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Polymer Composite Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$86K - $129K/yr

... polymer composite structures. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all ... Collaborate closely with senior engineers, receiving mentorship in CAD modeling, advanced FEA ...

LBI Inc

Be Seen First

Customer Service/Sales Composite Products

Groton, CT · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

... an engineering and manufacturing company that develops and manufactures systems for Naval and ... This includes all of the proprietary polymer products that LBI has developed for our DOD contracts ...

Actalent

Repair Engineer

Lansing, MI

The engineer collaborates closely with customers and internal production teams to scope repairs ... Comprehensive experience in advanced composite and bonded structures, including organic/polymer ...

Actalent

Repair Engineer

Lansing, MI · On-site

Comprehensive experience in advanced Composite and Bonded Structures (ie. Organic/Polymer Matrix ... The engineer works primarily in a production and repair environment focused on ground test ...

Actalent

Repair Engineer

Lansing, MI

Comprehensive experience in advanced Composite and Bonded Structures (ie. Organic/Polymer Matrix ... The engineer works primarily in a production and repair environment focused on ground test ...

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Polymer Composite Engineer information

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$65K

$103.6K

$134K

How much do polymer composite engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 are Polymer Composite Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Polymer Composite Engineer jobs
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,596 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Non-Destructive Inspection Engineer/Material Scientist (Faculty)

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
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 engaged in engineering and technology needs you will support the research and development of new materials, innovative material system designs, and novel fabrication and testing methods. This will cover a wide range of material systems including composites (fiber-reinforced polymers, ceramic matrix composites, metal matrix composites), elastomers, additively manufactured polymers, and ceramics as well as emergent technologies.
The Polymer Composites Fabrication Department focuses on creating the development and optimization of materials processes for research, prototype development, and transition to implementation. The advanced inspection technologies and application of operational health monitoring represents a vital capability to achieve and maintain our historical implementations.
These positions can be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems
  • Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems
  • Identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/sponsor needs
  • Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes
  • Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas (may include taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data and planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof)
  • Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, papers, or oral/written presentations
  • Manage projects of varying size and scope, including technical elements, budget/schedule implications, and communication with sponsor(s)
  • Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members, engineers, and scientists to accomplish organizational goals
  • Provide innovative problem-solving approaches to enhance organizational capabilities
  • Initiate or contribute to business development activities (i.e. white papers, proposals, etc.)
  • Supervise the work of lower-level staff and undergraduate students
  • Team with engineers in other technical areas across ARL
  • Work on the development of proposals and projects

Faculty rank will be commensurate with education and experience. Minimally requires a Master's degree in an Engineering or Science Discipline and 1 year related experience.
Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Materials inspection development and optimization including nondestructive technique selection, process monitoring optimization, and prototype development for a range of materials
  • Static and fatigue mechanical testing related to structural health monitoring, data analysis and nondestructive inspection for a range of geometries from material coupons to full-scale hardware including instrumentation
  • Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
  • Proposal and technical writing skills
  • Exceptional problem solving skills and creative thinking

These positions will be located on-site in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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