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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

LG

Technical Service Engineer - LG Chem

Troy, MI · On-site

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 ...

LG

Technical Service Engineer - LG Chem

Detroit, MI

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 ...

LG

Technical Service Engineer - LG Chem

Troy, MI

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 ...

Dart Container

Staff Engineer - Polymers

Mason, MI · On-site

Staff Engineer - Materials Innovation (Polymers) Shape the Future of Food & Beverage Packaging Are ... This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for a seasoned polymer expert who thrives at the ...

Dart Container

Staff Engineer - Polymers

Mason, MI · On-site +1

Staff Engineer - Materials Innovation (Polymers) Shape the Future of Food & Beverage Packaging Are ... This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for a seasoned polymer expert who thrives at the ...

Dart Container

Staff Engineer - Polymers

Mason, MI · On-site +1

Staff Engineer - Materials Innovation (Polymers) Shape the Future of Food & Beverage Packaging Are ... This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for a seasoned polymer expert who thrives at the ...

NSF

Engineer I Materials Lab

Ann Arbor, MI

Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemical engineering, or other equivalent degrees. * A minimum of six (6) months experience with working in a mechanical or structural ...

NSF

Engineer I Materials Lab

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemical engineering, or other equivalent degrees. * A minimum of six (6) months experience with working in a mechanical or structural ...

NSF

Engineer I Materials Lab

Ann Arbor, MI

Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemical engineering, or other equivalent degrees. * A minimum of six (6) months experience with working in a mechanical or structural ...

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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 Jul 15, 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.

More about Polymer Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Polymer Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,859 per year, or $37.4 per hour.
Chemical and Process Engineer in Rubber Manufacturing

Chemical and Process Engineer in Rubber Manufacturing

Jackson Flexible Products

Jackson, MI • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Job Summary

We are seeking a Chemical and Process Engineer to support the development, optimization, and production of rubber compounds and products. This role focuses on improving manufacturing efficiency, ensuring product quality, and maintaining safe, compliant operations within a rubber processing environment.
Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize rubber compounding and processing methods (mixing, extrusion, molding, curing)
  • Develop production processes and troubleshoot issues related to material performance and equipment
  • Analyze process data to improve product consistency, yield, and cost efficiency
  • Work with R&D to scale up new rubber formulations from lab to production
  • Maintain and update process documentation, including formulations and specifications
  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry regulations
  • Collaborate with quality teams to investigate defects and implement corrective actions
  • Evaluate raw materials and support material selection for specific applications
  • Assist with equipment commissioning, trials, and process validation
  • Support continuous improvement of plant operations and production workflows
Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related field
  • 25+ years of experience in rubber, polymers, or elastomer manufacturing preferred. We encourage recent college graduates to apply.
  • Knowledge of rubber compounding ingredients (polymers, fillers, curatives, additives)
  • Understanding of processing techniques such as mixing (Banbury/internal mixers), extrusion, and vulcanization
  • Familiarity with material testing methods (tensile strength, hardness, rheology, etc.)
  • Experience with process analysis and data interpretation
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills
Preferred Skills

  • Experience with synthetic and natural rubber formulations
  • Familiarity with processing equipment and plant operations in rubber manufacturing
  • Knowledge of industry standards and specifications (ASTM, ISO, etc.)
  • Experience working with customers or product development teams
Work Environment

  • Combination of office and manufacturing plant environment
  • Exposure to heat, noise, and industrial equipment
  • Must follow all plant safety and PPE requirements
Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance