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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in polymer materials and plastic processing for container applications. Container Material Performance Evaluation * Lead evaluation and selection of container ...

Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in polymer materials and plastic processing for container applications. Container Material Performance Evaluation * Lead evaluation and selection of container ...

Senior Principal Engineer

Plymouth, MN

$132K - $182K/yr

Lead evaluation, selection, development and qualification of polymer materials and container ... Mentor, coach, and develop engineers, strengthening technical depth, strategic thinking, and ...

Senior Principal Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$132K - $182K/yr

Lead evaluation, selection, development and qualification of polymer materials and container ... Mentor, coach, and develop engineers, strengthening technical depth, strategic thinking, and ...

Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams. * Support ... Experience with polymer or materials characterization techniques such as GPC/SEC and DSC.

The Engineer Specialist provides senior technical leadership across global, cross-functional ... PhD (preferred) or Master's (required) in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Polymer ...

Engineering Specialist-2

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$176K - $182K/yr

The Engineer Specialist provides senior technical leadership across global, crossfunctional ... PhD (preferred) or Master's (required) in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Polymer ...

Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams. * Support ... Experience with polymer or materials characterization techniques such as GPC/SEC and DSC.

Extrusion Engineer

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Biomerics is a world-class manufacturer and innovative polymer solutions provider for the medical ... The Extrusion Engineer will be responsible for all aspects of a polymer extrusion line used to ...

Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams. * Support ... Experience with polymer or materials characterization techniques such as GPC/SEC and DSC.

Biomerics is a world-class manufacturer and innovative polymer solutions provider for the medical ... The Extrusion Engineer will be responsible for all aspects of a polymer extrusion line used to ...

You love hands-on polymer processing, troubleshooting extrusion lines, and analyzing production data. * You want to see the direct environmental impact of your engineering work every single day. If ...

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Showing results 1-20

Polymer Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$49.5K

$87.5K

$151.8K

How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineer in Minnesota is $87,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $112,600.00 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 cities in Minnesota are hiring for Polymer Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Polymer Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in MN? For Polymer Engineer jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,490 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Principal Engineer

Vantive

Plymouth, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Vantive is a vital organ therapy company on a mission to extend lives and expand possibilities for patients and care teams everywhere. For 70 years, our team has driven meaningful innovations in kidney care. As we build on our legacy, we are deepening our commitment to elevating the dialysis experience through digital solutions and advanced services, while looking beyond kidney care and investing in transforming vital organ therapies. Greater flexibility and efficiency in therapy administration for care teams, and longer, fuller lives for patients- that is what Vantive aspires to deliver.
We believe Vantive will not only build our leadership in the kidney care space, it will also offer meaningful work to those who join us. At Vantive, you will become part of a community of people who are focused, courageous and don't settle for the mediocre. Each of us is driven to help improve patients' lives worldwide. Join us in advancing our mission to extend lives and expand possibilities.
Your Role:
This position is part of the Drug Products - Americas R&D Team, within the Product Development Lifecycle Management and Sustaining Product Organization.
This role serves as a Principal Engineer and technical workstream leader within the Solutions & Containers R&D organization, with responsibility spanning container material performance and plastic-related processes for container systems.
The position requires a strong balance of material science expertise and process engineering knowledge, enabling the individual to lead complex technical initiatives across material selection, characterization, and container process development. The role operates across the full product lifecycle, with emphasis on technical rigor, cross-functional alignment, and risk-based decision making.
What you'll be doing:
Technical Leadership & Strategy
  • Lead technical workstreams involving container systems and polymer-based materials, ensuring delivery of scope, timelines, and technical quality
  • Define and manage technical strategy, risks, and mitigation plans related to both material performance and associated processes
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in polymer materials and plastic processing for container applications.

Container Material Performance Evaluation
  • Lead evaluation and selection of container materials based on structure-property relationships and application requirements
  • Design and interpret material characterization studies, including mechanical, thermal, chemical, and functional performance
  • Drive material qualification and change assessments across lifecycle phases.

Container Process & Manufacturing Expertise
  • Lead and support development and optimization of plastic-related manufacturing processes (e.g., extrusion, molding, subassembly, bag making as applicable)
  • Translate material properties into container process design considerations and performance outcomes
  • Identify and mitigate process-related risks, including variability, scalability, and manufacturability challenges
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing and suppliers on process validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.

Technical Excellence & Mentorship
  • Mentor and guide engineers in container material science and container process-related problem solving
  • Drive use of analytical tools and data-driven decision making
  • Contribute to strengthening team capabilities in container materials and container process engineering.

Collaboration, Influence & Talent Development
  • Collaborate effectively across global, cross-functional, and multicultural teams, adapting leadership and communication styles to drive alignment and results.
  • Maintain clear, effective communication with stakeholders at all levels, providing transparent technical assessments and status updates.
  • Mentor, coach, and develop engineers, strengthening technical depth, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities within the team.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance technical culture.

What you'll bring:
  • PhD (preferred) or Master's degree (required) in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field
  • Minimum 7+ years of industrial experience in polymer materials, container closure systems, or related fields
  • Plastic processing and manufacturing (molding, extrusion, welding etc) processes
  • Container systems for pharmaceutical or medical applications
  • Deep expertise in polymeric materials for medical and pharmaceutical applications, including container and drug/device combinations.
  • Strong knowledge of container material qualification, product development, and lifecycle management for pharmaceutical packaging or disposables.
  • Expertise in design control documentation, including Design History Files.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and process optimization, preferably for parenteral or combination products.
  • Proven experience in technical risk assessment, mitigation, and execution.
  • Strong analytical skills, including familiarity with statistical methods and Six Sigma tools.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence technical and business decisions at all organizational levels.
  • Ability to10% travel as needed

Vantive is committed to supporting the need for flexibility in the workplace. We do so through our flexible workplace policy which includes a minimum of 3 days a week onsite. This policy provides the benefits of connecting and collaborating in-person in support of our Mission.
We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Vantive, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $108,000 to $148,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.
US Benefits at Vantive
This is where your well-being matters. Vantive offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Aon Pooled Employer Plan ("Aon PEP"), Vantive's 401(k) retirement savings plan, to help you prepare for your future. The Aon PEP is designed to help improve retirement outcomes by providing retirement resources more efficiently. The plan offers a robust set of investment options, financial education, and a suite of resources to support your retirement goals.
We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees. For additional information regarding Vantive's US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Vantive
Equal Employment Opportunity
Vantive is an equal opportunity employer. Vantive evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Reasonable Accommodation
Vantive is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information. Form Link
Recruitment Fraud Notice
Vantive has discovered incidents of employment scams, where fraudulent parties pose as Vantive employees, recruiters, or other agents, and engage with online job seekers in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice.