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Junior Polymer Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Airswift

Polymer Research Scientist

Akron, OH · On-site

Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and engineers * Represent R&D in ... D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field * 5+ years of ...

PIP Global

Senior Polymer Chemist

Charleston, SC · On-site

This role will also play a critical role in bridging material science, process engineering, and ... Mentor junior chemists and lab technicians * Interface with suppliers to evaluate new raw materials ...

Da/Pro Rubber, Inc.

Junior Chemist

Broken Arrow, OK · On-site

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

This role offers hands-on experience in industrial polymer chemistry and exposure to materials ... Collaborate with senior chemists and engineers in process improvement and troubleshooting efforts.

Da/Pro Rubber, Inc.

Junior Chemist

Broken Arrow, OK · On-site

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

This role offers hands-on experience in industrial polymer chemistry and exposure to materials ... Collaborate with senior chemists and engineers in process improvement and troubleshooting efforts.

G-TECH Services, Inc.

Be Seen First

Jr. Lab Technician

Freeport, TX · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

... engineering, IT, procurement, finance and accounting. We have well-established relationships with some of the most respected companies in the country and know our clients' job requirements and ...

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Junior Polymer Engineer information

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How much do junior polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior polymer engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Junior Polymer Engineer might face when working on new material development projects?

As a Junior Polymer Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as understanding the complexities of polymer behavior under different processing conditions and adapting to rapidly evolving material requirements. Collaborating with cross-functional teams—including chemists, product designers, and manufacturing staff—can also present communication and technical alignment hurdles. Additionally, balancing hands-on laboratory work with data analysis and documentation responsibilities often requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. With mentorship and experience, these challenges become valuable learning opportunities that contribute to your professional growth.

What does a Junior Polymer Engineer do?

A Junior Polymer Engineer assists in the research, development, testing, and production of polymer materials, such as plastics, resins, and composites. They typically support senior engineers by conducting experiments, analyzing materials, and troubleshooting issues in manufacturing processes. Their responsibilities may also include collecting and interpreting data, preparing reports, and ensuring that materials meet quality and safety standards. This entry-level role is designed to build foundational skills in polymer engineering and provide hands-on experience in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Polymer Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Polymer Engineer, you need a solid background in polymer science, materials engineering, or chemical engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, polymer characterization techniques, and software such as MATLAB or CAD tools is frequently required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you excel in research and development environments. These competencies ensure precise analysis, successful collaboration, and innovative solutions in the rapidly evolving polymer industry.

What is the difference between Junior Polymer Engineer vs Polymer Technician?

AspectJunior Polymer EngineerPolymer Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldAssociate degree or technical certification in polymer technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, research, and development labs; collaborative engineering teamsManufacturing plants; quality control labs; hands-on production settings
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, chemical companies, R&D departmentsManufacturers, production facilities, quality assurance teams

Junior Polymer Engineers typically focus on research, design, and development of polymer products, requiring a degree and analytical skills. Polymer Technicians usually work in production and quality control, with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the polymer industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

More about Junior Polymer Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Polymer Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Polymer Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Polymer Engineer jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Junior Polymer Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Polymer Engineer jobs are:
Junior Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Polymer Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Polymer Scientist - Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications

Iris Scientific Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Polymer Scientist - Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications
Location: Phoenix, AZ - Onsite laboratory role; ~20-30% North American travel
Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 base salary + performance bonus
Relocation: Relocation support available
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, Life Insurance
Contact: Andrew Millar | andrew.millar@irisscientific.com | 647-205-7151
Iris Scientific is a specialty recruitment agency focused exclusively on technical and commercial roles within the North American scientific instrumentation and advanced materials market.
We're partnering with a Phoenix-based advanced materials and contract analytical laboratory to hire a PhD-level Polymer Scientist with deep, hands-on electrospinning expertise. The lab develops electrospun and electrosprayed polymer systems for medical device and regulated-materials applications - drug delivery, wound care, device coatings, fibrous scaffolds, membranes - for clients ranging from the world's largest medical device companies to early-stage startups.
What This Role Is
You will be the lab's internal subject-matter expert on electrospinning and electrospraying, leading client-facing contract development projects from scope definition through final reporting. It's a hands-on bench role with real commercial visibility - applied science, not academic research, and not a translational, regulatory, or product-management track.
A small, tight-knit team (7 people) means high autonomy, fast-moving priorities, and a genuine mix of laboratory execution and direct customer engagement.
Core Responsibilities
Contract research & project leadership
  • Lead electrospinning/electrospraying projects for industrial and research clients
  • Define project scope with customers and design structured, factorial experimental plans
  • Conduct hands-on experimentation, process development, and troubleshooting across diverse polymer systems
  • Develop and document SOPs; maintain quality-system and documentation discipline
  • Communicate outcomes through clear written and oral technical reports
  • Mentor junior team members in experimental design and best practices

Applications & technical support
  • Support advanced electrospinning instrumentation; run demos, installations, and user training
  • Provide pre- and post-sales technical support, proof-of-concept testing, and remote/onsite troubleshooting
  • Represent the lab at workshops, trade shows, and technical roadshows across North America

Qualifications
Required
  • PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline (this is a polymer/materials-science role rather than a chemical-engineering one)
  • Deep, independent, hands-on electrospinning and/or electrospraying experience - you have personally developed, built, or substantially owned and troubleshooted the process, not only operated an established group system
  • Demonstrated breadth across multiple polymer systems - not a single-polymer specialist
  • Strong experimental-design discipline (structured/factorial, not purely exploratory)
  • Proven ability to manage technical projects independently and meet client timelines
  • Excellent written and verbal technical communication
  • Willingness to travel ~20-30%

Attributes that matter here
  • Strong interpersonal skills and team fit - this is a collaborative, customer-facing, rules-driven environment; the team works closely together and to client specifications. This is weighted as heavily as technical skill.
  • Ownership and accountability - comfortable being questioned on your work, and able to say "I don't know" without defensiveness
  • Genuine curiosity across a wide range of materials and applications
  • Comfort working in environmentally sensitive electrospinning systems (humidity, solvent, charge effects)
  • Process-oriented, quality-minded, and organized in documentation

Recent PhDs with strong electrospinning depth are encouraged to apply. Industry, internship, or PI-collaboration-with-industry experience is an advantage but not required.
Team & Environment
  • 7-person analytical team; individual contributor with technical-leadership influence
  • High-autonomy, startup-paced environment within an established 20-year company

Other Requirements
  • Onsite in Phoenix, AZ - must be located there or willing to relocate
  • US work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is not available

Apply