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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Polymer Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$44K

$77.9K

$135.1K

How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineer in Michigan is $77,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $100,200.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Polymer Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Polymer Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in MI? For Polymer Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,859 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Senior Polymer & Formulation Scientist

Dupont

Midland, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


DuPont rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter. Whether it's providing clean water to more than a billion people on the planet, producing materials that are essential in everyday technology devices from smartphones to electric vehicles, or protecting workers around the world. Discover the many reasons the world's most talented people are choosing to work at DuPont. Why Join Us | DuPont Careers

DuPont Shelter Solutions is a global leader in building and construction technologies, delivering trusted solutions that improve weatherization, energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and fire protection. Our portfolio includes industry-leading brands such as Tyvek, Great Stuff, and Styrofoam, helping customers build stronger, safer, and more sustainable structures.

We are seeking a Senior Polymer & Formulation Scientist to join our Shelter Solutions R&D team in Midland, Michigan. In this role, you will lead the design, synthesis, formulation, processing, and characterization of advanced polymer systems, applying deep expertise in polymer and organic chemistry to develop innovative materials and solve complex technical challenges.

Working within a collaborative team of scientists and engineers, you will help drive the next generation of products that meet evolving customer and market needs. This position offers a balance of strategic project leadership and hands-on laboratory work, supported by experienced technicians and technologists.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain deep technical knowledge of relevant scientific literature, patents, and industry trends
  • Apply strong experimental design and innovative problemsolving skills to address R&D challenges
  • Design, execute, analyze, and interpret benchscale polymer syntheses, formulations, and characterization experiments using standard laboratory equipment
  • Work effectively both independently and as part of crossfunctional project teams
  • Document experimental work and results in a timely manner using LIMS, internal technical reports, patent disclosures, and external publications as appropriate
  • Communicate results, insights, and project progress through clear oral and written presentations to technical teams, management, and business leadership
  • Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of the organization
  • Show initiative, adaptability, and a desire to embrace new opportunities and drive successful outcomes

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or a related discipline
  • Strong foundation in organic chemistry, including physical, mechanistic, and synthetic principles
  • Broad understanding of condensation polymerization systems, including reaction mechanisms and kinetics
  • Experience with condensation polymerizations, preferable with polyurethanes
  • Familiarity with characterization techniques for polymers and small molecules
  • Basic understanding of structure-property relationships and polymer physics
  • Ability to identify and pursue suitable approaches to polymer modification as needed
  • Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary team environments, including leading portions of technical programs to meet team objectives
  • Knowledge of fire science and experience with fire testing methods is highly preferred

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DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit ourAccessibility Page for Contact Information.

DuPont offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.


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