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Material Science Polymer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canopy A&D

Polymer Chemist

Littleton, CO · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

PhD or MS in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field * 5+ years of experience formulating polymer materials in an industrial or applied R&D setting * Experience customizing ...

Vantive

Principal Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

PhD (preferred) or Master's degree (required) in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field * Minimum 7+ years of industrial experience ...

Vantive

Principal Engineer

Plymouth, MN

PhD (preferred) or Master's degree (required) in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field * Minimum 7+ years of industrial experience ...

Canopy A&D

Polymer Chemist

Littleton, CO · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

PhD or MS in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field * 5+ years of experience formulating polymer materials in an industrial or applied R&D setting * Experience customizing ...

Canopy A&D

Polymer Chemist

Littleton, CO

PhD or MS in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field * 5+ years of experience formulating polymer materials in an industrial or applied R&D setting * Experience customizing ...

Solenis

Polymer Scientist

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$93K - $137K/yr

Competitive Salary and Bonuses * 401k Plan Summary In this role, you'll work at the forefront of polymer science-designing, synthesizing, and testing new materials that improve performance while ...

PIP Global

Senior Polymer Chemist

Charleston, SC · On-site

This role will also play a critical role in bridging material science, process engineering, and ... D. in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field, with deep experience in elastomer ...

Solenis

Polymer Scientist

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$93K - $137K/yr

Competitive Salary and Bonuses * 401k Plan Summary In this role, you'll work at the forefront of polymer science-designing, synthesizing, and testing new materials that improve performance while ...

Solenis LLC

Polymer Scientist

Wilmington, DE

$93K - $137K/yr

Competitive Salary and Bonuses * 401k Plan Summary In this role, you'll work at the forefront of polymer science-designing, synthesizing, and testing new materials that improve performance while ...

Danaher

Principal Scientist II

Port Washington, NY

$135K - $160K/yr

PhD in Material Science, Polymer Engineering, or Chemical Engineering * Minimum 8 years of Professional Experience; preferred in an industry segment of interest eg. semiconductor and/or aerospace

Danaher

Principal Scientist II

Cortland, NY

$135K - $160K/yr

PhD in Material Science, Polymer Engineering, or Chemical Engineering * Minimum 8 years of Professional Experience; preferred in an industry segment of interest eg. semiconductor and/or aerospace

Danaher

Principal Scientist II

Cortland, NY · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

PhD in Material Science, Polymer Engineering, or Chemical Engineering * Minimum 8 years of Professional Experience; preferred in an industry segment of interest eg. semiconductor and/or aerospace

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Material Science Polymer information

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How much do material science polymer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science polymer in the United States is $123,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Material Science Polymer Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Material Science Polymer Specialist, you need a solid background in chemistry, polymer physics, and materials engineering, usually supported by a relevant degree such as Materials Science or Chemical Engineering. Familiarity with analytical tools like FTIR, DSC, SEM, and polymer processing equipment, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration skills help professionals excel in research, development, and cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for innovating, improving material performance, and ensuring product quality in various industrial applications.

What jobs can I get with a material science degree?

A material science degree can lead to careers such as materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, or product development specialist. These roles often involve working with polymers, metals, ceramics, or composites, and may require knowledge of testing methods, CAD software, and industry standards.

What does a material science polymer engineer do?

A material science polymer engineer specializes in the study, development, and application of polymer materials, which include plastics, rubbers, and synthetic fibers. They analyze the structure and properties of polymers to create new materials or improve existing ones for various industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and packaging. Their work often involves research, testing, and collaboration with other engineers and scientists to solve material-related challenges and enhance product performance.

Is polymer science a good career?

A career as a material science polymer professional involves researching and developing polymers and plastics for various industries, requiring strong knowledge of chemistry, materials, and laboratory skills. It offers opportunities in manufacturing, research, and quality control, often with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Job prospects depend on industry demand, education level, and technical expertise, with roles typically requiring a bachelor's or higher degree in materials science or chemistry.

