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Polymer Developer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Director Global Rubber Material

Northville, MI · On-site

$219K - $229K/yr

Master's or PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering strongly preferred. * Typically 12+ years of experience in formulation, materials development, or polymer engineering within a ...

Polymer Engineering/Processing * Proficient in English * Hold valid driver's license for business trips * Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook * Customer/Client Focus * Result Driven * Business Acumen

Bachelor or advanced degrees in relevant polymer fields such as Chemical engineering, polymer engineering, chemicals, etc. highly preferred Requirements: * * 5+years of experience in material ...

Bachelor or advanced degrees in relevant polymer fields such as Chemical engineering, polymer engineering, chemicals, etc. highly preferred Requirements: 5+years of experience in material development ...

Bachelor or advanced degrees in relevant polymer fields such as Chemical engineering, polymer engineering, chemicals, etc. highly preferred Requirements: * * 5+years of experience in material ...

Bachelor or advanced degrees in relevant polymer fields such as Chemical engineering, polymer engineering, chemicals, etc. highly preferred Requirements: 5+years of experience in material development ...

Staff Engineer - Materials Innovation (Polymers) Shape the Future of Food & Beverage Packaging Are ... This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for a seasoned polymer expert who thrives at the ...

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Polymer Developer information

What is a Polymer Developer?

A Polymer Developer is a software engineer who specializes in building web applications using the Polymer library, an open-source JavaScript library developed by Google. Polymer allows developers to create reusable custom elements and leverage web components to build fast, modular, and scalable web applications. Polymer Developers often work on front-end development, focusing on creating user interfaces that are both responsive and maintainable. They typically need strong skills in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and an understanding of modern web standards.

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

To thrive as a Polymer Developer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and polymer engineering, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools (like DSC, FTIR, and GPC), polymer processing equipment, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this field. These skills are vital to ensure the development of innovative, high-quality polymer materials that meet performance and safety requirements.

What are some common challenges Polymer Developers face when integrating web components into large-scale applications?

Polymer Developers often encounter challenges with compatibility and interoperability when integrating web components into large-scale applications, especially if the project involves legacy code or third-party frameworks. Ensuring consistent styling and behavior across different browsers can require additional polyfills and testing. Collaboration with front-end and back-end teams is crucial to establish clear component APIs and maintain code modularity. Successful developers proactively address these issues through thorough documentation, robust testing, and regular communication with cross-functional teams.

What is the difference between Polymer Developer vs Front-End Developer?

AspectPolymer DeveloperFront-End Developer
Required SkillsProficiency in Polymer, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Web ComponentsProficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks like React, Angular, Vue
Work EnvironmentDeveloping custom web components using Polymer for modern web appsBuilding user interfaces across various frameworks and technologies
Industry UsageUsed in companies adopting Polymer for web component developmentCommon across industries for general front-end development

Polymer Developers specialize in creating web components using the Polymer library, focusing on custom, reusable UI elements. Front-End Developers have a broader role, working with multiple frameworks and technologies to build complete user interfaces. While both roles require HTML, CSS, and JavaScript skills, Polymer Developers focus on Polymer-specific skills, whereas Front-End Developers have a wider tech stack and project scope.

What are popular job titles related to Polymer Developer jobs in Michigan? For Polymer Developer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Polymer Developer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Polymer Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Polymer Developer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.
Director Global Rubber Material

Director Global Rubber Material

Cooper Standard

Northville, MI • On-site

$219K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Cooper Standard rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

519th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:
Position Summary
The Director of Formulation Development is a senior technical and organizational leader responsible for defining, executing, and continuously improving Cooper Standard's global formulation and materials development strategy for Sealing and Rubber Fluid Transfer Systems.
This role provides technical vision, leadership, and governance across product engineering, formulation laboratories, and manufacturing interfaces, ensuring full alignment with Cooper Standard's Purpose, Mission, Values, World Class Engineering (WCE), and Cooper Standard Operating System (CSOS).
Acting as a Product Engineering Champion, the Director leads highly complex and high-risk material development programs, anticipates customer needs, drives innovation, and ensures the successful industrialization of advanced rubber and polymer technologies while meeting customer, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
Primary Responsibilities
Product Engineering Leadership & Governance
  • Serve as Product Engineering Champion for Cooper Standard Vision, Mission, and Values within formulation and materials development.
  • Ensure alignment with Cooper Standard Top Priorities and Global Product Line Leadership (PLL).
  • Act as spokesperson for formulation and materials engineering in corporate and cross-functional initiatives.
  • Ensure adherence to Cooper Standard Operating System (CSOS), Quality Operating System, and World Class Engineering (WCE) principles.

