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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Westlake Corporation

Materials Engineer

Bristol, TN · On-site

Westlake is hiring a Materials Engineer in Bristol, TN to help drive formulation innovation ... Experience with PVC extrusion processes and polymer formulation development. * Knowledge of Six ...

Westlake Corporation

Materials Engineer

Bristol, TN · On-site

Westlake is hiring a Materials Engineer in Bristol, TN to help drive formulation innovation ... Experience with PVC extrusion processes and polymer formulation development. * Knowledge of Six ...

Henpen Corporation

Development CHemist

Piney Flats, TN · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Qualifications * BS or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science , or a related technical discipline. * 5+ years of product development experience involving polymers ...

GlycoData

Associate Applications Scientist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Doctoral degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a related technical field. * 5+ years industry experience translating polymer formulation fundamentals into ...

New

Techmer PM, LLC

Tech Service Engineer

Clinton, TN · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

We are currently seeking a Technical Service Engineer for our Clinton, Tennessee facility. Location ... Polymer Science 5 years: Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all ...

New

inteplast

TECHNICAL ENGINEER II

Talbott, TN · On-site

Bachelor's Degree in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field is preferred or at least 5 year's related experience in BOPP or plastic films ...

inteplast

TECHNICAL ENGINEER II

Talbott, TN

Bachelor's Degree in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field is preferred or at least 5 year's related experience in BOPP or plastic films ...

Eastman

Associate Applications Scientist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Doctoral degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field. * 8+ years industry experience translating polymer formulation fundamentals into ...

CRH

Technical Resource Engineer

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

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 ...

CRH

Technical Resource Engineer

Lebanon, TN

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 ...

CRH

Technical Resource Engineer

Lebanon, TN · On-site

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 ...

Ametek

Staff Systems Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

The Staff Systems Engineer will support the design, integration, productization, and production ... Experience with detector technologies such as NaI(Tl), CsI(Tl), LaBr3(Ce), CLLBC, plastic/polymer ...

Astec Industries

Electrical Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

... polymer, emulsion, rubber blending systems, liquid asphalt terminals and like equipment. Specify ... Ensure all engineering drawings and documents are up to date for projects. Create PID schematics.

Inteplast Group, Ltd

TECHNICAL ENGINEER II

Talbott, TN · On-site

Bachelor's Degree in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field is preferred or at least 5 year's related experience in BOPP or plastic films ...

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Polymer Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$45.8K

$81.1K

$140.7K

How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineer in Tennessee is $81,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $104,400.00 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 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 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 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 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

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The most popular types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

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For Polymer Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,077 per year, or $39 per hour.

Materials Engineer

Westlake Corporation

Bristol, TN • On-site

Other

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

Westlake Chemical rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.
Westlake is hiring a Materials Engineer in Bristol, TN to help drive formulation innovation, process improvement, and manufacturing performance. In this role, you will work closely with operations, R&D, suppliers, and business leaders to optimize compounds, solve production challenges, and support new product development. This is a strong opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands-on plant support, cross-functional collaboration, and using data to improve quality, efficiency, and product performance.
Why Join Us
  • Make a direct impact on product and process innovation in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
  • Collaborate with operations, R&D, and suppliers to improve quality, performance, and cost efficiency.
  • Step into a high-visibility role where your technical expertise will help shape new products, improve plant performance, and drive measurable business impact.

What You'll Do
Key responsibilities include:
  • Lead the development, testing, and implementation of new material compounds to support productivity, quality, and business objectives.
  • Develop standard work and scalable processes for evaluating and implementing compounding changes across production platforms.
  • Use design of experiments and other analytical methods to assess formulation changes and their impact on manufacturing performance.
  • Partner with operations, R&D, and leadership to solve production issues, improve processes, and support new product development.
  • Coordinate laboratory work, pilot trials, and production trials to improve product performance, reduce scrap, and optimize cost efficiency.
  • Analyze data using statistical tools and communicate findings clearly to technical and operational stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to stay current on new raw materials, equipment, and industry developments.
  • Support formulation cost analysis, capital planning, and process improvement initiatives related to existing and new products.

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited university in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, or Plastics Engineering.
  • 3 to 5 years of hands-on plastics compounding experience, ideally in rigid or foamed PVC extrusion or a similar chemical or physical manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with PVC extrusion processes and polymer formulation development.
  • Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies and tools such as DOE, DMAIC, FMEA, Fishbone, and 5-Why analysis.
  • Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Skills for Success
  • Strong collaborative problem-solving skills in a manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions to support compounding and extrusion plant operations.
  • Strong organization, project management, and task prioritization skills.
  • Ability to define problems, execute trials, analyze data, draw sound conclusions, and build consensus across technical and operational teams.
  • Knowledge of polymer chemistry, manufacturing processes, testing, and material analysis.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to build collaborative working relationships with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to sit and frequently required to stand, walk, use hands, reach, and communicate. The role may occasionally require stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. May require air or auto travel up to 10% of the time to support sites across North America.
Work Environment
This role is based in a moderate-noise office environment with periodic travel to manufacturing facilities. Facility environments may include elevated noise levels, exposure to weather elements, proximity to moving equipment, and climbing ladders. Appropriate personal protective equipment, including hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, safety glasses, and hard hats, may be required while working in a facility.
Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance people's lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.
Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.
Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.
If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.

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