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Polymer Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL · On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

Job Title: Material Characterization Scientist Entegris is currently seeking a Polymer ... Working with scientists and engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE ...

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL

$114K - $144K/yr

... of polymer systems used in CMP pad materials. You will lead the development of metrology ... Working with scientistsand engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE ...

PeopleVeda

Node.JS Developer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$49.75 - $64.50/hr

They have immediate need for two Node.JS Developer experienced in NodeJS, ReactJS and Redux and ... Applicable knowledge of web libraries and frameworks such as AngularJS, Polymer, and Closure

Ecolab

Principal Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Ecolab is looking for an experienced Principal Process Engineer with a strong background in ... Familiarity and expertise with resin, filtration technology or polymer manufacturing. Annual or ...

Ecolab

Principal Process Engineer

Chicago, IL

$101K - $152K/yr

Ecolab is looking for an experienced Principal Process Engineer with a strong background in ... Familiarity and expertise with resin, filtration technology or polymer manufacturing. Annual or ...

PeopleVeda

Node.JS Developer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$49.75 - $64.50/hr

They have immediate need for two Node.JS Developer experienced in NodeJS, ReactJS and Redux and ... Applicable knowledge of web libraries and frameworks such as AngularJS, Polymer, and Closure

Greif, Inc.

Process Engineer - Steel

Alsip, IL · On-site

$103K - $176K/yr

Learn more about the company's Customized Polymer , Sustainable Fiber , Durable Metal , and ... Job Requisition #: 034709 Process Engineer - Steel (Open) This role is focused on optimizing the ...

Element Solutions Inc

Manufacturing Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

Advanced Materials and Joining - Engineering polymer and metal joining solutions for optimally performing circuits * Film & Smart Surface Solutions - Transforming electronics with cutting-edge ...

Element Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

Advanced Materials and Joining - Engineering polymer and metal joining solutions for optimally performing circuits * Film & Smart Surface Solutions - Transforming electronics with cutting-edge ...

Greif

Process Engineer - Steel

Alsip, IL · On-site

$103K - $176K/yr

Learn more about the company's Customized Polymer , Sustainable Fiber , Durable Metal , and ... Job Requisition #: 034709 Process Engineer - Steel (Open) This role is focused on optimizing the ...

Element Solutions Inc

Manufacturing Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

Advanced Materials and Joining - Engineering polymer and metal joining solutions for optimally performing circuits * Film & Smart Surface Solutions - Transforming electronics with cutting-edge ...

Greif

Project Engineer - Electrical

Alsip, IL

Learn more about the company's Customized Polymer , Sustainable Fiber , Durable Metal , and ... Reporting to the SBU Engineering Manager this role will be responsible for supporting creative ...

Element Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Itasca, IL

$98K/yr

Advanced Materials and Joining - Engineering polymer and metal joining solutions for optimally performing circuits * Film & Smart Surface Solutions - Transforming electronics with cutting-edge ...

Tekni-Plex

Development Engineer I

Schaumburg, IL

... polymer, rubber and elastomer technologies * · Experience with analytical tests and interpretation of results for raw and cured rubber compounds * · Capable of performing routine physical tests and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPolymer Engineer JobsPolymer Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Polymer Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52.1K

$92.1K

$159.8K

How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineer in Chicago, IL is $92,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $118,600.00 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Polymer Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,095 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Material Characterization Scientist

Entegris

Aurora, IL • On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Entegris rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Title:
Material Characterization Scientist
Job Description:
Entegris is currently seeking a Polymer Characterization Scientist, CMP Pad to join our Materials Solutions Division R&D team. This position will be based at our Aurora (Greater Chicago Area) facility.
In this role, you will develop and advance fundamental understanding of the mechanical and rheological behavior of polymer systems used in CMP pad materials. You will lead the development of metrology capabilities and analytical frameworks that enable deep insight into structure-property relationships, supporting improved product design, consistency, and performance.
What You'll Do
Metrology & Method Development:
  • Develop, optimize, and standardize mechanical testing methods (e.g., DMA, stress-strain, creep, oscillatory rheology) for CMP pad materials across development and manufacturing environments

  • Establish rheological characterization protocols (e.g., cure kinetics, viscoelastic behavior, frequency/temperature sweeps) to understand polymer network formation and processing sensitivity

  • Define and implement measurement best practices, calibration methods, and inter-lab correlation to ensure data consistency and reproducibility

Establish Structure-Property-Performance Relationship:
  • Correlate mechanical and rheological properties to CMP performance metrics

  • Build property-performance models to enable material design targets and process control windows

  • Support root-cause investigations for yield, consistency, and customer performance issues using quantitative metrology data

Data & Modeling:
  • Working with scientists and engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE-based studies to isolate key variables affecting mechanical properties

  • Develop data analysis workflows and predictive models; Establish databases and visualization tools to enable data-driven decision making across teams

Cross-functional and External Collaboration:
  • Partner with formulation scientists, process engineers, and application teams to translate metrology insights into actionable products and process improvements guidance

  • Work with manufacturing teams to transfer lab-scale metrology into production-relevant measurements

  • Collaborate with instrument vendors and external partners to evaluate and deploy new characterization capabilities

Communication & Technical Leadership
  • Document and communicate findings through technical reports, standards, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders

  • Contribute to metrology strategy and roadmap, identifying gaps and future capability needs

  • Mentor team members on best practices in mechanical testing, rheology, and data interpretation

What We Seek
  • PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field required

  • 3+ years of post-graduate industry experience in polymer structural characterization, mechanical testing and rheology; Successful developed test methods, measurement systems, or analytical approaches

  • Hands-on experience with characterization techniques such as thermal-mechanical testing, rheometer, tensile and fatigue testing, and compression and flexural testing with demonstrated ability to design and troubleshoot experiments

  • Strong understanding of polymer mechanical and viscoelastic behavior, including structure-property relationships and the impact of network formation, crosslinking, and formulation on material performance

  • Practical experience in Design of Experiments (DOE), data analysis, and problem solving

  • Experience with thermoset, thermoplastic, elastomeric, or filled polymer systems is preferred

  • Knowledge of CMP or semiconductor processes is a plus, but not required

  • Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to operate effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations

What We Offer:
At Entegris, we invest in providing opportunity to our employees and promote from within. The new hire in this role will have the potential to grow and create relationships across the organizationand be recognized for demonstrated success and adherence to company PACE values.
Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.
  • Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match

  • Excellent health, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs

  • Flexible work schedule and 11 paid holidays a year

  • Paid time off (PTO) policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge

  • Education assistance to support your learning journey

  • Values-driven culture with colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence.

Compensation: $114,000-$144,000, dependent on candidate skillset and experience.
At Entegris we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, and reward employees for their individual abilities, achievements and experience without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital or military status.

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