[Hiring] Principal Polymer Processing Engineer @CONMED Corporation

Role Description

The Principal Polymer Processing Engineer is a recognized technical expert responsible for advancing injection molding capabilities, polymer processing technologies, and manufacturing performance across CONMED. This role provides technical leadership for:

• Plastic parts design geometry for injection molding manufacturability
• New injection molds design conceptualization, manufacturing, and performance testing
• Plastic injection molding cell equipment selection and performance testing
• Plastic injection molding process optimization and qualification
• Sustaining support of the plastic injection molding process and mold’s production life cycle maintenance for plastic parts used to manufacture medical devices and components

Working across Engineering, Operations, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, and external partners, the Principal Polymer Processing Engineer leads highly complex technical initiatives from concept through commercialization and ongoing production. The individual serves as a trusted technical advisor, applying advanced engineering judgment to:

• Solve critical processing challenges
• Establish technical standards
• Reduce manufacturing risk
• Improve product quality, cost, capacity, and reliability

This is an individual-contributor position that leads through technical expertise, influence, and cross-functional collaboration rather than direct people management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or closely related technical discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible engineering experience involving injection molding, polymer processing, plastics manufacturing, tooling, or closely related manufacturing technologies
• 2 years of experience applying technical knowledge and expertise troubleshooting injection molded parts noncompliance opportunities
• 2 years of experience leading complex technical projects and influencing decisions across multiple functions

Requirements

• Master’s degree or doctorate in Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline (preferred)
• Experience in a regulated medical-device, pharmaceutical, life-sciences, automotive, aerospace, or similarly controlled manufacturing environment (preferred)
• Experience with injection molding of medical-device components or other high-precision, high-reliability products (preferred)
• Working knowledge of applicable FDA quality-system requirements, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, good manufacturing practices, and process-validation expectations (preferred)
• Expertise in one or more specialized processes, such as insert molding, overmolding, micro-molding, multi-shot molding, silicone molding, high-temperature materials, or bio-compatible polymers (preferred)
• Experience with mold-flow simulation and analysis tools (preferred)
• Experience with automation, in-mold sensing, process-monitoring systems, machine connectivity, or advanced manufacturing controls (preferred)
• Lean, Six Sigma, or structured problem-solving certification (preferred)
• Experience supporting manufacturing transfers, supplier development, capacity expansion, or global operations (preferred)
• Experience working with toolmakers, resin suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and contract manufacturers (preferred)
• Experience with mold design conceptualization, mold manufacturing, mold functional performance testing and mold predictive and preventive maintenance programs (preferred)
• Demonstrated expertise in injection molding process development, optimization, validation and troubleshooting assessment (preferred)
• Advanced knowledge of thermoplastic materials, polymer behavior, resin handling, drying, rheology, shrinkage, warpage, degradation, and material-process interactions (preferred)
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and technical documentation skills (preferred)

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Excellent healthcare including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• Short & long term disability plus life insurance -- cost paid fully by CONMED
• Retirement Savings Plan (401K) -- CONMED matches your contributions dollar for dollar, with the potential for up to 7% per pay period
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan -- allows stock purchases at discounted price
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate level courses