What are the common interdisciplinary collaborations for a Material Science Polymer professional, and how do they impact daily work?

Material Science Polymer professionals frequently collaborate with chemists, mechanical engineers, and product designers to develop and optimize new polymer materials. These interdisciplinary teams work together to troubleshoot formulation challenges, improve material performance, and ensure compatibility with manufacturing processes. Such collaborations allow for broader problem-solving approaches and foster innovation, but they also require strong communication skills and adaptability to different working styles and technical languages.

How much does a polymer scientist make?

A polymer scientist's salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in polymer characterization or processing can earn higher salaries, especially in research and development environments.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes advanced certifications or degrees.

What is the difference between Material Science Polymer vs Material Testing Technician?

AspectMaterial Science PolymerMaterial Testing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Materials Testing, Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plantsTesting labs, quality control departments, manufacturing sites
Employer & Industry UsageResearch & development, manufacturing, product designQuality assurance, product validation, compliance testing
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to polymers and materials developmentComparing testing roles within materials industry

Material Science Polymer professionals focus on developing and analyzing polymer materials, often involved in research and product design. Material Testing Technicians perform tests to ensure material quality and compliance. While both roles work within the materials industry, their focus differs: one on material development, the other on testing and quality assurance.

Infographic showing various Material Science Polymer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.
Process Engineer, Polymer Science

Process Engineer, Polymer Science

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Matthews, NC

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 398 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
 

Description: Process Engineer – Polymer Science

Position Summary

The Process Engineer specializing in Polymer Science is responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling polymer manufacturing processes. This role focuses on improving production efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The engineer collaborates closely with R&D, production, quality, and supply chain teams to support the lifecycle of polymer products from development through full-scale manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Process Design & Optimization

  • Develop, design, and optimize polymer processing methods (e.g., extrusion, draw, compounding, polymerization).
  • Analyze existing processes to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements in yield, quality, and throughput.
  • Scale up new products and pilot processes to full commercial production.

Manufacturing Support

  • Provide technical support to production teams for troubleshooting process issues and product defects.
  • Monitor Critical to Quality (CTQ) process parameters to ensure consistent product quality.
  • Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.

Polymer Material Expertise

  • Evaluate polymer properties such as rheology, thermal behavior, and molecular weight distribution.
  • Recommend material formulations and processing conditions based on application requirements.
  • Work with additives, fillers, resins, and blends to enhance product performance.

Continuous Improvement

  • Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
  • Implement cost-reduction strategies while maintaining product specifications.
  • Utilize data analytics and statistical tools to drive decision-making.

Quality & Compliance

  • Ensure manufacturing processes comply with industry standards (ISO, ASTM, FDA, etc. where applicable).
  • Support quality assurance teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Maintain safety and environmental compliance (OSHA, EPA guidelines).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with R&D for new product introduction (NPI) and technology transfer.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams on equipment upgrades and reliability.
  • Interface with suppliers and customers on technical matters when needed.

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field (Master’s preferred)

Experience

  • 5 years of experience in polymer processing or chemical manufacturing.
  • Hands-on experience with equipment such as extruders, reactors, mixers, and drawing.

Technical Skills

  • Strong understanding of polymer chemistry and processing techniques.
  • Knowledge of rheology, thermodynamics, and material characterization methods (DSC, TGA, GPC, etc.).
  • Familiarity with process simulation tools and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
  • Experience with ERP and MES systems is a plus (especially relevant in manufacturing environments).

Soft Skills

  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Project management skills with ability to handle multiple priorities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Process yield and efficiency improvements
  • Reduction in scrap/rework rates
  • Production downtime reduction
  • Cost savings initiatives
  • Successful scale-up and product launches

Work Environment

  • Combination of office, laboratory, and manufacturing plant settings.
  • May require exposure to chemicals, high temperatures, and industrial equipment (PPE required).
  • Occasional travel to suppliers, customers, or other manufacturing sites.

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