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Polymer Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENTEK INTERNATIONAL LLC

Polymer Scientist

Lebanon, OR

$115K - $130K/yr

Collaborates with Engineering, Process Technologist, and Quality Manager to solve process problems ... Strong background in porous materials and polymer science Critical technical, professional, and ...

Hexcel Corporation

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Qualifications * BS/MS/PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or other equivalent technical degree * 5+ years of polymer modification and development experience OR a ...

Hexcel Corporation

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Qualifications * BS/MS/PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or other equivalent technical degree * 5+ years of polymer modification and development experience OR a ...

Hexcel Corporation

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA

$120K - $160K/yr

Qualifications * BS/MS/PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or other equivalent technical degree * 5+ years of polymer modification and development experience OR a ...

Apple

Coating Materials Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Our Materials Engineering Product Design team is dedicated to creating and optimizing polymer materials. We influence and enable innovative designs across all Apple product lines year after year. We ...

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Polymer Engineer information

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$50.5K

$89.3K

$155K

How much do polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineer in the United States is $89,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $115,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Polymer Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Engineer job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Polymer Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineer jobs? For Polymer Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Polymer Scientist

Polymer Scientist

ENTEK INTERNATIONAL LLC

Lebanon, OR

$115K - $130K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

Summary Description: 

This position is responsible for research, development, and optimization of microporous membranes designed for breathable membrane and other applications. The position requires a detailed technical understanding of porous materials, characterization techniques, structure-property relationships, and process optimization as related to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). 


Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Collaborates with Engineering, Process Technologist, and Quality Manager to solve process problems, minimize variability, and improve current microporous membrane production processes.
  • Works with R&D to schedule production trials to improve product performance or create new products based upon extrusion-extraction technologies.
  • Documents all production trials and characteristics of the resultant membranes; works with Process Technologist to implement standard run conditions for all new products
  • Prepares R&D monthly reports on technical activities
  • Works closely with the CTO to develop new membrane concepts or characterization methods
  • Interfaces with key customer(s) and provides direct technical service support as required
  • Develops technical presentations for use in Quarterly meetings
  • Files provisional patents on new developments
  • Develops models for transport properties through microporous membranes.
  • Investigates new characterization techniques for pore size distribution (e.g., small-angle x-ray scattering, NMR, etc.) and pore interconnectivity.
  • Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations
  • Follows Lean manufacturing utilizing tools such as Kaizans, 5S, RIE's and other work area standards
  • Represent ENTEK with the highest standard of professional conduct when interacting with all levels of staff, suppliers, and customers. 
  • Adopt ENTEK culture and core values.
The position accomplishes these responsibilities through a respectful, constructive, and energetic style, guided by ENTEK's Core Values, strategic objectives, and Servant Leadership. This position will represent ENTEK with the highest standard of professional conduct when interacting with partners, suppliers, and customers.  
Supervisory Duties:

None

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:


Critical knowledge

  • Computer savvy
  • Superb English written and verbal skills
  • Excellent presentation skills

Critical experience

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment and with cross-functional professionals
  • High drive for results and advanced problem-solving skills
  • Finds innovative solutions to problems
  • Strong background in porous materials and polymer science

Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities

  • Lead and drive engineers & production team through high-level projects and experiments
  • Be the technical face of the company in front of key customer(s)
  • Expertise level in porous materials and polymer science
  • Strong work ethic with a desire to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Education and Experience:


Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

  • Ph.D. degree or equivalent work experience in polymer science, materials science, or chemical engineering
  • >3 years of experience, including post-doctoral fellowship, if any.


Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

  • Prior experience in UHMWPE gel processing, blown film technology, characterization of porous materials, experimental design, and Lean principles is highly desired.
  • Prior experience in research and development of breathable membranes or filtration membranes.
  • Background in basic statistics, experimental design, and Minitab software is preferred.
Physical Requirements:

The following physical activities are necessary to perform the essential functions of this job.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. 
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, or sit for extended lengths of time. 
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40      pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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