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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Hire Hangar

Customer-Facing Sales Engineer

Sylacauga, AL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... Polymer Engineering, or a similar technical field - Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset, able to work through ambiguous customer needs to arrive at a clear path forward - A genuine ...

Tarkett

Senior Process Engineer

Florence, AL · On-site

$93K - $120K/yr

Tarkett is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join the project team in Florence, Alabama. This ... Polymer/plastics experience in sheet and film (a plus) * Experience in project management in a ...

Tarkett

Senior Process Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$102K - $132K/yr

Tarkett is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join the project team in Florence, Alabama. This ... Polymer/plastics experience in sheet and film (a plus) * Experience in project management in a ...

Tarkett

Senior Process Engineer

Florence, AL

$93K - $120K/yr

Tarkett is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join the project team in Florence, Alabama. This ... Polymer/plastics experience in sheet and film (a plus) * Experience in project management in a ...

Tarkett

Senior Process Engineer

Florence, AL

$93K - $120K/yr

Tarkett is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join the project team in Florence, Alabama. This ... Polymer/plastics experience in sheet and film (a plus) * Experience in project management in a ...

Tuskegee University

$45K - $61K/yr

... their polymer and fiber composites derived from natural sources. Additional responsibilities ... Essential Job Duties The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at Tuskegee ...

advansix

Technical Engineering Quality Manager

Bucks, AL · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Six Sigma and/or Lean certification preferred * 10+ years of experience in production, process and/or manufacturing engineering within the chemical, petroleum, or polymer industrial manufacturing ...

Actalent

Pharmaceutical Technician

Birmingham, AL

$26.75/hr

... polymer manufacturing across development, engineering, clinical-phase, and commercial activities. This role focuses on executing batch records, preparing complex solutions, operating production ...

Aptar Group

Product Development Engineer I

Auburn, AL · On-site

WHAT YOU WILL BRING ON THE JOURNEY Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Biomedical, Materials Science, Polymer Fiber or related discipline) required ...

Aptar Group

Product Development Engineer I

Auburn, AL · On-site

WHAT YOU WILL BRING ON THE JOURNEY • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Biomedical, Materials Science, Polymer Fiber or related discipline) required ...

PPG

Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

PPG is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our Aerospace Business in Huntsville, AL! PPG ... polymer films, aviation industry requirements/standards (AS9100), Minitab or similar statistical ...

Hexcel Corporation

R&T Spinning Engineer

Decatur, AL

D. in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related field (preferred), with 5+ years in fiber process or product development. OR master's in chemistry with 7+ years of relevant experience. • ...

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Polymer Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$45.8K

$81K

$140.5K

How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineer in Alabama is $80,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $104,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Polymer Engineer do?

A Polymer Engineer specializes in the design, development, and testing of polymer materials, which include plastics, rubbers, and composites. They work on improving the properties of these materials to meet specific performance requirements for various industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer goods. Their responsibilities often include research, product development, quality control, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes. Polymer Engineers also collaborate with chemists, material scientists, and engineers from other disciplines to create innovative products and solutions.

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 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 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 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.

More about Polymer Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
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What job categories do people searching Polymer Engineer jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Polymer Engineer jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Polymer Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in AL? For Polymer Engineer jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,967 per year, or $38.9 per hour.
Polymer Synthetic Chemist

Polymer Synthetic Chemist

Hexcel Corporation

Decatur, AL

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Hexcel rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Can Chemistry Propel the Future of Aerospace?

Are you a polymer chemist who sees molecules as building blocks for innovation? Do you want your research to go beyond the lab and into the skies? If you're ready to transform your expertise into real-world impact, Hexcel’s opportunity in Decatur, Alabama is your launchpad.

We’re looking for a Polymer Synthetic Chemist to join our carbon fiber R&T team—where your discoveries will shape the future of flight, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Why This Role Matters

This is more than a research position—it’s a chance to engineer the next generation of high-performance materials. You’ll be at the forefront of developing polyacrylonitrile precursor chemistry that powers carbon fiber used in aerospace, defense, and renewable energy. Your work will directly influence product performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability across global industries.

At Hexcel, your chemistry won’t just be studied—it will be scaled, spun, and flown.

What You Will Do

  • Advance Polymer Chemistry: Develop and apply synthetic routes, formulations, and characterization methods to enhance PAN precursor and carbon fiber performance.
  • Innovation: Focus on polymer development and application. Create next generation PAN.
  • Stay Technically Sharp: Monitor scientific literature and competitive trends to guide new research directions.
  • Communicate with Impact: Analyze and document experimental results, sharing insights with internal and external stakeholders.

Your Boarding Pass

To thrive in this role, you’ll need:

  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related field, with deep expertise in polymer synthesis and molecular design.
  • 5+ years of industrial research experience in polymer chemistry. Experience with polyacrylonitrile is highly preferred.
  • Proven ability to translate lab-scale insights into pilot and commercial-scale solutions.
  • Strong understanding of structure-property relationships and advanced analytical techniques.
  • Hands-on experimental skills and a track record of solving complex technical problems.
  • Project management experience and ability to lead and collaborate across teams.

Why Decatur, AL?

It all starts here. Decatur is more than just a manufacturing site—it’s a community of innovators that sets the stage for precision downstream processes at other Hexcel sites. Nestled along the Tennessee River, Decatur offers a blend of Southern charm, outdoor adventure, and a growing tech scene. With a lower cost of living and access to nature, it’s a place where you can build both a career and a life.  Relocation assistance available.

About Hexcel

With our strong investment in research and development and our culture of continuous improvement, Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of advanced composite materials, including carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycombs, and additive manufactured parts. We invite you to join the Hexcel team at various manufacturing sites, sales offices, and R&T centers around the globe. Become a part of the “strength within.”

Eligible candidates must be a:  U.S. citizen, U.S. national, person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, person admitted in refugee status, or person granted asylum. Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry.

Hexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.

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