Technology & Formulation Strategy
  • Define and execute the global formulation and materials technology roadmap for Sealing and Rubber Fluid Transfer Systems.
  • Identify, approve, and industrialize new material technologies to support current and future product platforms.
  • Lead development of advanced rubber and polymer formulations, including test methodologies, validation strategies, and material specifications.
  • Utilize Voice of Customer (VOC), market trends, benchmarking, and competitive intelligence to drive technology development.
  • Protect, develop, and defend Cooper Standard intellectual property related to materials and formulation technologies.

Product Development & Execution Excellence
  • Lead highly complex, high-risk, and high-impact formulation development projects from concept through production launch.
  • Ensure all formulation designs meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and Cooper Standard design guidelines.
  • Achieve CLAUS engineering deliverables on time and in full.
  • Apply and promote DFSS, DVP, PPAP, VA/VE, KT, 8D, and other Cooper Standard problem-solving and development tools.
  • Drive design for manufacturability and partner closely with Operations to ensure robust and efficient product launches.

Cross-Functional & Customer Interface
  • Act as the primary technical interface for customers on critical formulation and materials topics.
  • Lead resolution of critical technical issues impacting quality, performance, cost, or delivery.
  • Collaborate globally with Operations, Quality, Purchasing, IT, Launch Management, and Centers of Competence to ensure WCE alignment.
  • Engage with raw material suppliers to review emerging technologies and support long-term innovation partnerships.

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development
  • Foster engagement, development, and performance of the formulation and materials engineering workforce.
  • Manage, coach, and develop technical leaders and subject matter experts.
  • Act as a technical mentor and sponsor best practices, standards, and knowledge sharing.
  • Support and drive Global Engineering Technical Academy (GETA) initiatives.
  • Ensure a respectful, ethical, and inclusive environment aligned with Cooper Standard Code of Conduct.

Operational Excellence, Safety & Continuous Improvement
  • Ensure a safe and environmentally responsible workplace by enforcing Cooper Standard Total Safety Culture and 6S.
  • Drive continuous improvement, scrap reduction, variation reduction, and lean initiatives related to materials and formulations.
  • Manage formulation and materials development budgets and contribute to cost and margin optimization.
  • Support Cooper Standard M&A and Joint Venture initiatives as required.

Education & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline; Master's or PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering strongly preferred.
  • Typically 12+ years of experience in formulation, materials development, or polymer engineering within a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
  • Proven experience leading global, cross-functional technical teams and high-complexity programs.
  • Deep expertise in rubber chemistry, raw materials, material specifications, and manufacturing processes (mixing, extrusion, molding).
  • Strong business acumen, risk management, and decision-making capabilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Willingness and ability to travel globally to customer and manufacturing locations.

Key Competencies
  • Ensures Accountability
  • Communicates Effectively
  • Develops Talent
  • Customer Focus
  • Drives Results
  • Builds Effective Global Teams
  • Decision Quality & Manages Complexity

Work Environment
  • Professional office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
  • Use of appropriate personal protective equipment per facility requirements.
  • Travel to manufacturing facilities, suppliers, and customer locations as required.

Position Type:
Regular
Additional Locations:
Additional Information:
Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers. Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether personal, professional, or via education or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing recruitment@cooperstandard.com with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.
Remote Status:
Hybrid

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About Cooper Standard

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Mich. USA, with locations in 21 countries, is a leading global supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems and components. Utilizing our materials science and manufacturing expertise, we create innovative and sustainable engineered solutions for diverse transportation and industrial markets. Cooper Standard's approximately 23,000 employees are at the heart of our success, continuously improving our business and surrounding communities.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Novi, MI, US

Year founded

1960

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