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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering. * Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of ...

Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering. * Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of ...

We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers, retailers, and homeowners alike as the manufacturer of precast concrete, polymer concrete, and plastic ...

We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers, retailers, and homeowners alike as the manufacturer of precast concrete, polymer concrete, and plastic ...

Polymer Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$47.4K

$83.9K

$145.6K

How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineer in Iowa is $83,904.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $108,000.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Polymer Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in IA? For Polymer Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,904 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
Materials Engineer

Materials Engineer

Emerson

Marshalltown, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Emerson Electric rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 421 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

At Emerson in Marshalltown, the Materials Engineer role offers the opportunity to drive innovation through advanced materials engineering across global product lines. This position works with both metallic and non-metallic materials-including polymers, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and lubricants-to support product design, manufacturing, and performance. The role focuses on material selection, failure analysis, supplier qualification, and continuous product improvement while collaborating with teams and customers worldwide.

In this Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

  • Provide technical leadership in the identification, development, application, and qualification of materials for the design, manufacture, and application of the product line. 

  • Lead projects and provide support in the areas of failure analysis, supplier qualification, material selection, and materials research.

  • Collaborate with internal teams and customers on a global basis to understand their materials needs.

  • Create and document best practices for the application of appropriate technologies to current and future development projects.

  • Development / maintenance of internal specifications and practices.

  • Contribute to and interpret industry standards.


For this Role, You Will Need:

  • Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering.

  • Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of relevant experience will be strongly considered. 

  • Experience in applying materials technology to solving a broad range of problems 

  • Ability to quickly learn and apply new technology

  • Self-motivated, self-sufficient, and capable of working with teams with competing interests and priorities

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills as well an ability to present to large audiences

  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures and safely perform experiments; growth opportunity to implement systems of experiments and test practices


Supervisory Requirements:

  • This is an individual contributor position with no initial responsibility for direct supervision of other full-time personnel.  

  • Combination professional office and lab environment.

  • Occasional off-hours work to coordinate projects with other world areas.

  • Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
     

Our Culture & Commitment to You

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives-because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family's physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.
 

WHY EMERSON 

Our Commitment to Our People

At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.

We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world's most complex problems - for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You'll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.

At Emerson, you'll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let's go. Let's think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let's go, together.

Work Authorization

Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation

If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: idisability.administrator@emerson.com.   


ABOUT EMERSON 

Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.

With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.

We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you're an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you'll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team - let's go!

No calls or agencies please. 


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