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Advanced Polymer Technology Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

1X

Chemical Engineer, Polymer Coatings

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$200 - $248/hr

The Materials Science team researches and develops advanced polymers, elastomers, structural ... technologies that directly improve robot performance. They are equally comfortable designing ...

1X

Chemical Engineer, Polymer Coatings

San Carlos, CA · On-site

The Materials Science team researches and develops advanced polymers, elastomers, structural ... technologies that directly improve robot performance. They are equally comfortable designing ...

1x

Chemical Engineer, Polymer Coatings

San Carlos, CA · On-site

The Materials Science team researches and develops advanced polymers, elastomers, structural ... technologies that directly improve robot performance. They are equally comfortable designing ...

1x

Chemical Engineer, Polymer Coatings

San Carlos, CA · On-site

The Materials Science team researches and develops advanced polymers, elastomers, structural ... technologies that directly improve robot performance. They are equally comfortable designing ...

1X

Chemical Engineer, Polymer Coatings

San Carlos, CA · On-site

The Materials Science team researches and develops advanced polymers, elastomers, structural ... technologies that directly improve robot performance. They are equally comfortable designing ...

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate will be passionate and focused on developing new technologies that challenge ... and Rheology, and advanced characterization methods including TEM, SEM, SANS, SAXS, is a plus

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate will be passionate and focused on developing new technologies that challenge ... and Rheology, and advanced characterization methods including TEM, SEM, SANS, SAXS, is a plus

Kodiak Sciences Inc

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate will be passionate and focused on developing new technologies that challenge ... and Rheology, and advanced characterization methods including TEM, SEM, SANS, SAXS, is a plus

Verde

Quality Control Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Join a growing team developing next-generation sustainable materials while gaining hands-on experience in polymer testing, manufacturing quality control, and advanced material technologies. At Verde ...

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All JobsAdvanced Polymer Technology JobsAdvanced Polymer Technology Jobs in California

Advanced Polymer Technology information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$88.2K

$153K

How much do advanced polymer technology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for advanced polymer technology in California is $88,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is advanced polymer technology?

Advanced Polymer Technology refers to the development, manufacturing, and application of high-performance polymer materials designed to meet specific engineering needs. These technologies involve creating polymers with enhanced physical, chemical, or mechanical properties for use in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and healthcare. Professionals in this field work on innovations like biodegradable plastics, high-strength composites, and smart materials that respond to environmental stimuli. Advanced Polymer Technology combines principles from chemistry, materials science, and engineering to solve complex problems and improve product performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in advanced polymer technology?

To thrive in Advanced Polymer Technology, you need a strong background in polymer chemistry, materials science, and engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree such as chemical engineering or materials science. Familiarity with polymer processing techniques, analytical instrumentation (like FTIR, DSC, and GPC), and relevant industry certifications are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, innovation, and teamwork skills help professionals excel in research, development, and cross-functional collaboration. These competencies are vital for driving material advancements, ensuring product quality, and meeting the evolving demands of high-performance applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in advanced polymer technology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Advanced Polymer Technology often encounter challenges such as staying updated with rapidly evolving materials and processing techniques, ensuring product quality, and meeting strict regulatory standards. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—such as R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance—is essential to address these issues efficiently. Regular training, attending industry conferences, and leveraging professional networks can help professionals remain current with innovations and best practices. Additionally, strong problem-solving skills and adaptability are crucial for overcoming technical hurdles in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Advanced Polymer Technology vs Polymer Scientist?

AspectAdvanced Polymer TechnologyPolymer Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsResearch labs, academic institutions, industrial R&D
Industry UsageProduct development, manufacturing, quality controlResearch, development, analysis of polymers
Common Search/ComparisonAdvanced Polymer Technology vs Polymer Scientist

Advanced Polymer Technology professionals focus on applying polymer science to develop new materials and improve manufacturing processes, often working in industrial settings. Polymer Scientists primarily conduct research and analysis to understand polymer properties and behaviors. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Advanced Polymer Technology emphasizes practical application and product development, whereas Polymer Scientists focus on fundamental research and analysis.

What are popular job titles related to Advanced Polymer Technology jobs in California?

For Advanced Polymer Technology jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Advanced Polymer Technology jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Advanced Polymer Technology jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Advanced Polymer Technology jobs?

