• Making a difference in our products, services and offers, never ceasing to fight for groundbreaking solutions in everything we do;
• Making a difference in how we work and collaborate, constantly nurturing our nimble culture of innovation;
• Having an impact on the healthcare challenges we all face, and the lives of people and communities around the world.

The Role

The Principal Engineer will support the Front End Innovation department assessing high level technical assessment and feasibility of products to innovate medical devices that advance patient care. This position combines hands-on design ownership, strong technical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure products meet user needs, regulatory requirements, and business objectives. The Principal Engineer is responsible for leading design workstreams within complex programs, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring engineering excellence throughout the product development lifecycle.

They will be consultants for the rest of the organization sharing their skillset and expertise in material science. Requires a professional with experience in Research and Development or New Product Development to deliver on the product development roadmap growing Avanos’ enteral feeding business particularly in the development of our silicone balloon line.

This candidate must act as a senior technical leader within the company and recognized internally for technical expertise in the field of material science silicones and elastomers, innovation, and test method excellence. The Principal Engineer will provide hands-on technical leadership to projects and moderate teams (2–5 people), driving innovation, execution, and problem-solving on incremental to breakthrough initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and development activities for assigned subsystems or product components through the early phases of PDP.

• Partner with third parties to help monitor and test the performance of current materials. Research new/better materials that can be used for existing products. Spec out and/or design materials to support the development of new products.

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (Marketing, Industrial Design, Clinical, Regulatory, Project Head) to complete high level technical assessment and burn down high-risk technical issues.

• Support early front-end research conducting ethnography and listening to voice of customer to uncover unmet needs, high level technical assessment of materials and process, feasibility testing and test method development, and creating prototypes.

• Apply sound engineering principles in areas such as mechanical design, fluidics, materials, and electromechanical integration to develop effective solutions.

• Work with marketing teams to ensure designs address customers’ needs.

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers within the team.

• Support intellectual property development through design innovation and technical documentation.

Your Qualifications

Required

• B.S. degree in polymer science/engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or any other related field, with 12+ years of experience,

• Or Master of Science in polymer science/engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or any other related field, with 10+ years of experience,

• Or PhD in polymer science/engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or any other related field, with 8+ years of experience with a focus on silicone or elastomers

• Experience with electromechanical systems, fluid delivery, or disposable/reusable medical device interfaces.

• Experience with silicone elastomers, thermoplastics, balloon dipping, or medical device polymer characterization.

• Demonstrated experience leading design efforts for Class II or III medical devices.

• Proven ability to solve complex technical problems and drive projects to completion in a matrixed environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to design documentation and traceability.

Preferred

• Experience in statistical data analysis and design of experiments.

• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred), GD&T, and mechanical design fundamentals.

• Working knowledge of materials selection, molding processes, or sterilization methods (EO, gamma, e-beam).

• Experience collaborating with contract manufacturers or development partners.

• Participation in IP generation or patent applications

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

Salary Range:

The anticipated average base pay range for this position is $112,212 – 149,242. In addition, this role is eligible for an attractive incentive compensation program and benefits. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the base posted.