Risevoic
Senior Engineer/Scientist, Materials
Company : Cook Medical
Location : West Lafayette, IN, 47906
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Overview
Cook Advanced Technologies (Cook AT) offers an exciting start-up atmosphere with the security of a large company, and is passionate about making a difference in improving the health and well-being of patients worldwide. Cook AT is currently accepting applications for an Engineer or Scientist with a Polymer Materials background. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive research and project experience, as well as broad expertise in polymeric materials, process techniques, and products, to innovate and help identify new technologies for application with medical products. The person in this position is responsible for evaluating novel concepts and developing medical products and processes under design control requirements and within the setting of a project team.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership in materials technology,
- Work as an interactive member of a team, communicating with leadership to plan, complete, and report results of experiments, tests, prototype development, literature surveys, etc. that contribute to projects,
- Remain current with and apply FDA 21CFR820, ISO 13485 and ISO 14971 requirements
- Remain current with and apply global emerging PFAS regulations
- Involvement with AdvaMed, Medical Device Manufacturers Association, or equivalent advocacy groups or standards groups
- Research and development projects creating lubricious surfaces for polymers applications
- Assure that project deliverables and tasks are technically excellent and completed in a timely fashion
- Document deliverables (reports, design documents, manufacturing documents, etc.)
- Maintain and develop the technical capabilities necessary to provide technical solutions to project needs
- Understand the intellectual property process; ensure that intellectual property is established, harvested, characterized, and protected
- Practice continuous improvement by evolving both the quality management system and business processes
- Conduct other corporate duties when required.
Qualifications
- PhD in Engineering or Material Science field (with a polymer science focus)
- Minimum of five years of industrial or graduate level experience in developing medical products or processes required
- Experience with developing lubricious surfaces for polymer technologies preferred
- Previous involvement with AdvaMed, Medical Device Manufacturers Association, or equivalent advocacy groups or standards groups preferred
- Innovative: Proven ability to generate novel concepts and create solutions to technical problems with an eye toward providing practical solutions in a timely manner.
- Task Oriented: Demonstrated knowledge and ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate and complete deliverables.
- Collaborative: Ability to effectively communicate and constructively collaborate with colleagues and be a team player.
- Professional: Ability to remain professional and positive in all personal interactions, and provide an example of good work ethic, a willingness to help, and personal discipline in achieving goals.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and changing priorities
- Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Cook AT does not intend to provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN) for this employment position
Related Jobs
Bloomington, IN
Popular Searches for Senior Engineer
Frequently asked questions
West Lafayette offers a growing market for materials engineers, especially in medical tech sectors like Cook Medical. While it’s smaller than Silicon Valley or Boston, the area’s academic ties and specialized industries create solid demand with less competition, ideal for those targeting advanced polymer materials roles.
Daily hurdles often involve balancing innovation with strict regulatory compliance, such as FDA and ISO standards. Managing complex polymeric material properties while aligning with design controls requires constant problem-solving and communication across multidisciplinary teams.
Certifications like Certified Materials Professional (CMP) or familiarity with ISO 13485 and FDA 21 CFR 820 regulations are highly respected. Local employers also appreciate professionals active in medical device standards groups such as Advamed, enhancing credibility in polymer medical products development.
A Senior Project Engineer in materials science focuses deeply on polymer behaviors, surface technologies, and process innovations, unlike general mechanical or structural roles. This specialization involves unique problem-solving on material biocompatibility and emerging global PFAS regulations crucial for medical devices.
Cook Medical’s blend of start-up agility and corporate stability empowers materials scientists to lead pioneering projects in polymer medical devices, fostering innovation while navigating regulatory landscapes. This environment supports growth through technical leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
This role harnesses cutting-edge polymer science to develop lubricious surfaces and novel materials for medical products, integrating design control and intellectual property strategies. Cook Medical’s focus on patient well-being drives the application of these advanced materials in critical healthcare solutions.
Salaries typically range from $110,000 to $140,000 annually, reflecting West Lafayette’s cost of living and industry niche. Senior engineers with a strong polymer background and regulatory expertise in medical devices often command pay on the higher end within this bracket.
Collaboration involves dynamic interaction with project teams, sharing experimental results and aligning on objectives under tight deadlines. Leadership is demonstrated by guiding technical decisions, ensuring quality deliverables, and mentoring peers, all while adhering to industry standards and company goals.
Innovation revolves around creating novel polymer solutions to enhance medical device performance, including surface lubricity and biocompatibility. Delivering practical, timely solutions that meet regulatory demands and improve patient outcomes is a core expectation in this senior role.
West Lafayette’s moderate traffic and accessibility make daily commutes feasible from surrounding towns, though public transit options are limited. Candidates often weigh commute times against the city’s affordable living and professional opportunities in medical materials engineering.