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Polymer Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Howmet

R&D Engineer, Polymer Binder

Morristown, TN

... Polymer Binder Engineer is a position within our Howmet R&D team, located in Morristown, TN. This role is responsible for a combination of development and support for Howmet's core manufacturing ...

AA2IT

Engineer II - Polymer S

Lansdale, PA

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Materials, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering or related field ... polymer fabrication technology (e.g. 3D Printing or Injection Molding) Ability to build and work ...

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How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineer 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 Does a Polymer Engineer Do?

A polymer engineer primarily works in plastics development. In this career, you develop and test plastics or related materials. Your responsibilities include the fabrication of new polymers, working with the prototype, and designing new equipment to process these materials. You also provide support for all plastic injection molding techniques and monitor customer issues, working to resolve them quickly. You analyze and evaluate the success of each new plastic or polymer. You also research and analyze ongoing developments in the plastics field and select polymers for new applications and testing. Other duties include maintaining product improvement policies and promoting efficient lab operations.

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

To thrive as a Polymer Engineer, you need a solid background in polymer science, materials engineering, and chemistry, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Proficiency in simulation software (such as MATLAB or ANSYS), laboratory instrumentation, and familiarity with industry standards and testing protocols is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities set candidates apart in this field. These skills are essential to innovating, ensuring product quality, and successfully collaborating on multidisciplinary projects in the development of new polymer materials and applications.

What are some typical challenges Polymer Engineers face when working on new material development projects?

Polymer Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing material properties to meet specific application requirements, ensuring compatibility with manufacturing processes, and addressing cost constraints. Collaborating with cross-functional teams—including chemists, product designers, and manufacturing specialists—is essential to troubleshoot issues and innovate solutions. Additionally, staying current with industry regulations and sustainability trends can add complexity, but also opens opportunities for creative problem-solving and professional growth.

What is the difference between Polymer Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectPolymer EngineerMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or Materials ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsResearch labs, academia, industry R&D
Industry UsagePlastic, rubber, polymer product manufacturingBroad industry applications including metals, ceramics, polymers

Polymer Engineers focus specifically on the development and manufacturing of polymer materials, while Materials Scientists have a broader scope, studying various materials including metals, ceramics, and polymers. Both roles often collaborate and share similar educational backgrounds, but Polymer Engineers are more specialized in polymer applications and production processes.

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What cities are hiring for Polymer Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Engineer job openings:
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Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Polymer Engineer

EDISON WELDING INSTITUTE INC

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

EWI is a world leader in developing and deploying new technologies that enable companies to bridge the gap between R&D and manufacturing implementation. EWI associates are passionate about identifying out-of-the-box options that provide a long-term competitive advantage for our clients. Our clients tell us we are a valuable extension and complement to their innovation, engineering, and manufacturing teams. If you enjoy dealing with customers and solving difficult, technical problems, EWI is the place for you.
We are seeking a highly motivated chemical engineer to join our dynamic Polymers team. This is a unique opportunity to apply your deep knowledge of polymers, gained within the petrochemical or oil and gas industry, to a wide variety of fast-paced, client-driven R&D projects.
You will be a key technical contributor, responsible for everything from material selection and characterization to failure analysis and the development of innovative joining techniques. If you are a hands-on problem-solver who enjoys tackling diverse technical challenges and directly impacting product development, we want to hear from you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Lead Technical Projects & Solve Complex Problems: You will lead applied research projects by identifying and analyzing client problems, logically processing data, and collaborating with project managers and multidisciplinary teams to execute results. This includes designing experimental plans for polymer analysis (DSC, TGA, FTIR, DMA), conducting root-cause failure analysis, and leveraging your deep understanding of polymer joining methods and associated equipment
  • Drive Client Engagement & Growth: Act as a key technical contact for our clients. You'll engage directly with customers to lead conversations and deeply understand their requirements, build strong working relationships to ensure satisfaction, and proactively develop new project opportunities through inquiries and follow-up interactions
  • Communicate with Impact: You will be responsible for writing clear, concise, and accurate technical reports, proposals, and project documents. A key part of your role will be effectively delivering oral presentations meant to inform and persuade both internal teams and external clients
  • Contribute to Innovation & Professional Growth: Actively seek out educational and training opportunities to demonstrate continuous growth and stay current. You will offer strategic input on the focus of our internal R&D (IRD) funding and may develop proposals for new technology development

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in polymer material selection and joining methods for challenging service conditions (high pressure, high temperature, sour service, subsea, etc.)
  • Strong practical knowledge of standard polymer characterization and mechanical testing methods
  • Working knowledge of relevant industry standards (e.g., API, NACE, NORSOK, ASME, DNV)
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with high-performance thermoplastics (e.g., PEEK, PPS), fluoropolymers, elastomers, and/or composites
  • Knowledge of polymer processing techniques such as injection molding or extrusion
  • Proficiency in executing scientific research and performing experimental analysis
  • Existing understanding of technical challenges in key markets including, but not limited to, oil and gas, petrochemical, energy, and other related industries
  • Utilizes judgment in communication styles and behaviors; recognizes impact on other team members
  • Exhibits proficient written and verbal communication with customers both internal and external
  • Analyzes and understands impact of individual contribution to project financial performance
  • Proven adaptability and flexibility as a part of team
  • Ability to maintain excellent customer relationships both internal and external
  • Proven success in a team-oriented environment
  • Strong ability to plan and organize tasks
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
  • Willingness to travel (10%) to customers and conferences

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Office environment and laboratory/light production floor with ventilation, climate-control system, moderate lighting, and moderate noise level;
  • Use finger and hand dexterity to type, adjust, move, handle, perform, operate, install, attach, remove, apply, grasp, grip, manipulate, and measure;
  • Use vision to see, analyze, and adjust;
  • Frequently move, transport, rotate, reach, pull, twist, adjust position, push, stand, stoop, bend and crouch; and
  • Lift ten to 20 pounds on a frequent basis and 40 to 80 pounds occasionally

EDUCATION:
  • B.S. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science Engineering is preferred

EXPERIENCE:
  • Three (3) or more years of relevant, hands-on experience in a polymer engineering role within the petrochemical, oil and gas, energy, or a directly related industry
  • Experience in a client facing or project management role

EOE/M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
EXPORT CONTROLS - This position requires access to information and technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. export control regulations, applicant should be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. Government.
Accommodations
Individuals who need reasonable accommodations under the ADA in order to participate in the search and/or application process should contact Human Resources at (614) 688-5000.

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