Applied Physicist Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

At A-dec, we do more than create the highest quality products and services for the dental industry; we strive to deliver a superior employment experience for each of our team members. With an environment that encourages and assists each person in developing to their highest potential, a career at A-dec is incredibly rewarding.

The Principal Scientist serves as a senior technical leader responsible for identifying, shaping, and advancing emerging technologies and applied scientific approaches that enable differentiated, value-creating solutions for A-dec. This role leads exploratory and applied research across physics, chemistry, materials, mechanics, optics, electromagnetics, thermal systems, and related domains, translating scientific insights into commercially relevant concepts, platforms, and strategic opportunities. The position emphasizes hands‑on technical contribution combined with strategic influence. The Principal Scientist evaluates novel technologies, develops proof‑of‑concept solutions, and partners closely with Product & Technology, Growth, and executive leadership to inform innovation strategy, development investments, and potential partnerships or acquisitions. This role also establishes and maintains strong external networks across academia, industry, and the innovation ecosystem to extend A-dec’s technical reach and capability.

• Lead applied research in physics, chemistry, materials, and related applied sciences to generate novel products, platforms, and business opportunities aligned with A-dec’s strategic objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and mature emerging technologies and system concepts with potential for differentiation or new market entry.
• Serve as a senior technical authority, translating complex physical principles, models, and data into clear, actionable insights for technical, business, and executive audiences.
• Assess technical feasibility, performance limits, risks, and business potential of technologies new to the company to inform development, partnership, or acquisition decisions.
• Develop and apply models, simulations, and experiments to guide design decisions and reduce technical uncertainty.
• Provide technical leadership across concept development, validation, and transition to downstream development and commercialization teams.
• Partner with Product & Technology, Growth, and functional leaders to align on research priorities, roadmaps, and resource needs.
• Build and leverage an external network of academic and industry experts to accelerate learning, evaluation, and innovation.
• Create and present technical strategies, proposals, and business cases that clearly articulate value, differentiation, risks, and tradeoffs.
• Educate and influence internal stakeholders on emerging scientific domains, enabling technologies, and adjacent industries.
• Mentor technical talent and model rigorous scientific thinking and execution.
• Monitor industry trends and competitive activity, recommending capability development to sustain technical leadership and growth.
• Support cross-functional initiatives that build organizational capability and deliver measurable business outcomes.

• Recognized technical depth with the ability to apply physics, chemistry, and engineering principles across multiple problem domains.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, ambiguous research initiatives from concept through validation with minimal direction.
• Strong strategic thinking and systems‑level perspective, with the ability to connect scientific innovation to business value.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of influencing diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
• Proven ability to translate customer, technical, and business requirements into viable, innovative solutions.
• Experience leading technical collaborations with internal teams and external partners across disciplines.
• Track record of hands‑on technical contribution combined with thought leadership and mentorship.
• Strong judgment in assessing technical and business risk, developing mitigation strategies, and driving timely execution.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% as required throughout the year.

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in research, applied science, or product development (or Ph.D. with a minimum of 15 years of experience), including senior‑level technical leadership and experience informing business or innovation strategy.

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering field.
• Experience working in regulated industries and/or complex electromechanical or healthcare‑adjacent products.
• Demonstrated success applying modeling, simulation, and experimentation to guide system design and technology decisions.
• History of external technical engagement through publications, patents, presentations, or industry collaboration.
• Business or strategy training (e.g., MBA or equivalent experience) relevant to innovation, technology commercialization, or growth initiatives.

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not to be construed as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A-dec reserves the right to assign job duties and days and hours of work based on factors such as workload requirements, staffing levels, and customer demands. A background check and screen for the illegal use of drugs is required.

A-dec is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition, A-dec will not discriminate against applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another.

*VEVRAA Federal Contractor. A-dec is interested in qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States for US‑based positions. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas.