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Polymer Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Cooper Standard

Director Global Rubber Material

Northville, MI · On-site

$219K - $229K/yr

Master's or PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering strongly preferred. * Typically 12+ years of experience in formulation, materials development, or polymer engineering within a ...

Midland-Marvel Recruiters

Plastics Engineer

Troy, MI

$80K - $130K/yr

Polymer Engineering/Processing * Proficient in English * Hold valid driver's license for business trips * Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook * Customer/Client Focus * Result Driven * Business Acumen

New

LG

Technical Service Engineer - LG Chem

Detroit, MI

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 ...

LG

Technical Service Engineer - LG Chem

Troy, MI · On-site

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 ...

LG

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 ...

LG

Technical Service Engineer - LG Chem

Troy, MI

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 ...

NSF

Engineer I Materials Lab

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemical engineering, or other equivalent degrees. * A minimum of six (6) months experience with working in a mechanical or structural ...

NSF

Engineer I Materials Lab

Ann Arbor, MI

Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemical engineering, or other equivalent degrees. * A minimum of six (6) months experience with working in a mechanical or structural ...

NSF

Engineer I Materials Lab

Ann Arbor, MI

Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemical engineering, or other equivalent degrees. * A minimum of six (6) months experience with working in a mechanical or structural ...

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All JobsPolymer Engineering JobsPolymer Engineering Jobs in Michigan

Polymer Engineering information

See Michigan salary details

$44K

$77.9K

$135.1K

How much do polymer engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 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 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 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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineering jobs in Michigan? For Polymer Engineering jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Engineering jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Engineering jobs in Michigan are:
Polymer Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineering job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,859 per year, or $37.4 per hour.
Director Global Rubber Material

Director Global Rubber Material

Cooper Standard

Northville, MI • On-site

$219K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Cooper Standard rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

519th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:
Position Summary
The Director of Formulation Development is a senior technical and organizational leader responsible for defining, executing, and continuously improving Cooper Standard's global formulation and materials development strategy for Sealing and Rubber Fluid Transfer Systems.
This role provides technical vision, leadership, and governance across product engineering, formulation laboratories, and manufacturing interfaces, ensuring full alignment with Cooper Standard's Purpose, Mission, Values, World Class Engineering (WCE), and Cooper Standard Operating System (CSOS).
Acting as a Product Engineering Champion, the Director leads highly complex and high-risk material development programs, anticipates customer needs, drives innovation, and ensures the successful industrialization of advanced rubber and polymer technologies while meeting customer, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
Primary Responsibilities
Product Engineering Leadership & Governance
  • Serve as Product Engineering Champion for Cooper Standard Vision, Mission, and Values within formulation and materials development.
  • Ensure alignment with Cooper Standard Top Priorities and Global Product Line Leadership (PLL).
  • Act as spokesperson for formulation and materials engineering in corporate and cross-functional initiatives.
  • Ensure adherence to Cooper Standard Operating System (CSOS), Quality Operating System, and World Class Engineering (WCE) principles.

Technology & Formulation Strategy
  • Define and execute the global formulation and materials technology roadmap for Sealing and Rubber Fluid Transfer Systems.
  • Identify, approve, and industrialize new material technologies to support current and future product platforms.
  • Lead development of advanced rubber and polymer formulations, including test methodologies, validation strategies, and material specifications.
  • Utilize Voice of Customer (VOC), market trends, benchmarking, and competitive intelligence to drive technology development.
  • Protect, develop, and defend Cooper Standard intellectual property related to materials and formulation technologies.

Product Development & Execution Excellence
  • Lead highly complex, high-risk, and high-impact formulation development projects from concept through production launch.
  • Ensure all formulation designs meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and Cooper Standard design guidelines.
  • Achieve CLAUS engineering deliverables on time and in full.
  • Apply and promote DFSS, DVP, PPAP, VA/VE, KT, 8D, and other Cooper Standard problem-solving and development tools.
  • Drive design for manufacturability and partner closely with Operations to ensure robust and efficient product launches.

Cross-Functional & Customer Interface
  • Act as the primary technical interface for customers on critical formulation and materials topics.
  • Lead resolution of critical technical issues impacting quality, performance, cost, or delivery.
  • Collaborate globally with Operations, Quality, Purchasing, IT, Launch Management, and Centers of Competence to ensure WCE alignment.
  • Engage with raw material suppliers to review emerging technologies and support long-term innovation partnerships.

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development
  • Foster engagement, development, and performance of the formulation and materials engineering workforce.
  • Manage, coach, and develop technical leaders and subject matter experts.
  • Act as a technical mentor and sponsor best practices, standards, and knowledge sharing.
  • Support and drive Global Engineering Technical Academy (GETA) initiatives.
  • Ensure a respectful, ethical, and inclusive environment aligned with Cooper Standard Code of Conduct.

Operational Excellence, Safety & Continuous Improvement
  • Ensure a safe and environmentally responsible workplace by enforcing Cooper Standard Total Safety Culture and 6S.
  • Drive continuous improvement, scrap reduction, variation reduction, and lean initiatives related to materials and formulations.
  • Manage formulation and materials development budgets and contribute to cost and margin optimization.
  • Support Cooper Standard M&A and Joint Venture initiatives as required.

Education & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline; Master's or PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering strongly preferred.
  • Typically 12+ years of experience in formulation, materials development, or polymer engineering within a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
  • Proven experience leading global, cross-functional technical teams and high-complexity programs.
  • Deep expertise in rubber chemistry, raw materials, material specifications, and manufacturing processes (mixing, extrusion, molding).
  • Strong business acumen, risk management, and decision-making capabilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Willingness and ability to travel globally to customer and manufacturing locations.

Key Competencies
  • Ensures Accountability
  • Communicates Effectively
  • Develops Talent
  • Customer Focus
  • Drives Results
  • Builds Effective Global Teams
  • Decision Quality & Manages Complexity

Work Environment
  • Professional office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
  • Use of appropriate personal protective equipment per facility requirements.
  • Travel to manufacturing facilities, suppliers, and customer locations as required.

Position Type:
Regular
Additional Locations:
Additional Information:
Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers. Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether personal, professional, or via education or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing recruitment@cooperstandard.com with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.
Remote Status:
Hybrid

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About Cooper Standard

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Mich. USA, with locations in 21 countries, is a leading global supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems and components. Utilizing our materials science and manufacturing expertise, we create innovative and sustainable engineered solutions for diverse transportation and industrial markets. Cooper Standard's approximately 23,000 employees are at the heart of our success, continuously improving our business and surrounding communities.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Novi, MI, US

Year founded

1960

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