Polymer Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Vantive is a vital organ therapy company on a mission to extend lives and expand possibilities for patients and care teams everywhere. For 70 years, our team has driven meaningful innovations in kidney care. As we build on our legacy, we are deepening our commitment to elevating the dialysis experience through digital solutions and advanced services, while looking beyond kidney care and investing in transforming vital organ therapies. Greater flexibility and efficiency in therapy administration for care teams, and longer, fuller lives for patients- that is what Vantive aspires to deliver.
We believe Vantive will not only build our leadership in the kidney care space, it will also offer meaningful work to those who join us. At Vantive, you will become part of a community of people who are focused, courageous and don't settle for the mediocre. Each of us is driven to help improve patients' lives worldwide. Join us in advancing our mission to extend lives and expand possibilities.
Your Role:
This position is part of the Drug Products - Americas R&D Team, within the Product Development Lifecycle Management and Sustaining Product Organization.
This role serves as a Principal Engineer and technical workstream leader within the Solutions & Containers R&D organization, with responsibility spanning container material performance and plastic-related processes for container systems.
The position requires a strong balance of material science expertise and process engineering knowledge, enabling the individual to lead complex technical initiatives across material selection, characterization, and container process development. The role operates across the full product lifecycle, with emphasis on technical rigor, cross-functional alignment, and risk-based decision making.
What you'll be doing:
Technical Leadership & Strategy

• Lead technical workstreams involving container systems and polymer-based materials, ensuring delivery of scope, timelines, and technical quality
• Define and manage technical strategy, risks, and mitigation plans related to both material performance and associated processes
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in polymer materials and plastic processing for container applications.

Container Material Performance Evaluation

• Lead evaluation and selection of container materials based on structure-property relationships and application requirements
• Design and interpret material characterization studies, including mechanical, thermal, chemical, and functional performance
• Drive material qualification and change assessments across lifecycle phases.

Container Process & Manufacturing Expertise

• Lead and support development and optimization of plastic-related manufacturing processes (e.g., extrusion, molding, subassembly, bag making as applicable)
• Translate material properties into container process design considerations and performance outcomes
• Identify and mitigate process-related risks, including variability, scalability, and manufacturability challenges
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and suppliers on process validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.

Technical Excellence & Mentorship

• Mentor and guide engineers in container material science and container process-related problem solving
• Drive use of analytical tools and data-driven decision making
• Contribute to strengthening team capabilities in container materials and container process engineering.

Collaboration, Influence & Talent Development

• Collaborate effectively across global, cross-functional, and multicultural teams, adapting leadership and communication styles to drive alignment and results.
• Maintain clear, effective communication with stakeholders at all levels, providing transparent technical assessments and status updates.
• Mentor, coach, and develop engineers, strengthening technical depth, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities within the team.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance technical culture.

What you'll bring:

• PhD (preferred) or Master's degree (required) in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 7+ years of industrial experience in polymer materials, container closure systems, or related fields
• Plastic processing and manufacturing (molding, extrusion, welding etc) processes
• Container systems for pharmaceutical or medical applications
• Deep expertise in polymeric materials for medical and pharmaceutical applications, including container and drug/device combinations.
• Strong knowledge of container material qualification, product development, and lifecycle management for pharmaceutical packaging or disposables.
• Expertise in design control documentation, including Design History Files.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and process optimization, preferably for parenteral or combination products.
• Proven experience in technical risk assessment, mitigation, and execution.
• Strong analytical skills, including familiarity with statistical methods and Six Sigma tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence technical and business decisions at all organizational levels.
• Ability to10% travel as needed

Vantive is committed to supporting the need for flexibility in the workplace. We do so through our flexible workplace policy which includes a minimum of 3 days a week onsite. This policy provides the benefits of connecting and collaborating in-person in support of our Mission.
We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Vantive, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $108,000 to $148,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.
US Benefits at Vantive
This is where your well-being matters. Vantive offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Aon Pooled Employer Plan ("Aon PEP"), Vantive's 401(k) retirement savings plan, to help you prepare for your future. The Aon PEP is designed to help improve retirement outcomes by providing retirement resources more efficiently. The plan offers a robust set of investment options, financial education, and a suite of resources to support your retirement goals.
We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees. For additional information regarding Vantive's US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Vantive
Equal Employment Opportunity
Vantive is an equal opportunity employer. Vantive evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Reasonable Accommodation
Vantive is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information. Form Link
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