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Polymer Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor or advanced degrees in relevant polymer fields such as Chemical engineering, polymer engineering, chemicals, etc. highly preferred Requirements: * * 5+years of experience in material ...

Bachelor or advanced degrees in relevant polymer fields such as Chemical engineering, polymer engineering, chemicals, etc. highly preferred Requirements: 5+years of experience in material development ...

Bachelor or advanced degrees in relevant polymer fields such as Chemical engineering, polymer engineering, chemicals, etc. highly preferred Requirements: 5+years of experience in material development ...

Leads KBPD process in conjunction with Chief Engineers, Quality Managers, General Managers and other Summit Polymer and Customer personnel. * Participates in mold design reviews to assure that tools ...

Master's degree with an emphasis in Engineering in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field * Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Engineering in Polymer ...

Master's degree with an emphasis in Engineering in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field * Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Engineering in Polymer ...

Master's degree with an emphasis in Engineering in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field * Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Engineering in Polymer ...

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Polymer Engineering information

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$44K

$77.9K

$135.1K

How much do polymer engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineering in Michigan is $77,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $100,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by polymer engineers in product development projects?

Polymer engineers often encounter challenges such as selecting the right polymer material to meet specific performance and cost requirements, ensuring material compatibility, and addressing issues like degradation or unwanted reactions during processing. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including design, manufacturing, and quality assurance—can also present hurdles, as each group may have different priorities or technical constraints. Staying current with the latest advancements in sustainable and high-performance polymers is essential, as regulations and market demands frequently evolve.

What is polymer engineering?

Polymer engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, analysis, and modification of polymer materials, which are long-chain molecules used to create plastics, rubbers, and other synthetic materials. Polymer engineers work with these materials to develop new products, improve manufacturing processes, and solve problems related to material properties and performance. Their work is crucial in industries such as automotive, aerospace, packaging, electronics, and healthcare, where polymer-based materials are widely used.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What is the difference between Polymer Engineering vs Materials Science?

AspectPolymer EngineeringMaterials Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Polymer Engineering or Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, product developmentResearch labs, manufacturing, academia
Industry UsagePlastic, rubber, polymer product industriesBroad industries including metals, ceramics, polymers
Common Search/ComparisonPolymer Engineering careers, Polymer Engineer rolesMaterials Science careers, Materials Engineer roles

Polymer Engineering focuses specifically on the design, development, and manufacturing of polymer-based materials, often within plastics and rubber industries. Materials Science covers a broader range of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers, emphasizing fundamental properties and applications. While both fields share similar credentials and work environments, Polymer Engineering is more specialized in polymer products, making it the more relevant comparison for those interested in polymer-specific careers.

What does a polymer engineer do?

A polymer engineer designs, develops, and tests polymer materials and products, focusing on improving their properties and performance. They work with raw materials, use computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and often collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize production processes and ensure quality standards.

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. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as FTIR, DSC, and rheometers), CAD software, and industry standards is often required, along with certifications like Six Sigma being advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative polymer products, ensuring quality, and driving process improvements in manufacturing or research environments.

Are polymer engineers in demand?

Polymer engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for advanced materials in industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and packaging. They often require knowledge of polymer chemistry, materials testing, and manufacturing processes, with employment prospects generally stable and growing as new polymer applications emerge.
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineering job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, and 94% Full Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,859 per year, or $37.4 per hour.
Chemical and Process Engineer in Rubber Manufacturing

Chemical and Process Engineer in Rubber Manufacturing

Jackson Flexible Products

Jackson, MI

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a Chemical and Process Engineer to support the development, optimization, and production of rubber compounds and products. This role focuses on improving manufacturing efficiency, ensuring product quality, and maintaining safe, compliant operations within a rubber processing environment.
Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize rubber compounding and processing methods (mixing, extrusion, molding, curing) 
  • Develop production processes and troubleshoot issues related to material performance and equipment 
  • Analyze process data to improve product consistency, yield, and cost efficiency 
  • Work with R&D to scale up new rubber formulations from lab to production 
  • Maintain and update process documentation, including formulations and specifications 
  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry regulations 
  • Collaborate with quality teams to investigate defects and implement corrective actions 
  • Evaluate raw materials and support material selection for specific applications 
  • Assist with equipment commissioning, trials, and process validation 
  • Support continuous improvement of plant operations and production workflows 
Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related field 
  • 2–5+ years of experience in rubber, polymers, or elastomer manufacturing preferred.   We encourage recent college graduates to apply.
  • Knowledge of rubber compounding ingredients (polymers, fillers, curatives, additives) 
  • Understanding of processing techniques such as mixing (Banbury/internal mixers), extrusion, and vulcanization 
  • Familiarity with material testing methods (tensile strength, hardness, rheology, etc.) 
  • Experience with process analysis and data interpretation 
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills 
Preferred Skills

  • Experience with synthetic and natural rubber formulations 
  • Familiarity with processing equipment and plant operations in rubber manufacturing 
  • Knowledge of industry standards and specifications (ASTM, ISO, etc.) 
  • Experience working with customers or product development teams 
Work Environment

  • Combination of office and manufacturing plant environment 
  • Exposure to heat, noise, and industrial equipment 
  • Must follow all plant safety and PPE requirements 
Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary based on experience 
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
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