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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Associates degree or Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field or equivalent experience. * 3-5 years of experience in rubber ...

Senior Materials & Process Engineer

Arlington, TX · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Engineer solutions for producing parts with complex geometries, tight tolerances, and demanding ... Work with advanced polymer and composite materials to create high-performance components for large ...

Senior Materials & Process Engineer

Arlington, TX · On-site

$93K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Engineer solutions for producing parts with complex geometries, tight tolerances, and demanding ... Work with advanced polymer and composite materials to create high-performance components for large ...

Senior Materials & Process Engineer

Arlington, TX · On-site

$93K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Engineer solutions for producing parts with complex geometries, tight tolerances, and demanding ... Work with advanced polymer and composite materials to create high-performance components for large ...

Process Engineer

Seabrook, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

With a portfolio of highly adaptable vinyl and polyolefin polymer technologies as well as a full ... The Role The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing internal and external processes and ...

Process Engineer

Seabrook, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

With a portfolio of highly adaptable vinyl and polyolefin polymer technologies as well as a full ... The Role The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing internal and external processes and ...

Showing results 21-40

Polymer Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$47K

$83.2K

$144.4K

How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineer in Texas is $83,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,200.00 and $107,100.00 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 Texas? The most popular types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in Texas? For Polymer Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Polymer Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Polymer Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in TX? For Polymer Engineer jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,224 per year, or $40 per hour.

Principal R&D Engineer - TPU Chemistry and Processing

XPEL, Inc.

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
The Principal Research and Development Engineer will lead and oversee their respective area(s) of development of XPEL's core technology.
Core Duties
  • Lead fundamental research into TPU/EPU polymer architecture (soft/hard segment ratios, chain extenders, isocyanates) and their effects on optical, thermal, and mechanical performance.
  • Correlate polymer chemistry with durability, weathering resistance, and long-term stability.
  • Establish lab-scale extrusion and film casting protocols for transparent and optical-grade films.
  • Define critical process-performance relationships, including haze, tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, and environmental durability.
  • Optimize formulation and processing parameters for high clarity, low birefringence, and minimal defects.
  • Build and maintain a competitive intelligence database of global TPU chemistries, extrusion processes, and film performance benchmarks.
  • Conduct accelerated aging, optical, and mechanical testing to validate long-term performance targets.
  • Translate lab-scale polymer synthesis and extrusion processes to pilot and full production scale.
  • Collaborate with process engineers, manufacturing teams, and external partners to ensure successful technology hand-off.
  • Identify and protect intellectual property opportunities in TPU/EPU chemistries, extrusion processes, and film applications.
  • Stay at the forefront of polyurethane and optical polymer science to drive continuous innovation.
  • Provide robust technical solutions to new product development initiatives and lend support to sales and product management teams
  • Bridge the gap from bench scale testing to industrial manufacturing processes by taking a lead role in the scale up process
  • Develop plans and procedures for specifications & fabrication of components, integration of technologies, balancing cost & manufacturability
  • Serve as technical interface to vendors and manufacturers
  • Continue to improve upon existing process and product through research and development in the specific area of responsibility
  • Remain versed and up to date on polymer chemistry, extrusion and other emerging technologies in the film industry
  • Develop and execute testing methodology necessary to ensure products meet industry standards
  • Develop a roadmap for next gen product innovations and lead platform level programs
  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications
  • B.S in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 8+ industrial experience
  • Strong background in polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, and optical polymer systems.
  • Proven hands-on experience with TPU/EPU synthesis, film extrusion, and coating processes.
  • In-depth knowledge of structure-property mapping for polyurethane materials.
  • Strong understanding of processing variables (temperature, shear, residence time) and their effects on polymer morphology and film performance.
  • Proficiency with optical and mechanical testing: haze, gloss, tensile, elongation, modulus, durability, and weatherability.
  • Familiarity with additives (stabilizers, antioxidants, UV absorbers) and their influence on film performance.
  • Technical expertise in thermal, mechanical, and optical properties for polymer multilayer films using advanced analytical tools like DMA/DHR, DSC, FTIR, TGA, GPC/MS, profilometer, etc.
  • Track record of patent generation and/or publications in polyurethane or optical polymer fields.
  • Demonstrated experience working with interdisciplinary teams to drive programs from concept to production/commercialization
  • Strong problem-solving and data-driven decision-making ability
  • Strong understanding of design of experiments and corresponding data analysis
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
  • Proven record of innovation, IP contribution, and technical leadership
  • In-office role

Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced Degree preferred

XPEL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.