Staff Materials Engineer

iota Biosciences, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astellas Pharma US, is a medical device company pioneering bioelectronic solutions across a range of medical therapies and diagnostics. Bioelectronic medical implants are the start of an entirely new form of medicine, treating chronic diseases through non-pharmaceutical mechanisms not previously accessible to clinicians.

iota Biosciences, Inc. was acquired by Astellas Pharma US in November 2020. Astellas Pharma US, Inc. is an affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc., a top 20 global pharmaceutical research company. Astellas is committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. iota's core proprietary technology stack leverages ultrasonic energy to communicate with and power custom implantable devices, enabling completely new clinical approaches to treating diseases. At iota Biosciences you will be given the opportunity to substantially influence the design and success of these pioneering Class III medical implants, as the company expands the reach of its novel technology while bringing new solutions to the clinic. At iota Biosciences, we take pride in providing equal employment opportunities to everyone, inclusive of race, ethnicity, beliefs, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, citizenship status, age, veteran status or disability.

This role will:

• Serve as the subject matter expert on materials used in Class III implantable devices, with a focus on metallic and inorganic materials.
• Design and lead electrochemical characterization studies, including impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, to assess electrode-tissue interfaces.
• Analyze and interpret impedance data to calculate capacitance and infer effective surface area of stimulation electrodes.
• Develop test protocols and perform hands-on work in the lab, including operation of SEM/EDS and other analytical instruments to evaluate surface morphology and composition.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Clinical, Quality, Regulatory) to define material requirements, interface with contract test labs, and troubleshoot performance issues.
• Lead strategy and interpretation of biocompatibility testing, contributing to regulatory submission documents.
• Support material-related aspects of new product development, including design verification and validation testing, supplier interactions, and risk assessments.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of relevant regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 10993, ASTM, ISO 13485) and ensure all materials testing meets applicable requirements.
• Stay informed of emerging technologies, industry trends, and novel materials that can improve device performance and safety.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in a materials engineering or materials science role, preferably within the implantable medical device industry.
• Expertise in metallic and inorganic materials, with a deep understanding of electrochemical interactions with biological tissue.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as SEM, EDS, potentiostats, and relevant electrochemical analysis tools.
• Strong background in electrochemical testing and interpretation of results for design and regulatory purposes.
• Familiarity with biocompatibility testing, material degradation mechanisms, and surface analysis techniques.
• Proven ability to work independently and drive materials-related initiatives from concept through commercialization.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters or PhD Degree in Materials Science, Inorganic Chemistry, or Electrochemistry.
• Experience with neurostimulation, electrode design, or implantable stimulation technologies.
• Prior authorship or contribution to regulatory submissions (FDA IDE, PMA, etc.) involving material justification.
• Knowledge of corrosion testing, accelerated aging, and long-term implant performance assessments.
• Experience in Class III active implantable device development from concept through human use.

$152,000 - $215,000 a year

Final base salary will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and location. Opportunity for additional compensation through bonus and long-term incentive plans.

iota offers a very competitive benefits package that includes the following:

Health & Wellness

Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, covered at 100%

Access to quality dental and vision

Onsite Gym in Alameda

Work-Life Balance

Generous vacation pay

Paid parental leave

Options for flexible work schedules

Competitive Compensation

Annual Bonus Plan

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

401k plan with employer match