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Junior Polymer Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provide leadership to the junior technical team * Willingness to engage in domestic and worldwide ... Strong technical background in polymer/material science, coatings, and associated technologies * In ...

Composite M&P Engineer IV

Bertram, TX

$88K - $116K/yr

Provides guidance, coaching and training to other materials engineering employees, mentors junior ... S or higher in Materials Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent ...

Provide leadership to the junior technical team * Willingness to engage in domestic and worldwide ... Strong technical background in polymer/material science, coatings, and associated technologies * In ...

Composite M&P Engineer IV

Briggs, TX

$69K - $91K/yr

Provides guidance, coaching and training to other materials engineering employees, mentors junior ... S or higher in Materials Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent ...

Senior Process Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$93K - $121K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Polymer, Mechanical, Materials Engineering, or a related field. * 6+ ... Proven track record of mentoring junior engineers and contributing to team development and ...

... polymer systems Ability to design experiments (DOE mindset) and interpret statistical/engineering ... junior engineers and technical contributors Manages priorities across multiple development ...

Knowledge of mechanical behavior of porous and expanded polymer systems * Ability to design ... Mentors or guides junior engineers and technical contributors * Manages priorities across multiple ...

Senior Process Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$93K - $121K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Polymer, Mechanical, Materials Engineering, or a related field. * 6+ ... Proven track record of mentoring junior engineers and contributing to team development and ...

Organic/polymer matrix composites * Fiber reinforcement * Manufacturing methods * Adhesives and ... Ability to mentor junior team members * Customer-facing communication experience preferred Travel ...

R&D Intern

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17/hr

Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemistry. * Sophomore, Junior, or Senior. * General lab skills (handling chemicals, weighing materials, transferring solids and liquids from one container ...

R&D Intern

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17/hr

Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemistry. * Sophomore, Junior, or Senior. * General lab skills (handling chemicals, weighing materials, transferring solids and liquids from one container ...

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Junior Polymer Engineer information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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:
What states have the most Junior Polymer Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Polymer Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Polymer Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

R&D Engineer

XPEL, Inc.

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
This individual will be supporting XPEL's R&D activities while also lending support to analytical laboratory quality/Manufacturing teams as required across all of XPEL's product portfolio and help drive efficiency and expand on current capability as appropriate to XPEL's business needs. You must be able to thrive and succeed in an entrepreneurial environment, and not be hindered by ambiguity or competing priorities. The ideal candidate for this position is a detail-oriented individual with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of understanding our products and acknowledging with ease its strengths and limitations with the intent to steer the development and evolution of our solutions. The candidate also has very strong communication skills and manages to communicate with a variety of stakeholders within XPEL.
The preferred location for this role will be at out of our office in San Antonio, TX. The R&D Engineer will report to the Director of Technology.
Core Duties
  • Lead and oversee the development of XPEL's core technologies.
  • Work with Quality/manufacturing, and supply chain to identify and secure key strategic materials for existing and new PPF, coatings, and related technologies
  • Provide robust technical solutions to new product development initiatives and lend support to sales and product management teams
  • Bridge the gap from bench scale testing to industrial manufacturing processes
  • Knowledge build and assess risk & factor all relevant industrial process & material validation on product performance through its life cycle
  • Develop plans and procedures for specifications & fabrication of components, integration of technologies, balancing cost & manufacturability
  • Serve as technical interface to vendors and manufacturers
  • Maintain meticulous documentation of work performed
  • Provide leadership to the junior technical team
  • Willingness to engage in domestic and worldwide travel to coordinate work with suppliers, manufacturers and customers (up to 20%)

Basic Qualifications
  • Strong technical background in polymer/material science, coatings, and associated technologies
  • In-depth knowledge of coatings and/or adhesive chemistry, UV curing, photopolymerization applicable to industrial scale operations
  • A background in thermal, mechanical, and optical properties for polymer multilayer films using advanced analytical tools like DMA/DHR, DSC, FTIR, TGA, profilometer, optical microscopy, etc.
  • Knowledge in polymer film processing, roll to roll, sheet extrusion and related technologies
  • Strong understanding of design of experiments and corresponding data analysis
  • Experience working with domestic and international vendors
  • Minimum of bachelor's degree in STEM with 5-10 years of relevant experience. Advanced degree preferred.
  • Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to drive programs from concept to production/commercialization

XPEL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.