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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Lycra Company LLC

Polymer Operator I

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$29.78 - $32.52/hr

The LYCRA Company is seeking a Polymer Control Room & Field Operator located at our manufacturing ... Science, Engineering, Manufacturing) * Experience using Microsoft Office * Ability to wear personal ...

The Lycra Company LLC

Research Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$104K - $118K/yr

At least 5 years of experience as a Chemical Engineer, Polymer Scientist, Spinning Process Engineer, Mechanical Engineer * Demonstrated excellence in ethics, compliance, and EH&S performance

advansix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA

Nylon Lead R&D Scientist (Polymer Chemistry & Process Technology Focus) Position Summary The Nylon ... Partner with plant, engineering, and production teams to: * Improve conversion efficiency ...

advansix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA · On-site

Nylon Lead R&D Scientist (Polymer Chemistry & Process Technology Focus) Position Summary The Nylon ... Partner with plant, engineering, and production teams to: * Improve conversion efficiency ...

advansix

Sr. Process Engineer

Chester, VA

$95K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer interacts with the plant teams, business groups and R&D to identify and ... Polymer/resin processing experience preferred * Six Sigma certification and/or experience in using ...

advansix

Sr. Process Engineer

Richmond, VA

$95K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer interacts with the plant teams, business groups and R&D to identify and ... Polymer/resin processing experience preferred * Six Sigma certification and/or experience in using ...

AdvanSix

Sr. Process Engineer

Chester, VA · On-site

$95K - $123K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer interacts with the plant teams, business groups and R&D to identify and ... Polymer/resin processing experience preferred * Six Sigma certification and/or experience in using ...

AdvanSix

R&D Engineer/Scientist

Chesterfield, VA · On-site

Core Responsibilities 1. Polymer Chemistry Leadership (Primary Focus) * Lead design and execution ... Partner with plant, engineering, and production teams to: * Improve conversion efficiency ...

AdvanSix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA · On-site

Core Responsibilities 1. Polymer Chemistry Leadership (Primary Focus) * Lead design and execution ... Partner with plant, engineering, and production teams to: * Improve conversion efficiency ...

Dupont

Tyvek R&D Mechanical Engineer

Richmond, VA

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, empowered R&D organization that leverages deep expertise in materials science, polymer science and engineering, chemistry, and chemical, mechanical ...

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All JobsPolymer Engineer JobsPolymer Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Polymer Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$50.1K

$88.6K

$153.7K

How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineer in Virginia is $88,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $114,000.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Polymer Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Polymer Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Polymer Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in VA? For Polymer Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,563 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Polymer Composites Specialist

Luna Labs USA

Blacksburg, VA

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Polymer Composites Specialist
About Luna Labs
Luna Labs is a product development company working with leading organizations and key government agencies to create unique solutions for complex challenges in defense, industrial, and healthcare markets. We operate like a self-contained incubator for defense and biotech startups, taking solutions from concept through development to new products in the market. We leverage small business agility and large business capabilities to accelerate breakthrough solutions from concept to early-stage growth. Working with a robust global network of manufacturers, suppliers, licensees, and distributors, Luna Labs develops everything from small-scale prototypes to market-ready products.
The Opportunity
The Materials group is seeking a creative and goal-oriented R amp;D Polymer Composites Specialist to contribute to fast-paced research focused on the development of new materials. This position will involve managing and executing projects related to materials product development for our government and commercial customers. Current application areas include structural polymer composites, high/low temperature seals and gaskets, and chemical/biological protection. This role will support research and development with hands-on polymer formulation, composite production, and material testing using new or established methodologies. Practical experience with the fabrication of thermoset-matrix composite materials is desired. Ideal candidates will have a background in materials science with specific experience in project management, including idea generation, experimental design/execution, scheduling, budgeting, data analysis, report writing, customer presentations, coordination of internal/external collaborators, and staff mentorship.
What You'll Do
  • Manage research and development projects, including experimental design, problem solving, structure-property relationships, data summary and interpretation, report writing, and customer presentation
  • Drive technology transition from product concept and prototypes to pilot-scale production, manufacturing, and commercialization
  • Identify new technologies and match them with applications to satisfy significant customer needs
  • Participate and consult with the internal and external scientific community to maintain state-of-the-art knowledge to conduct experiments and projects
  • Mentor junior staff in project management and technology development
  • Travel to external facilities to perform testing and/or present results to potential or existing customers
  • Perform physical testing for materials characterization using in-house equipment
  • Maintain a positive environment with lab researchers emphasizing safe laboratory practices and clean workspaces
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related fields.
  • 3—6 years of experience with materials research and development
  • Experience with project management including scheduling, budgeting, and customer presentations
  • Comfortable working in a chemical laboratory setting and willing to learn outside your core area of expertise
  • Strong communication, technical writing, and analytical skills, with a commitment to quality and attention to detail
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented R amp;D environment, with a drive to move technologies from lab to product
  • Due to government contracting regulations, U.S. Citizenship is a firm requirement.
Preferred Skills
  • Experience managing and executing laboratory-based research and development projects
  • Hands-on experience with polymer composite fabrication, including hand layup, tooling development, material characterization, and knowledge of composite material structure-property relationships
  • Proficiency with engineering software such as SolidWorks for 3D CAD and 2D manufacturing prints
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams
  • Interest in understanding technical approaches within the context of end-use applications
Work Environment
  • The role involves working onsite and in a laboratory environment and interacting with technical staff.
  • Occasional travel between company locations, client sites, conferences, and related events is required.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 100lbs may be required.
  • Duties may occasionally be completed remotely using secure company equipment and software, at the supervisor's discretion.
What We Offer
  • Salary Range: $80,000 -- $85,000 annually depending on experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Opportunities for professional development and continued education
  • Collaborative, innovation-focused work culture
Luna Labs USA logo

About Luna Labs USA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2022

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