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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dupont

Tyvek R&D Mechanical Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

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 ...

TIAG

Senior AI-ML Integration Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$150 - $175/hr

React, React Native, Polymer, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3. * Back‑end: Strong proficiency in PHP8.x (Symfony), RESTful APIs, MySQL. * Cloud & DevOps: AWS (EC2, RDS, S3, Lambda, API Gateway, Cognito ...

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Polymer Engineer information

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$50.1K

$88.6K

$153.7K

How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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Cities in Virginia with the most Polymer Engineer job openings:

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Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,563 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Tyvek R&D Mechanical Engineer

Dupont

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

DuPont rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 102 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter. Whether it's providing clean water to more than a billion people on the planet, producing materials that are essential in everyday technology devices from smartphones to electric vehicles, or protecting workers around the world. Discover the many reasons the world's most talented people are choosing to work at DuPont. Why Join Us | DuPont Careers

As part of our Tyvek growth strategy, we are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help advance flash-spinning technology and drive the development and commercialization of innovative new products.

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, and electrical engineering. Our team works in a highly collaborative and diverse environment with a mission to develop nonwoven membrane solutions that protect people, property, and critical products and processes from the hazards that threaten them.

Primary Responsibilities:

Within Tyvek R&D, we develop new products for emerging and existing markets, enhance manufacturing processes, and advance next-generation technology platforms. Successful R&D Engineers define, lead, and execute technical programs focused on product and process technology development, applying strong scientific and engineering fundamentals to solve complex challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and execute product and process R&D programs from concept through implementation.
  • Design and conduct laboratory, experimental, and modeling studies, translating results into actionable technical and business insights.
  • Manage project plans, timelines, and cross-functional testing and implementation activities to ensure successful program execution.
  • Communicate technical strategies, progress, findings, and recommendations to key stakeholders.
  • Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, including both technical and non-technical functions.
  • Partner with scientists and engineers to scale innovative technologies from development through commercial manufacturing.
  • Engage external consultants, suppliers, and partners to efficiently advance project objectives when needed.
  • Prepare clear, concise technical reports, presentations, and recommendations to support decision-making.
  • Drive intellectual property development through competitive landscape assessments, invention identification, and patent generation opportunities.

Qualifications:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline with relevant experience
  • Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles related to equipment design, process development, or process optimization
  • Solid knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer
  • Strong analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, influencing, and networking skills.
  • Ability to build effective partnerships across functions and disciplines.
  • Self-motivated and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
  • Fluent in English
  • Ability to travel up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of professional experience strongly preferred
  • Experience with 3D CAD tools preferred
  • Experience with data analysis, visualization, and large data sets is a plus
  • Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) and/or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a plus
  • Experience with polymer processing and/or web-handling equipment is a plus

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DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit ourAccessibility Page for Contact Information.

DuPont offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.

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