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Polymer Engineering Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

CRH

Production Labor

Parker Ford, PA

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers, retailers, and homeowners alike as the manufacturer of precast concrete, polymer concrete, and plastic ...

CRH

Production Labor

Parker Ford, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers, retailers, and homeowners alike as the manufacturer of precast concrete, polymer concrete, and plastic ...

Wacker Chemie AG

Sales Manager

Allentown, PA · On-site

The Sales Managers will support Wacker Polymer sales within the specified region (or customer ... Individual should have commercial experience in an educational environment or chemical engineering ...

All JobsPolymer Engineering JobsPolymer Engineering Jobs in Reading, PA

Polymer Engineering information

See Reading, PA salary details

$48.5K

$85.8K

$148.9K

How much do polymer engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineering in Reading, PA is $85,787.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $110,400.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Engineering jobs in Reading, PA? For Polymer Engineering jobs in Reading, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Engineering jobs in Reading, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Engineering jobs in Reading, PA are:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Polymer Engineering jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Polymer Engineering job openings:
Polymer Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineering job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,787 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Epoxy Coatings Application Chemist-Allentown,Pennsylvania

Evonik Corporation

Bally, PA

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Evonik rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

What we offer
Explore a world of opportunities with us. Look ahead with us and help shape innovative solutions to make our world more sustainable and life healthier, more vibrant and more comfortable. At Evonik, you have the chance to explore, thrive, and grow alongside 33,000 colleagues. Among attractive career paths and high-quality development programs, we not only offer performance-based remuneration and occupational health benefits but also hybrid and flexible working environments with #SmartWork. Bring your fresh perspective, develop your strengths, break out your mold, and find a career that fits your dreams with us.
Click on the link below to learn what our employees have to say about Evonik:
https ://careers.evonik.com/en/about/meet-the-team/
The Epoxy Coatings Application Chemist leads application development and technical service for epoxy coating solutions within Evonik's Epoxy Curing Agents business. The work supports demanding industrial applications, including protective, marine, transportation, railcar, aerospace, and heavy machinery coatings.
This position works hands-on in the lab, partners directly with customers, and helps guide product development projects through formulation, testing, scale-up, and commercialization.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead product development and technical service work for epoxy coatings applications, with a focus on epoxy curing agents and related formulation work.
  • Plan and execute lab work, including formulation, application testing, data analysis, and performance evaluation.
  • Work with Sales, Marketing, technical teams, and global coatings colleagues to move projects from concept through commercialization.
  • Partner with customer technical teams to understand coating performance needs and solve application challenges.
  • Support customer visits by providing technical data, product presentations, application guidance, and troubleshooting support.
  • Support scale-up activity by working with process development, pilot plant, analytical, and other technical teams.
  • Track competitor activity, market trends, and technical developments in the coatings space.
  • Provide technical direction to lab technician support while promoting strong lab safety, product stewardship, and responsible product development practices.

REQUIREMENTS
  • MS or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
  • Preferably 10 years of experience in epoxy coatings application technology, with experience in project leadership, product development, product testing, formulation support, and customer technical service.
  • Hands-on experience with epoxy coatings, epoxy curing agents, epoxy hardeners, polyamides, amidoamines, or related technologies and a proven track record of championing new ideas and technologies in this space.
  • Strong preference for candidates with experience in heavy-duty coating applications, such as industrial protective coatings, marine coatings, transportation coatings, aerospace coatings, railcar coatings, or heavy machinery coatings.
  • Experience running or interpreting coating performance testing such as adhesion, chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, salt spray, humidity, hardness, flexibility, pot life, gel time, or cure speed.
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to present technical data clearly to customers, internal teams, and leadership.
  • Ability to manage multiple technical projects while using sound technical judgment, business acumen, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Experience with patents, trade secrets, technical publications, competitive analysis, or new product commercialization is a plus.

What Will Help You Succeed:
The strongest candidates will have experience developing or supporting epoxy coating systems, working directly with customers on technical challenges, and helping move products from the lab into real-world application.
This role requires someone who is curious, motivated, collaborative, practical, and comfortable working across technical and commercial teams. Strong candidates will be able to connect coating performance, customer needs, market fit, and business value.
Additional details
  • Location: Allentown, PA
  • Work Arrangement: Regular onsite presence needed
  • Schedule: Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional flexibility for global calls
  • Travel: Up to 30%

The Evonik Group adopts an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) approach. Candidates are assessed based on their educational qualifications, experience, job competencies and potential and shall not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, nationality, disability or sexual orientation or other classifications protected by local, state, or provincial regulations.
Your Application
To ensure that your application is proceeded as quickly as possible and to protect the environment, please apply online via our careers portal . Further information about Evonik as Employer can be found at www.evonik.com/en/careers.html .
Please address your application to the Talent Acquisition Manager, stating your earliest possible starting date and your salary expectations.
Your Talent Acquisition Manager:
Wenda Cenexant [C]
Company is
Evonik Corporation

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