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Polymer Composites Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hexcel Corporation

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Qualifications * BS/MS/PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or ... HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and ...

Hexcel Corporation

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA

$120K - $160K/yr

Qualifications * BS/MS/PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or ... HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and ...

Original Composites and Fibers

Senior Scientist

Granville, OH · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field * 5+ years of industrial R&D experience in composites, polymers, or ...

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$50.5K

$89.3K

$155K

How much do polymer composites phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer composites phd in the United States is $89,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Polymer Composites Phd vs Polymer Engineer?

AspectPolymer Composites PhdPolymer Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Polymer Science or Materials EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Polymer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, product development, R&D teams
Industry UsageAdvanced research, academic roles, specialized R&DProduct design, process optimization, quality control

The main difference between a Polymer Composites Phd and a Polymer Engineer lies in their focus and expertise. A Polymer Composites Phd typically engages in advanced research, academic work, and specialized R&D, often requiring a doctoral degree. In contrast, a Polymer Engineer applies practical engineering skills in manufacturing and product development, usually with a bachelor's or master's degree. Both roles are vital in the polymer industry but serve different functions based on their education and work focus.

What is a polymer composites PhD?

A Polymer Composites PhD is an advanced research degree focused on the study and development of materials made by combining polymers with other reinforcing materials, such as fibers or nanoparticles. Students in this program investigate the structure, properties, processing, and applications of polymer composites to improve their mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance. Graduates often work in research, academia, or industries such as aerospace, automotive, and materials engineering, developing new composite materials for advanced applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polymer composites PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Polymer Composites PhD, you need advanced knowledge in polymer science, materials engineering, and composite fabrication, supported by a doctoral degree in a relevant field. Proficiency with analytical tools such as spectroscopy, microscopy, mechanical testing systems, and modeling software is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, research communication skills, and collaboration are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical for driving innovation, publishing impactful research, and contributing to advancements in materials technology.

What are the typical collaborative projects a polymer composites PhD might engage in within industry or academia?

Polymer Composites PhD professionals frequently collaborate on interdisciplinary projects involving material scientists, mechanical engineers, and industry partners to develop advanced materials for sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy. These collaborations often focus on optimizing composite formulations, improving manufacturing processes, and conducting mechanical testing to meet specific performance standards. Teamwork is essential, as projects may require coordination between research labs, product development teams, and external stakeholders to translate research outcomes into real-world applications.
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What cities are hiring for Polymer Composites Phd jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Composites Phd job openings:
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Polymer Composites Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Composites Phd job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

2026 PhD Graduate - Postdoctoral Researcher - Printable Polymers

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 73 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you interested in developing polymer materials that can be reliably processed into functional components to solve our nation's hardest challenges?
Are you motivated to translate bio-derived or recycled polymers into scalable, high-performance manufacturing solutions?
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable Printable Polymers to develop next-generation polymer feedstocks and processing strategies for additive manufacturing and replacement of legacy, supply chain constrained materials. This role focuses on converting bio-derived and recycled polymers into printable materials and structural, adhesive, and thermal components, while leveraging design strategies that improve performance for national security applications. You will work at the interface of polymer science, materials engineering, and advanced manufacturing to help bridge the gap between material development and manufacturing implementation.
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will...
  1. Develop and optimize bio-manufactured polymer feedstock formulations for 3D printing.
    • Formulate and refine thermoplastic and composite polymers for extrusion-based additive manufacturing for engineering applications.
    • Tailor rheological and thermal properties to ensure consistent printability and dimensional stability.
    • Design and execute processing workflows to produce repeatable, high-quality feedstocks from varied starting material
  1. Create and characterize multifunctional polymer composites, including replacement of legacy or supply-constrained materials.
    • Develop polymer composites with targeted properties using fillers, reinforcements, or bio-derived constituents.
    • Identify and demonstrate alternatives to legacy or supply-limited materials, balancing performance and manufacturability.
  1. Develop novel design strategies for maximizing material and component performance.
    • Design material architectures and print strategies to enhance performance beyond bulk material limits.
    • Explore process-structure-property relationship, linking additive manufacturing parameters with material behavior to optimize part performance.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications if you...
  • Have a PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Have experience in polymer materials, including formulation, processing, or characterization.
  • Have familiarity with additive manufacturing techniques, particularly extrusion-based methods.
  • Have experience with bio-derived polymers, sustainable materials, or recycled feedstocks
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond if you...
  • Have developed custom printing approaches informed by engineering requirements
  • Have experience with polymer binders, energetic materials, or materials for austere and distributed manufacturing environments.
  • Have experience translating materials from lab-scale development to manufacturing processes.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,300 Annually
Maximum Rate
$155,500 Annually

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