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Polymer Developer Jobs in Portage, MI (NOW HIRING)

Summit Polymer

Project Engineer

Portage, MI · On-site

Project Engineer FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Technical Manager, Engineering SUMMARY The Project Engineer is responsible for technical work involving engineering, development and design of ...

Summit Polymer

Manufacturing Engineer - 2nd Shift

Sturgis, MI · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Engineer, Manufacturing (Assembly) FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing) SUMMARY This is hands-on technical work involving the assembly of injection molded plastic ...

Summit Polymer

Quality Engineer (Manufacturing)

Vicksburg, MI · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Engineer, Quality (Manufacturing) FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Manager, Quality (Manufacturing) SUMMARY This is a technical position responsible for supporing product quality assurance functions.

Summit Polymer

Intern

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations. JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU'LL BE CHALLENGED AND ...

Syensqo

Process Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$98K - $140K/yr

Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Chemical Engineering. * 5-10+ years of operational experience in a ... Prior polymer processing experience (polymerization, separations, dry powder handling). * Ability ...

Summit Polymer

Molding Department Manager

Sturgis, MI · On-site

With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations. JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU'LL BE CHALLENGED AND ...

Syensqo

Process Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$98K - $140K/yr

Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Chemical Engineering. * 5-10+ years of operational experience in a ... Prior polymer processing experience (polymerization, separations, dry powder handling). * Ability ...

Summit Polymer

Fixture Technician

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations. JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU'LL BE CHALLENGED AND ...

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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.

Is polymer technology a good career?

A career as a polymer developer involves designing and developing polymer materials for various industries, requiring knowledge of chemistry, materials science, and laboratory skills. The field offers opportunities in manufacturing, research, and product development, often requiring specialized education and experience. Job prospects depend on industry demand and technological advancements in polymers and plastics.

What cities near Portage, MI are hiring for Polymer Developer jobs?

Cities near Portage, MI with the most Polymer Developer job openings:

Polymer Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Developer job openings in Portage, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Engineer, Manufacturing (Cast Skin/Slush Molding)

Summit Polymer

Portage, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop, optimize, and support cast skin/slush molding processes and materials for automotive interior parts.

  • Lead the development and implementation of cast skin/slush molding tools and processes for new products, including participating in design reviews and molding trials.

  • Troubleshoot molding defects, support corrective actions, and collaborate with teams to improve safety, quality, and efficiency of molding operations.

Summit Polymers rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 85 rated plastic manufacturers

Job description

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.
JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU'LL BE CHALLENGED AND valued.
A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don't just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We're always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service and quality.
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Engineer, Manufacturing (Cast Skin/Slush Molding) FLSA STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Chief Technical Manager, Manufacturing Coordination
SUMMARY
The Cast Skin Engineer develops, optimizes, and supports slush molding of plastic parts for automotive interior trim, instrument panels, full center consoles, and kinetic parts. The engineer works closely with product design, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers to ensure cast skin molding processes and materials meet customer specifications, cost targets, and automotive quality standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
  • Lead the development and implementation of cast skin/slush molding tool and processes for new products:
  • Participate in part design input and design output reviews.
    • Focus on design optimization to produce highest quality parts via robust cast skin/slush molding tooling conditions and slush mold processability considerations.
  • Participate in cast skin/slush molding tool design reviews.
  • Participate in cast skin/slush molding trials at sample facilities.
    • Support corrective action plans for new cast skin/slush molds.
  • Troubleshoot molding defects including thin spots, bubbles, wrinkles, burns, color variation, and incomplete fill.
  • Develop Operator Instruction Sheets and support development of Quality Inspection Standards to ensure production personnel can work safely while meeting quality and productivity requirements.
  • Coordinate entry of all molds into preventative maintenance system and develop preventative maintenance instructions.
  • Collaborate with Lean Manufacturing Engineer to develop internal mold store packaging that supports efficient labor and automation while ensuring safe & defect-free storage, transport and handling at subsequent operations based on SPI packaging standards and best practices.
  • Perform mold-specific setup and operational training for mold technicians, supervisors, utilities/operators, and managers, and oversee mold change, startups, and production until safety and proficiency are achieved.
  • Collaborate with project engineering to coordinate engineering changes to molds.
  • Support and continually improve all production cast skin/slush molding operations:
  • Support the production team performance - improving safety, quality and efficiency.
    • Utilize practical problem solving (PPS) and kaizen.
    • Troubleshoot tooling, process, and equipment related problems through collaboration with tooling and maintenance teams.
    • Collaborate with maintenance to assess cast skin/slush molding machine capability.
    • Develop justifications for various process improvement projects.
    • Conduct layered process audits to ensure compliance with process setup/verification, standardized work, and quality systems requirements.
  • Achieve assigned corporate-wide performance objectives for the molding manufacturing operations, including safety, quality, productivity (cycle times), operational availability (machine up time), and delivery metrics.
    • Lead development of annual performance targets for slush molding metrics. These include labor cost per hour, mold change times, internal scrap percentage, and others.

  • Collaborate with plant management to standardize and improve cast skin/slush molding operations.
    • Cast skin/slush molding focus includes safety, cast skin/slush molding machines, cast skin/slush molding machine work-cell layouts, cast skin/slush molding utilities and infrastructure, material handling equipment, operator and utility work, cast skin/slush mold technician training system, etc.
    • Lead the development, documentation, control, and sharing of cast skin/slush molding standards with participation from plant champions and manufacturing coordination team members.
    • Assist plants with developing and executing plans to implement standards.
    • Audit plants to standards compliance
    • Provide extra assistance to plants who are not meeting targets.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a similar technical discipline OR 5 years of experience in a technical position in a cast skin/slush molding environment may be considered.
  • Experience with automotive interior manufacturing preferred.
  • Knowledge of PVC, TPO, or other thermoplastic materials.
  • Understanding of mold design, heat transfer, and polymer processing.
  • Familiarity with automotive quality standards such as IATF 16949.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software suite - Excel, Word, PowerPoint
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Independent thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Flexible and able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
  • Agreement to complete all post-hire required training
  • A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
This position typically does require up to 15% travel.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.
Rev. 7/15/2026

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