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Polymer Processing Engineer
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Polymer Processing Engineer.
Position Details
Location
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division
Mississipi Polymer Science Institute
Position Type
Staff
Employment Status
Full Time
Grant Funded
No
Pay Grade
Posting Close Date
October 1, 2026
Special Instructions to ApplicantsApplicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job SummaryA customer-focused individual responsible for all aspects of polymer processing projects: material selection, equipment selection, CAD design, processing/testing/reporting based on client needs. Excellent at troubleshooting and root cause analysis, maintaining quality compliance, and working cross-functionally. The successful candidate will be a mid-level polymer engineer/scientist with commercial experience, mechanically inclined, has speed-of-business focus, a deep understanding of polymers, strong communication skills, is statistically competent, and is an independent contributor. Customer projects primarily focus on creating and improving products, manufacturing efficiency, cycle times, and defect reduction over many market applications.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Leads and manages technical projects from initiation through completion, including client consultations, project planning, technical problem-solving, stakeholder coordination, product development schedules, and project documentation. Manages relationships with clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams and represents MPI at technical conferences, presentations, exhibitions, and educational and community outreach activities.
2. Leads polymer processing and manufacturing operations utilizing injection molding, extrusion, Brabender mixing, thermoforming, 3D printing, composite manufacturing, and related equipment. Sets up, qualifies, operates, troubleshoots, and optimizes manufacturing processes; evaluates production data and process performance; and provides on-site technical support to clients for extrusion, molding, and related processing operations.
3. Manages molds, dies, processing machinery, materials, and other manufacturing resources, including design, procurement, calibration, maintenance, modification, upgrades, and repairs. Provides technical input on mold and die designs, mold-flow analyses, finite element analyses, and thermal analyses and ensures equipment and resources remain operational and compliant.
4. Develops, validates, documents, and continuously improves polymer formulations and manufacturing processes to achieve desired material properties, product quality, and manufacturability. Applies data acquisition, process capability analysis, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), simulation, and root cause analysis to identify and implement process improvements.
5. Conducts product performance, acceptance, mechanical, thermal, and material property testing and evaluates materials and finished products for compliance with customer, industry, quality, and regulatory requirements. Develops and implements quality-control procedures, analyzes testing results, prepares technical and compliance reports, and ensures adherence to environmental, health, and safety requirements.
6. Develops and maintains standard operating procedures, work instructions, technical documentation, engineering records, and manufacturing records. Provides employee and customer training on equipment, manufacturing processes, and quality procedures and maintains knowledge of emerging polymer technologies and manufacturing practices.
7. Supports sustainable manufacturing and product development initiatives, including the evaluation and development of materials and processes that promote reuse, recyclability, and composability while balancing product performance, manufacturability, and environmental considerations.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Three (3) to ten (10) years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including at least five (5) years of direct experience with polymer materials, injection molding, extrusion, 3D printing, composite manufacturing, or related processing equipment. Experience working directly with customers or clients.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, composites, bioplastics, polymer structure-property relationships, rheology, thermodynamics, compounding, processing, and quality control.
• Knowledge of polymer characterization techniques, standardized testing methods, and related testing equipment.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Management, root cause analysis, continuous improvement, and quality assurance principles.
• Knowledge of sustainable polymer and manufacturing practices, including recyclable, bio-based, and compostable materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, statistical analysis software such as Minitab, CAD and 3D modeling software such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360, 3D-printing slicing software, and mold-flow analysis software.
• Skill in analyzing and resolving complex polymer processing, product design, manufacturing, and quality issues.
• Project management skills, including the ability to coordinate technical projects, establish priorities, and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to analyze technical and manufacturing data and communicate findings, recommendations, and conclusions clearly and concisely.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary groups, including engineers, chemists, equipment operators, supply chain personnel, product development teams, clients, inventors, startups, and organizational leadership.
• Ability to provide technical leadership, training, and guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to evolving materials, technologies, manufacturing processes, and business needs.
• Ability to travel, including occasional overnight travel.

Preferred QualificationsSix Sigmacertification and project management certification preferred. Familiarity withIndustry 4.0 technologies and smart manufacturing environments, includingrobotics, digital twins, and predictive analytics. Knowledge of sustainableproduct and manufacturing practices, including design for recyclability,circular economy principles, and environmentally responsible materials.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.