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Polymer Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PhD in Polymer Scienceor Engineering,orpolymermaterialfocus inMaterials Scienceor Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldrequired * 3+years of research and development ...

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 ...

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: * BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering or related discipline. * Good understanding of the ...

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 ...

PhD in Polymer Scienceor Engineering,orpolymermaterialfocus inMaterials Scienceor Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldrequired * 3+years of research and development ...

Polymer Scientist

Lebanon, OR · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: * BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering or related discipline. * Good understanding of the ...

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Polymer Engineering information

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$50.5K

$89.3K

$155K

How much do polymer engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer engineering 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 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 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 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.

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.

More about Polymer Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Polymer Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Polymer Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Polymer Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Polymer Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Polymer Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Polymer Pad Development Scientist

Polymer Pad Development Scientist

Entegris

Aurora, IL

$125K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Entegris rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Title:

Polymer Pad Development Scientist

Job Description:

The Role

Entegris is currently seeking aPolymerDevelopment Scientistto join ourMaterials Solutions Division R&Dteam. This position will be basedatourAurora (Greater Chicago Area)facility.

In this role, you willbe responsibleto developinnovative polymer materials and designs for Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) Padtoaggressively capture customer market share in future advanced nodes in the semiconductor industry.You willwork in across-functionalteam to developcutting-edgetechnologiesand solve polymer material and engineering problems.

WhatYou'llDo

  • Lead new product developmentprojectsto deliver CMP pad solutions to customers' satisfactionandidentifyofnew technologyareas for CMP pad innovative pipeline

  • Develop newpolymermaterialsto create novelCMP padswith differentiated properties; Improve the understanding of structure-property-CMP performance relationships with advanced knowledge of scientific principles, experimental design, and advanced characterization

  • Organize and share data accurately,timelyand efficiently with written technical reports and presentations externallyto customers as well asinternally across the organization

  • Identifyissues with experimentalmethodologyand troubleshoot when necessary to achieve more meaningful results

  • Ensure good collaborationwith associates and colleagues withinR&D as well asother functionssuch asbusiness team, customer interfacing team, CMPapplicationteam todelivernew products and solve customer issues.Translate customerasksinto designneedsandexecute; Clearly communicate with customers on projects' progress andchallenges.Occasionally collaborate with suppliers onnew rawmaterial design and scaling up

WhatWeSeek

  • PhD in Polymer Scienceor Engineering,orpolymermaterialfocus inMaterials Scienceor Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldrequired

  • 3+years of research and development experience with successful product development and customer engagement

  • Deep understanding ofpolymer structure-mechanical property relationship;Success in selecting/formulating/synthesizing polymer materials todesiredmechanical properties and tribological behaviors; Experience in thermoset polymersand their foams is highly preferred

  • Hands-on experience in polymer analysis techniques such as rheology instruments, thermal characterizationand chemical analysis, GPC, FTIR, SEM/TEM, AFM, etc.

  • Proventrack recordof safe laboratory practices andmethodology

  • Experience in Design of Experiment principles and statistical data analysis

  • Knowledgein CMP or other semiconductor process technologies is preferred

  • Experience in Stage Gate type of new product development processes

  • Self-motivated and driven to success; Creative problem-solving ability, along with flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, customer focused organization; Capable of contributing as an individual contributor or as a part of highly interdisciplinary teams;Strong communicationskillsdemonstratedfrombothinternaland external,i.e..conferences, reviews withcustomers ormanagement/executives

Why Work at Entegris

Lead. Inspire. Innovate. Define Your Future.

Not everyone who works for a global company shares the same background,experiences and perspectives. Weleveragethe differences of our employees tobringnew ideasto the table. Every employee throughout the company isencouraged to share input on projects and initiatives. Our decision-makingprocess is truly a collaborative effort as we realize there are leaders at everylevel of the organization. We put our values at the core of how weoperateas anorganization - not just whenit'sconvenient, but in a lasting and meaningfulway. We want the time and energy you spend here to have a positive impact onyourlife inside and outside of the office.

WhatWeOffer

Ourtotalrewardspackagegoesaboveandbeyondjustapaycheck.Whetheryou'relooking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.

  • Compensation: $125,000 - $145,000 per year range with actual pay dependent on candidate overall skills for the role
  • Annual bonus eligibility
  • Progressive paid time off policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge
  • Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match with no delayed vesting
  • Excellent health, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs
  • Education assistance to support your learning journey
  • A values-driven culture with colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence

Entegris does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need Entegris immigration sponsorship (e.g., H1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) now or in the future.

At Entegris we are committed toprovidingequal opportunity to all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, and reward employees for their individual abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital or military status.

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