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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dover Corporation

Die Inspector

Eagle Rock, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... Engineering Scheer, Ettlinger, AMN, Witte and Sikora- eight successful and well-experienced companies have joined forces to become the global partner for the polymer industry. As a manufacturer of ...

Dover Corporation

Die Inspector

Eagle Rock, VA

$20 - $25/hr

... Engineering Scheer, Ettlinger, AMN, Witte and Sikora- eight successful and well-experienced companies have joined forces to become the global partner for the polymer industry. As a manufacturer of ...

Dover Corporation

Die Inspector

Eagle Rock, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... Engineering Scheer, Ettlinger, AMN, Witte and Sikora- eight successful and well-experienced companies have joined forces to become the global partner for the polymer industry. As a manufacturer of ...

Dover Corporation

CNC Machinist 2nd Shift

Eagle Rock, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

... Engineering Scheer, Ettlinger, AMN, Witte and Sikora- eight successful and well-experienced companies have joined forces to become the global partner for the polymer industry. As a manufacturer of ...

Jobtailor

Site Manager

Gordonsville, VA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Lead stakeholders of HSSE, operations, engineering, planning, maintenance, supply chain, quality ... S.) in a technical field plus five to ten years related experience in the plastics/polymer industry ...

Dover Corporation

CNC Machinist 2nd Shift

Eagle Rock, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

... Engineering Scheer, Ettlinger, AMN, Witte and Sikora- eight successful and well-experienced companies have joined forces to become the global partner for the polymer industry. As a manufacturer of ...

Dover Corporation

CNC Machinist 2nd Shift

Eagle Rock, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

... Engineering Scheer, Ettlinger, AMN, Witte and Sikora- eight successful and well-experienced companies have joined forces to become the global partner for the polymer industry. As a manufacturer of ...

Microporous Products

R AND D ENGINEER

Danville, VA · On-site

Prepare and test water-based coating formulations (ceramic and polymer systems) following ... Collaborate effectively with R&D, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Production teams.

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Showing results 41-60

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 10, 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.

Foods Packaging Senior Principal Engineer

PepsiCo

Colonial Heights, VA • On-site

$123K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

PepsiCo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 894 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 436 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Overview
Packaging R&D Senior Principal Engineer to lead the PepsiCo Foods North America - Sabra business packaging agenda, utilizing technical expertise and leadership to ensure continued growth and profitability through new consumer propositions and maintenance of existing portfolio focused on packaging innovation, sustainability, quality and cost. Role is based at Sabra's Chesterfield Virginia facility and reports into Pepsico's Global Foods Packaging team.
Responsibilities
  • Develop short and long term strategies to optimize and transform packaging for improved consumer experiences, elevated brand distinction on shelf, enhanced ease of use, improved freshness, and/or improved sustainability.
  • Work closely with Marketing, Design, Finance, Supply Chain, and Procurement to create new business propositions that are desirable, feasible, and viable to grow and evolve the business.
  • Represent Packaging function in business leadership meetings with accountability for setting agenda, results and strategy within packaging for the business unit.
  • Lead a team of 1-2 packaging associates to manage and prioritize packaging activities to deliver business innovation, sustainability and productivity agenda.
  • Leverage sound technical knowledge in Foods Packaging Materials and Manufacturing Technologies to positively influence business agenda as Packaging Subject Matter Expert.
  • Influence adoption and implementation of packaging sustainability advances and enable progress towards Pepsico external packaging commitments. Assure high level of awareness, understanding and knowledge of sustainability design principles across business partners.
  • Model Packaging R&D competencies and actively coach team to continuously build and grow individually and as a team, driving an inclusive and learning culture. Actively identify and solve for capability and capacity gaps through efficient use of internal and external resources.
  • Build internal and external networks and collaborations to best leverage available resources and knowledge
  • Partner with Food Safety Quality Assurance, Regulatory, and Legal functions to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies associated with packaging materials and processes.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $123,500 - $206,750.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 15% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications
Education (Required)
  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.

Experience
  • Minimum of 10+ years Foods or Beverage Packaging experience preferably in an R&D environment.
  • Demonstrated mastery of packaging materials, polymer science, packaging equipment technologies, business/financial analysis capabilities, effective communicator and influencer.
  • Rigid plastic packaging (PET, HDPE, Polypropylene) experience highly preferred
  • Strong leadership skills demonstrating strategic thinking, clear setting of agenda and proven track record of people development.
  • Strong project management skills in developing project timelines with multiple cross-functional touch points.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, influencing and persuasion skills.
  • Strong conceptual, analytical and technical ability with excellent presentation skills.
  • Experience in the development and execution of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging materials and have knowledge of the interrelationship with equipment.
  • Experience with technical stage gate process, ability to create package development plans, manage timelines and budgets across all projects.
  • Must demonstrate an ability to thrive in a fast-paced and consumer driven environment.
  • Effective in complex, ambiguous, and fast-paced environments with competing priorities.
  • Self-starter able to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically up to 10%, with occasional international travel as required.
  • This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States

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Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement

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About PepsiCo

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Purchase, NY, US

Year founded

1965

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