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Graduate Polymer Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eastman

PhD Polymer Scientist

Kingsport, TN

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate Polymer Chemist ... The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at ...

Eastman

PhD Polymer Scientist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate Polymer Chemist ... The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at ...

Starpath

Polymer Chemist - Space Solar

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

... engineering, or a related discipline * 3+ years of hands-on experience with polymer encapsulants, adhesives, or barrier films for sensitive optoelectronic or electronic devices (graduate research ...

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Graduate Polymer Engineer information

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$50.5K

$89.3K

$155K

How much do graduate polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate polymer engineer in the United States is $89,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate polymer engineer?

A Graduate Polymer Engineer is an entry-level role for recent graduates specializing in polymer science or engineering. They assist in the development, testing, and optimization of polymer materials for various applications, such as plastics, composites, and coatings. Responsibilities may include research, material analysis, process optimization, and quality control. This role provides hands-on experience in manufacturing, product development, and industry regulations. It serves as a foundation for career growth in industries like automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a graduate polymer engineer?

Graduate Polymer Engineers often spend their days conducting materials testing, analyzing data to improve polymer properties, and supporting the development or optimization of manufacturing processes. They may collaborate closely with senior engineers, quality assurance teams, and production staff to troubleshoot product issues and implement improvements. Drafting technical reports, documenting findings, and assisting in research and development projects are also common tasks. This hands-on, collaborative environment offers exposure to diverse challenges and is well-suited for recent graduates eager to learn and grow in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the graduate polymer engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Polymer Engineer, you need a solid understanding of polymer science, materials engineering, and laboratory techniques, usually supported by a relevant engineering or materials science degree. Familiarity with analytical tools such as spectroscopy, rheology equipment, and CAD software—as well as knowledge of quality management systems—are important assets. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are key soft skills for excelling in this field. These capabilities are crucial for developing innovative polymer solutions, ensuring product quality, and collaborating efficiently with multidisciplinary teams.

Is graduate polymer engineering in demand?

Graduate polymer engineering is in demand due to the ongoing need for advanced materials in industries such as automotive, healthcare, and packaging. Entry-level roles often require knowledge of polymer properties, processing techniques, and familiarity with industry-standard tools like CAD and testing equipment.

What degree do you need to be a graduate polymer engineer?

A graduate polymer engineer typically needs a bachelor's degree in polymer engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or higher, along with knowledge of polymer processing, testing, and relevant software tools.
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Graduate Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Polymer Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

PhD Polymer Scientist

Eastman Chemical Company

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visitwww.eastman.com.

Responsibilities

**Please note - This posting is for recent or upcoming PhD graduates to join our team in 2027. PhD graduation date must be in 2026 or anticipated graduation in 2027**

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate Polymer Chemist/Scientist with an experimental focus to join the Technology organization in Kingsport, Tennessee. As a member of a high-performing team, this individual will be responsible for developing innovative and sustainable solutions for new and existing processes and products. The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at the lab, pilot and/or commercial scale to meet market demands.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with partner functions, such as applications R&D, manufacturing, marketing and business partners to understand customer needs and provide commercially viable technical solutions.
  • Work in a fast-paced, results-oriented team environment to reduce application fitness-for-use criteria to fundamental polymer characteristics leading to design, preparation, and assessment of novel polymer compositions & architectures.
  • Develop research plans and design experiments to prepare, characterize and evaluate polymers according to company's timetable and translate into detailed technical work plans for safe and effective execution of process chemistry or new product or application development
  • Elucidate and recommend process conditions and parameters for successful scale-up and manufacturing of new and existing polymer compositions.
  • Anticipate technical difficulties and develop creative solutions
  • Write patents, technical market support literature, technical presentations, and publications, including internal research for publication, and provide support/liaison for external research conducted in line with the organization's research strategy
  • Prepare and present written and oral reports to communicate with production, marketing, sales, and related functions
  • Work in and lead multidisciplinary teams to execute on technical projects, including directing the work of technicians
 
Qualifications
  • Required Degree: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Macromolecular Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • Safe execution of all laboratory processes with demonstrated ability to effectively identify hazards associated with chemistries being explored and take appropriate actions
  • Demonstrated practical knowledge of polymer synthesis /mechanisms in organic chemistry or polymer engineering, and laboratory experimentation techniques.
  • Effective working knowledge of structure - property relationships and polymer characterization techniques.
  • General working knowledge of applications, processing methods, formulations and additives for engineering plastics, films, coatings and adhesives.
  • Knowledge of physical properties, especially mechanical properties of polymeric materials
  • Demonstrated creativity and desire to solve challenging and complex problems with hands-on approach
  • Passion for understanding the fundamental aspects of complex chemistries and processes.
  • Ability to lead and contribute as a member of multidisciplinary teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill data and effectively present key messages across the technical enterprise, as well as various groups such as marketing, manufacturing, regulatory, QA/QC, supply chain, customer service, sales and external customers and suppliers.
  • Strong organizational/time management skills and ability to prioritize.
  • Injection molding or extrusion experience preferred but not required.

Benefits

Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.

Compensation & Incentives
Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage-paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
A robust menu of voluntary benefits-including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more-so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.

Retirement & Financial Strategies
401(k) with a company match-plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.

Time Away
Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life's moments.

Growth & Development
Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.

At Eastman, we invest in the whole you-so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you're proud of.

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

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