This is an onsite position requiring the team member to be onsite for a 4 days a weekThis position offers relocation assistance.Who We Are:At West, we're a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West's indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?
There's no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.
We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.
Job SummaryIn this role, you will lead the research, development, and scale-up of advanced materials manufacturing technologies for next-generation medical devices, with a primary focus on innovative syringe coating platforms and complementary advanced materials research. You will identify, evaluate, and adapt frontier manufacturing technologies from industries such as semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, energy, and precision manufacturing for application in healthcare and medical device development. Working across multidisciplinary teams, you will drive novel process innovation from laboratory proof-of-concept through pilot-scale implementation by developing robust, scalable, and reproducible manufacturing processes. You will apply expertise in advanced materials processing, surface engineering, coatings, polymer and thin-film technologies, process optimization, and analytical characterization to establish the scientific understanding and manufacturing capability required for successful technology translation. In addition to leading process innovation, you will contribute to broader R&D initiatives in advanced materials and surface technologies, generate intellectual property, mentor junior researchers, and collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, analytical, and product development teams to accelerate the commercialization of innovative medical technologies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Lead the research, development, and scale-up of advanced materials manufacturing technologies with a primary focus on innovative syringe coating platforms and related medical device technologies.
- Develop novel manufacturing processes and surface engineering technologies from laboratory proof-of-concept through pilot-scale implementation, ensuring technical feasibility, robustness, and scalability.
- Identify, evaluate, and adapt advanced manufacturing technologies from adjacent industries-including semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, energy, automotive, and precision manufacturing-for application in medical device and healthcare products.
- Design, plan, and execute multidisciplinary research programs in advanced materials processing, surface modification, coatings, polymer processing, and functional materials.
- Develop and optimize manufacturing processes using scientific principles, Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and data-driven decision making to improve process capability, reproducibility, and performance.
- Establish structure-process-property-performance relationships through advanced analytical characterization and correlate material and surface properties with device functionality and manufacturing performance.
- Lead the design, commissioning, qualification, and continuous improvement of laboratory and pilot-scale manufacturing equipment and processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, analytical sciences, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and product development to enable successful technology transfer and commercialization.
- Provide technical leadership for complex research projects, serving as a subject matter expert in advanced materials manufacturing, surface engineering, and process innovation.
- Identify emerging technologies, scientific trends, and external collaborations that strengthen the organization's advanced manufacturing capabilities and long-term research strategy.
- Generate intellectual property through invention disclosures, patent applications, and publication of high-impact scientific research where appropriate.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to scientists, engineers, research associates, and interns while fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
- Prepare technical reports, present research findings to senior leadership and external stakeholders, and communicate project progress, technical risks, and strategic recommendations.
- Contribute to strategic planning and portfolio development by identifying new technology opportunities aligned with organizational research priorities and future manufacturing capabilities.
- Ensure all research activities are conducted in compliance with applicable quality systems, safety requirements, regulatory expectations, and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
Education- M.S. with 8+ years or Ph.D. with 3+ years of industrial R&D experience in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering or scientific discipline.
Work Experience- Demonstrated experience developing novel materials processing or manufacturing technologies and translating them from laboratory to pilot-scale or manufacturing environments.
- Technical expertise in advanced materials processing, surface engineering, coatings, polymer processing, thin films, or related advanced manufacturing technologies.
- Proven experience in process development, optimization, and scale-up using scientific methods and data-driven approaches (e.g., DOE and statistical analysis).
- Experience leading multidisciplinary technical projects and collaborating effectively across research, engineering, and manufacturing organizations.
- Strong technical communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Advanced knowledge of materials processing, surface engineering, coatings, polymer processing, thin films, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Experience developing and transferring novel manufacturing technologies from adjacent industries (e.g., semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, energy, or precision manufacturing) to medical device or healthcare applications.
Experience with laboratory-to-pilot-scale process development, technology transfer, and manufacturing scale-up.
Strong understanding of process optimization, Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and process characterization.
Hands-on experience with advanced analytical and surface characterization techniques and correlating material properties with product performance.
Demonstrated ability to identify emerging technologies and develop innovative technical solutions to complex research and manufacturing challenges.
Experience generating intellectual property, including invention disclosures, patents, and technical publications.
Proven ability to lead multiple research projects, mentor junior scientists and engineers, and influence technical direction across multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent scientific communication, technical writing, and presentation skills.
Ability to work independently while fostering collaboration across research, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory functions. #LI-NJ1 #LI-Onsite
Travel Requirements20%: Up to 52 business days per year
Physical RequirementsLight-Exerting up to 20lbs/9kg of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force frequently constantly to move objects.
Additional Requirements- Able to routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Position operates in a professional office environment. May stand or sit for extended periods of time
- Must be able to communicate effectively with written and oral skills, make quick decisions, interpret data, read and write, speak in front of groups, express and exchange ideas, understand direction and adhere to procedures
- Organizational skills will enable planning, prioritization and achievement of goals especially of importance for the successful execution of related activities
- Read and interpret data, information and documents
- Must maintain the ability to work well with others in a variety of situations
- Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints, problem solve, and prioritize
- Ability to make independent and sound judgments
- Observe and interpret situations, analyze and solve problems
- Able to perform Research and Development lab activities
- Must be able to deal with ambiguity, use timely decision making, understand sensitivity for IP protection, deliver concise presentations to high-profile conferences, understand strategic direction, make contributions to strategy formation, be reliable and have predictable attendance
What We OfferGenerous Paid Time Off (PTO):Flexible vacation, personal, and holiday leave ensures employees can maintain a healthy work-life balance and recharge effectively.
Inclusive & Collaborative Culture: A global workforce that values diversity, equity, and inclusion-where all voices are heard and respected in a supportive environment.
Recognition & Rewards:Performance-based bonuses, service recognition, and employee appreciation initiatives celebrate dedication and impact.
West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.
