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Polymer Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Research Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$74K - $124K/yr

Bachelors degree in chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, or related field 0-2 years of hands-on laboratory ...

Research Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$74K - $124K/yr

Bachelors degree in chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, or related field 0-2 years of hands-on laboratory ...

Senior Scientist R&D

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$96K - $122K/yr

Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative environment with diverse scientific and engineering teams. This role requires deep expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization to ...

Senior Tooling Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$48.08 - $62.50/hr

... engineering within a manufacturing environment, with deep expertise in injection molding of encapsulated automotive glass. * Advanced knowledge of injection mold design, polymer behavior, and ...

Process Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

Description Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line ... We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer ...

Process Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy ... We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer ...

Program Manager, Engineering

Portage, MI · On-site

$121K/yr

Chief Engineer SUMMARY The Program Manager is responsible for managerial and technical work involving the development and design of one or more components involved in a product. Manages program ...

Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy ... We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer ...

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Polymer Engineering information

See Michigan salary details

$44K

$77.9K

$135.1K

How much do polymer engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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 can polymer engineers do?

Polymer engineers design, develop, and test polymer materials and products used in various industries such as automotive, healthcare, and packaging. They work on improving material properties, processing techniques, and manufacturing methods, often utilizing tools like CAD software and laboratory testing. Their role involves research, problem-solving, and ensuring product quality and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polymer engineer?

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.
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineering job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,859 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Research Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$74K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description


We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
In this position...
This role is focused on development and scaling of new polymer technologies for battery cell manufacturing, including next generation electrode processing, to deliver enhanced features and performance while improving cost and quality for our electric vehicles. This role will utilize lab skills as well as materials background to develop new solutions for next generation vehicles.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
Develop and optimize new polymer materials and manufacturing methods for dry processing of battery electrodes.
Investigate and elucidate material - process - structure - property - performance relationships to optimize both manufacturability and electrochemical performance attributes.
Explore emerging technologies for battery cell polymer needs to enable improved or unique functions and features.
Interface with Ford Ion Park, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Materials Engineering, to establish targets and optimize technologies.
Collaborate with internal research teams to align on strategic roadmap.
Qualifications
You'll have...
Bachelors degree in chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, or related field
0-2 years of hands-on laboratory experience
Knowledge and experience in battery electrochemistry
Knowledge and experience in polymeric materials, polymer processing, characterization, and testing including
Even better, you may have...
Masters or Pursuit of masters in chemical engineering, material science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, or related field
Automotive industry experience, including cross-functional work experience in plastics and polymer processing
Battery electrode manufacturing experience
Good communication and presentation skills
Good analytical and critical thinking skills
Passion to keep technologies moving
Bias for action
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $74,300-$124,500.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
#LI-RR1

Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982