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Polymer Composite Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NovoLINC Inc

Materials Scientist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Qualifications · PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related materials-focused discipline. · Proven expertise in polymer composite engineering to formulate and ...

Calspan LLC

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

We deliver highly engineered facilities, electro-mechanical systems, and software specifically ... Design & analysis of polymer composite materials. * 10% international and/or domestic travel USD ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS We are seeking scientists and engineers to join the Polymer Composite Manufacturing Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. As part of a technical team ...

Calspan LLC

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Saint Paul, MN

$135K/yr

We deliver highly engineered facilities, electro-mechanical systems, and software specifically ... Design & analysis of polymer composite materials. * 10% international and/or domestic travel Salary ...

Calspan LLC

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

We deliver highly engineered facilities, electro-mechanical systems, and software specifically ... Design & analysis of polymer composite materials. * 10% international and/or domestic travel Salary ...

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Polymer Composite Engineer information

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$65K

$103.6K

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How much do polymer composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer composite engineer in the United States is $103,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polymer composite engineer?

Polymer Composite Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and test materials made from polymers (plastics) combined with other materials to create composites with enhanced properties. These engineers work to improve the strength, durability, and performance of materials used in industries like aerospace, automotive, construction, and sports equipment. Their role involves selecting suitable materials, understanding manufacturing processes, and ensuring that the final composites meet specific standards and requirements.

What is the difference between Polymer Composite Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectPolymer Composite EngineerMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, aerospace, automotive industriesResearch labs, industrial settings, academia, R&D departments
Industry UsageDesigning and testing composite materials for structural applicationsStudying material properties, developing new materials, analyzing failure modes

Polymer Composite Engineers focus on designing and testing composite materials used in industries like aerospace and automotive, while Materials Scientists study the properties and development of various materials. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in research or industrial labs, but their specific focus areas differ.

What are some common challenges faced by polymer composite engineers during the product development cycle?

Polymer Composite Engineers often encounter challenges such as selecting the appropriate matrix and reinforcement materials to achieve desired mechanical properties while maintaining manufacturability and cost-effectiveness. Troubleshooting issues related to adhesion, void formation, and curing processes is also common, especially when scaling up from prototypes to full production. Additionally, engineers must work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure that composite components meet strict regulatory and performance standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polymer composite engineer?

To thrive as a Polymer Composite Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, composite mechanics, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a degree in chemical, mechanical, or materials engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA), and industry standards like ASTM or ISO, as well as experience with testing and characterization equipment, is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for developing innovative, reliable composite solutions and ensuring product quality from design through production.
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What job categories do people searching Polymer Composite Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Composite Engineer jobs are:
Polymer Composite Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Composite Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,596 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Materials Scientist

NovoLINC Inc

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description:

About NovoLINC

NovoLINC is a CMU spinout redefining thermal management for AI data centers and power electronics. Incubated by NSF and ARPA-E, and backed by Venture Capital, we are commercializing a nanostructured thermal interface solution that delivers industry-leading performance. As demand for energy-efficient computing accelerates, we are scaling rapidly to meet the needs of global semiconductor and hyperscaler customers.

Position Overview

NovoLINC is expanding its technical team in materials development and is seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented Materials Scientist to work onsite and contribute to R&D-driven product development. This role is ideal for candidates with a strong background in materials science, hands-on experience in applied R&D and product development, and a demonstrated problem-solving skill. Reporting directly to the CTO as a member of the R&D team, the Materials Scientist will be responsible for the design and development of materials for existing product lines to meet customer performance and reliability requirements, while also exploring new materials concepts and pathways for next-generation thermal interface solutions.

Key Responsibilities

· Design, fabricate, and optimize materials to meet or exceed customer requirements for thermal performance, reliability, lifetime, and other key material properties.

· Work closely with the CTO and Director of Product Development to design, synthesize, and test new material formulations to optimize existing products and enable next-generation thermal interface solutions.

· Conduct materials characterization and coordinate with thermal engineers to qualify new material formulations and validate performance.

· Coordinate with process engineers to translate R&D results into scalable, production-ready manufacturing processes.

· Work with external suppliers and partners to ensure consistent supply, quality, and specifications of materials and chemical inputs.

· Provide technical leadership in the laboratory to maintain the highest standards of safety, including proper handling of hazardous chemicals and processes and strict adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

· Prepare written experimental documentation and technical reports for management, ensuring data is properly collected, archived, and accessible for future reference.

· Contribute to proposal development for non-dilutive funding opportunities.

Qualifications

· PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related materials-focused discipline.

· Proven expertise in polymer composite engineering to formulate and process highly loaded composites, with a strong focus on selecting base polymers and engineering matrix-filler interfaces to achieve targeted functional properties.

· Deep understanding of rheology and phase transitions. Hands-on experience tailoring the viscoelastic behavior of complex mixtures, pastes, or phase-shifting materials.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience driving materials-related product development from concept through formulation and scale-up in an industrial or applied R&D environment.

· Strong hands-on laboratory experience working with solvents, acidic and basic solutions, with a demonstrated commitment to safe laboratory practices and EHS compliance.

· Ability to work 100% onsite at NovoLINC’s laboratory in Harmar, PA (15238).

· Proven technical and non-technical communication skills, with the ability to clearly present results through written reports and verbal discussions.


Why Join NovoLINC

This is a rare opportunity to lead commercialization for a materials breakthrough poised to define the thermal backbone of next-gen AI infrastructure. If you're energized by building new markets, working directly with C-suite customers, and scaling high-impact technologies, we’d love to talk.

Requirements: