R&D Scientist II, Material Compatibility

Position Summary
The R&D Scientist II, Material Compatibility works under moderate supervision and applies materials science principles to support material compatibility testing, analysis, and documentation for ASP sterilization and disinfection systems and consumable products. This role contributes to new product development and product lifecycle management by executing studies, organizing data, and preparing technical reports in accordance with applicable procedures and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under moderate supervision and general direction, and in accordance with all applicable government laws, regulations, and ASP policies, procedures, and guidelines, this position:
• Plans and executes experiments and project tasks related to material compatibility for capital equipment and consumables used in the reprocessing of medical devices.
• Follows approved protocols, templates, and test methods; conducts studies, organizes data, performs data analysis, and prepares technical reports using good documentation practices (GDP).
• Conducts material evaluations such as polymer/component assessments, surface and appearance checks, and functional evaluations, and summarizes findings.
• Conducts qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis.
• Conducts and manages material compatibility studies for ASP sterilization and disinfection systems and consumable products.
• Supports material selection activities by gathering information from literature, vendors, and internal resources, and performing comparative screening studies.
• Coordinates samples and testing with external laboratories, including test setup details, logistics, and timeline tracking; reviews laboratory reports and incorporates results into study summaries and reports.
• Maintains laboratory instruments in a qualified state; performs routine checks and troubleshooting, escalating issues as needed.
• Supports verification and validation activities related to material compatibility.
• Ensures experiments are properly conducted, documented, and summarized in compliance with GDP and relevant regulations.
• Communicates study status and results clearly to project teams and management.
• Provides training to technicians or peers on routine procedures and test methods as assigned.
• Supports NC and CAPA investigations within the scope of material compatibility testing.
• Communicates business-related issues or opportunities to the next management level.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Duties
• Provides technical support to other programs and project teams requiring material compatibility input.
• Supports process improvements, including updates to templates, methods, and documentation practices.
• Contributes to maintaining a strong team environment.
• Assists in maintaining awareness of relevant standards and guidelines (e.g., ISO, FDA) and supports documentation for compliance audits.

Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science or Chemistry or a closely related field.

Years of Related Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry or a closely related field with more than 3 years of applicable experience, or a Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry or a closely related field with 1–3 years of applicable experience, including:
• Experience in the medical device or other GxP-regulated industry.
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory environment and material compatibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety, compliance, and good documentation practices is required.
• Knowledge of material characterization and evaluation is required; experience with polymeric materials is a plus.
• Familiarity with standards and guidelines related to material compatibility evaluation is required.
• Knowledge and experience in analytical chemistry and design of experiments (DOE) is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the capability to collaborate successfully within cross-functional teams. 
• Experience working with sterilants, disinfectants, or medical device reprocessing technologies is preferred.
• Ability to think critically, solve problems, and work independently or as part of a team is required.

Responsibility for Others and Internal Interactions
• Works effectively with cross-functional project teams requiring material compatibility input.
• May provide day-to-day guidance to technicians on routine test execution; no direct supervisory responsibilities.

External Interactions
• Collaborates with external laboratories to plan testing, execute studies, and interpret results under supervision.
• Supports communication with external suppliers, service providers, and manufacturers.
• Responds to questions from ASP customers, government agencies, or auditors according to standard operating procedures.

Travel Requirements
0-10% Domestic.

Compliance
All employees must comply with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and ASP policies and procedures. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties or responsibilities. Employees may perform other job‑related tasks as assigned by their supervisor. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Fortive Corporation Overview

Fortive’s essential technology makes the world stronger, safer, and smarter. We accelerate transformation across a broad range of applications including environmental, health and safety compliance, industrial condition monitoring, next-generation product design, and healthcare safety solutions.

We are a global industrial technology innovator with a startup spirit. Our forward-looking companies lead the way in software-powered workflow solutions, data-driven intelligence, AI-powered automation, and other disruptive technologies. We’re a force for progress, working alongside our customers and partners to solve challenges on a global scale, from workplace safety in the most demanding conditions to groundbreaking sustainability solutions.

We are a diverse team 18,000 strong, united by a dynamic, inclusive culture and energized by limitless learning and growth. We use the proven Fortive Business System (FBS) to accelerate our positive impact. 

At Fortive, we believe in you. We believe in your potential—your ability to learn, grow, and make a difference. 

At Fortive, we believe in us. We believe in the power of people working together to solve problems no one could solve alone. 

At Fortive, we believe in growth. We’re honest about what’s working and what isn’t, and we never stop improving and innovating.

Fortive: For you, for us, for growth.