principal Engineer

Requirements:

• We require a bachelors degree in polymer science or engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field, along with 12+ years of experience.
• We also consider candidates with a masters degree in one of these disciplines and 10+ years of experience.
• A PhD in a related field with 8+ years of experience focused on silicones or elastomers is also acceptable.
• We need experience with electromechanical systems, fluid delivery, or disposable/reusable medical device interfaces.
• We are looking for expertise in silicone elastomers, thermoplastics, balloon dipping, or medical device polymer characterization.
• You should have a track record of leading design efforts for Class II or III medical devices.
• You must be able to solve complex technical challenges and deliver projects in a matrixed organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, including thorough design documentation and traceability.
• Preferred qualifications include statistical data analysis and design of experiments.
• Experience with 3D CAD, ideally SolidWorks, plus GD&T and mechanical design fundamentals is preferred.
• Familiarity with materials selection, molding processes, or sterilization methods such as EO, gamma, or e-beam is an advantage.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers or development partners is preferred.
• Prior involvement in intellectual property generation or patent applications is a plus.

Responsibilities:

• We lead design and development work for assigned subsystems or product components through the early stages of the product development process.
• We partner with external parties to evaluate and test current materials, identify improved material options, and define materials for new product development.
• We collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Industrial Design, Clinical, Regulatory, and Project Leadership to perform technical assessments and reduce high-risk issues.
• We support early-stage front-end research by conducting ethnographic studies, gathering voice-of-customer insights, assessing material and process feasibility, developing test methods, and creating prototypes.
• We apply engineering principles across mechanical design, fluidics, materials, and electromechanical integration to create effective solutions.
• We work closely with marketing teams to ensure our designs meet customer needs.
• We mentor junior engineers and provide technical direction to support team growth and execution.
• We contribute to intellectual property development through design innovation and technical documentation.

Technologies:

• 3D
• Support
• Marketing
• Polymer
• Architect
• Excel
• HTTP
• REST

More

We are Avanos Medical, a medical device company headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, focused on delivering clinically superior breakthrough solutions that help patients return to what matters most. We operate in more than 90 countries and are committed to advancing healthcare through innovation, including efforts to reduce opioid use and improve recovery. This Principal Engineer role sits within our Front End Innovation organization and supports our enteral feeding business, especially our silicone balloon line. We offer a competitive total rewards package, incentive compensation, and benefits, including day-one benefits, a generous 401(k) match with immediate vesting, a free onsite gym, an onsite cafeteria, and a workplace in an HQ region recognized by USA Today as a best place to live.

last updated 43 week of 2026