Cities in California with the most Advanced Polymer Technology job openings:

Advanced Polymer Technology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Advanced Polymer Technology job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,160 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Chemical Engineer, Polymer Coatings

1X Technologies AS

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$200K - $248K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About 1X
We're building humanoid robots that work in home - doing the chores, handling the tasks, and giving people their time back. Simple, but it's not.
To do this right, we have to solve robotics, AI, manufacturing - at the same time, at scale, in a form factor that has to be safe enough to live with your family. If you're inspired by this, you'll thrive here. We've been at this since 2014 and we're at the point where the hard problems are behind us and the hard work is in front of us.
NEO is our flagship - a home robot designed to move, learn, and operate in the real world alongside real people. We're not demoing it-we're shipping it. We're excited to meet you, if this excites you.
If you've spent your career working on problems that matter and want to see them actually reach the world, this is that moment. We're scaling, we're hiring with intention, and we need people who want to build something that will genuinely change how humans spend their time-safely creating abundance for all.
About the Team
We work at the intersection of materials science, chemistry, hardware engineering, and manufacturing to invent the foundational technologies that make our robots lighter, stronger, safer, and more capable.
The Materials Science team researches and develops advanced polymers, elastomers, structural adhesives, coatings, and functional materials that directly influence the robot's durability, tactile performance, energy efficiency, and manufacturability. Our work moves rapidly from laboratory research into real robotic systems, partnering closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineers.
Your Charter
Develop the advanced coating materials that define the next generation of humanoid robotics.
You will lead a polymer chemistry-driven research and development efforts focused on novel polymer coating materials for load-bearing composites applications. You'll design experiments, characterize materials,, and collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate new materials into production-ready robotic systems. You will connect coating chemistry and polymer fundamental properties to materials performance, including adhesion, friction, abrasion, heat generation, flexibility, fatigue, and others.
Your work will directly shape the mechanical performance, durability, safety, and manufacturability of future 1X robots.
Key Outcomes
  • Develop novel polymer coating materials for load-bearing materials and composites
  • Characterize coating and composite material performance using advanced chemical, thermal, and mechanical analysis techniques, including tensile, abrasion, adhesion, flex-fatigue, DMA, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and optical microscopy testing
  • Build a clear structure-property-process-performance model linking coating polymer chemistry, physical properties, and application parameters to performance in the defined use cases
  • Investigate coating and composite failures and implement chemistry-driven solutions that improve materials performance Establish laboratory procedures, testing methodologies, and documentation that support manufacturing readiness and intellectual property development
Key Competencies
  • Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, formulation science, and advanced polymer coating materials
  • Hands-on laboratory expertise with polymer synthesis, material characterization, and experimental design
  • Practical knowledge of coatings, polymer processing, surface preparation, adhesion, and formulation variables
  • Strong analytical mindset with experience using data to optimize formulations and manufacturing processes
  • Excellent collaboration across chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and systems engineering
  • Ownership mindset with the ability to independently drive research from concept through production implementation

Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related engineering discipline
  • Minimum 3 years of experience developing advanced polymer coating materialsStrong experience with material characterization techniques including DMA, DSC, TGA, FTIR, rheology, and mechanical testing
  • Experience with polymer synthesis, formulation chemistry, polyurethane or other polymer chemistries for coating
  • Experience designing statistically rigorous experiments (DOE) and analyzing experimental data to optimize material performance
  • Excellent laboratory skills with strong attention to chemical safety, documentation, and experimental rigor
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research and product development environment
Preferred Skills
  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related discipline; alternatively, a bachelor's or master's degree with 5 years of industry experience developing polymer coatings or related material systems
  • Great understanding of the polymer chemistry and formulation principles of commercial coating systems, including one or more of the following: polyurethane, acrylic, silicone, fluoropolymer, latex-based, or hybrid formulations
  • Good understanding of polymer physics related to coatings, including glass transition, crystallinity, modulus, viscoelasticity, damping, toughness, creep, stress relaxation, fatigue, and thermal or environmental aging
  • Experience scaling laboratory formulations into pilot or high-volume manufacturing
  • Experience collaborating with external suppliers, raw material vendors, or manufacturing partners
  • Knowledge of intellectual property development and technical documentation supporting patent filings
What does a successful 1X Team Member look like?
Team members at 1X who thrive here are builders. They move fast, own their work completely, and treat time like it's the one thing you can't get back-because it is. They say what they mean, finish what they start, and hold themselves to a standard before anyone has to ask. We push each other to be better, and we do it with honesty and respect.
Successful Chemical Engineers at 1X combine scientific rigor with an engineering mindset. They enjoy experimenting with new materials, solving difficult interdisciplinary challenges, and translating laboratory discoveries into scalable technologies that directly improve robot performance. They are equally comfortable designing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, troubleshooting manufacturing challenges, and collaborating with engineers across multiple disciplines to bring breakthrough materials into production.
Compensation Range
$200,000 - $248,000 salary based on experience, plus equity.
Benefits
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Generous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave
  • 401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) options
  • Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
  • Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support
  • Onsite snacks and catered lunches
Equal Opportunity Employer
1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, justice system impact, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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