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Polymer Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Polymer Chemist will lead the development, formulation, and optimization of elastomeric materials used in electrical safety products, including insulating gloves and sleeves. This role ...

Polymer Chemist - Space Solar

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Polymer Chemist - Space Solar The Starlight team is focused on dramatically improving space solar ... You'll drive the formulation, qualification, and integration decisions that determine how well our ...

The Senior Polymer Chemist will lead the development, formulation, and optimization of elastomeric materials used in electrical safety products, including insulating gloves and sleeves. This role ...

The Senior Polymer Chemist will lead the development, formulation, and optimization of elastomeric materials used in electrical safety products, including insulating gloves and sleeves. This role ...

The Senior Polymer Chemist will lead the development, formulation, and optimization of elastomeric materials used in electrical safety products, including insulating gloves and sleeves. This role ...

Candidates getting consideration will have strong fundamentals in interdisciplinary polymer chemistry with particular expertise in synthesis, formulation and characterization of novel polymers; will ...

Candidates getting consideration will have strong fundamentals in interdisciplinary polymer chemistry with particular expertise in synthesis, formulation and characterization of novel polymers; will ...

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Polymer Formulation Chemist information

See salary details

$35K

$87.7K

$148K

How much do polymer formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer formulation chemist in the United States is $87,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a polymer formulation chemist do?

A Polymer Formulation Chemist is responsible for developing and optimizing polymer blends and formulations for various applications, such as coatings, adhesives, plastics, and elastomers. They work in laboratories to test, analyze, and improve the physical and chemical properties of polymer materials. Their role may also involve troubleshooting manufacturing issues, ensuring product quality, and collaborating with engineers and product development teams to meet specific performance requirements.

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

To thrive as a Polymer Formulation Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, materials science, and polymer engineering, typically backed by a bachelor's or advanced degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, polymer characterization techniques (such as GPC, DSC, FTIR), and compliance with industry standards is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are important to ensure the safe development, optimization, and quality control of polymer products that meet specific performance criteria.

What are some typical challenges a polymer formulation chemist might face when developing new materials?

Polymer Formulation Chemists often encounter challenges balancing performance requirements, cost constraints, and regulatory compliance when developing new materials. Ensuring compatibility between different polymers and additives, scaling formulations from the lab to production, and maintaining consistent quality can be complex tasks. Additionally, troubleshooting unexpected behaviors in processing or end-use properties often requires creative problem-solving and close collaboration with manufacturing and quality teams.

What is the difference between Polymer Formulation Chemist vs Polymer Scientist?

AspectPolymer Formulation ChemistPolymer Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsResearch labs, academic institutions, industrial R&D
Industry UsageProduct development, formulation, quality controlFundamental research, polymer properties, innovation

The main difference is that Polymer Formulation Chemists focus on developing and optimizing polymer formulations for specific products, working closely with manufacturing. Polymer Scientists typically conduct fundamental research on polymer properties and structures. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but their primary goals differ: formulation versus fundamental research.

What states have the most Polymer Formulation Chemist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Polymer Formulation Chemist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Polymer Formulation Chemist jobs?

For Polymer Formulation Chemist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Polymer Formulation Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,733 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Senior Skin Care Formulation Chemist - R&D

Denville, NJ โ€ข On-site

Tri-K Industries, Inc.
51 - 200 employees

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and test new skin care, hair care, and personal care formulas for the Innovation Pipeline and TRIssential Library.

  • Improve and update existing TRIssential formulas based on market trends, customer needs, and guidance from sales, marketing, and business management teams.

  • Conduct stability tests on new and existing formulas, perform formula application tests, and generate technical data sheets related to Tri-K ingredients.


Job description

Role Purpose Works in the Innovation R&D Lab developing new formulations to support the Innovation Pipeline, concept formulas for TRIssential Kits and optimizing existing TRIssential Kits based on the guidance from the Technical Marketing, and Business Development.  This role also provides technical support to customer inquiries, with emphasis on how to use Tri-K ingredients and how to troubleshoot formulas containing Tri-K ingredients. 

Position Reports to: Innovation R&D Manager

Positions Reporting to this Position: none

 

Role Objectives

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Design, develop, and test new skin care (and possibly hair care), and personal care formulas for the Innovation Pipeline, and TRIssential Library, supporting the business needs. 
  • Improve and update existing TRIssential library formulas based on the market trend, customer needs, and the guidance from sales, marketing and business management teams. 
  • Conduct stability tests on new formulas and re-run stability on existing formulas as necessary.
  • Generate formula sheets for new formula developments and update existing formula sheets as necessary. 
  • Manage formula safety studies – RIPT, Micro PET, etc.
  • Collaborate with Regulatory team to ensure global compliance of the formulas. 
  • Conduct stability tests on Tri-K ingredients and vendor supplied material for shelf-life verification and recertification.
  • Conduct formula application tests – in vitro SPF, texture evaluation, foam test, spray pattern evaluation, packaging compatibility test, etc.
  • Generate technical data sheets from the application aspect of Tri-K ingredients. 
  • Generate formulas for Tri-K ingredient testing and competitive analysis.
  • Work closely with various departments within the organization, becoming an integral partner in the Sales-Marketing-Technical Triangle.
  • Provide technical/laboratory support to Technical Support, Sales, Marketing, Business Development, and other departments.
  • Work closely with the Protein Division to optimize the formulation compatibility of the Tri-K Protein products. 
  • Prepare samples for samples inventory
  • Analyze and evaluate competitive products
  • Provide formula application technical support to customers 
  • Run existing product revamp projects.
  • Develop prototype formulas for formulary
  • Prepare finished formulations for demonstration and testing purposes
  • Participate in designing and conducting experiments to generate basic information about new and existing raw materials
  • Develop new applications for existing materials and technologies
  • Evaluate new raw materials and technologies in multiple applications
  • Evaluate new / alternate vendors of existing TRI-K products
  • Design and conduct experiments to resolve quality complaints
  • Design, coordinate, and execute efficacy studies for TRI-K products

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Formulation  
    1. Expertise in generating skin care formula forms such as w/o emulsions, o/w emulsions, w/s emulsions, gels, oils, anhydrous formulas, surfactant cleansers, oil cleansers, emulsion cleansers, waxes, balms, hot pour formulas, cold process formulas, clean & green formulas, vegan formulas, OTC formulas, etc.
    2. Expertise in FDA OTC monographed cosmetic formulas. 
    3. Expertise in formulation technical knowledge – HLB, pKa, isoelectric point, lamellar structure, pH effect, ion effect, metal chelation, ionic vs non-ionic emulsifiers, thixotropy, polymer actives, polymer non-actives, preservatives, solubility vs melting behaviour in cosmetic formulations, solubilizers, effect of refractive of index on emulsions, etc.        
  • Formula Evaluation Method Knowledge
    1. in vivo SPF, critical wavelength, water resistance 
    2. Micro content, micro PET, RIPT
  • Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information. 
  • Problem Solving - Gathers and analyses information skilfully. 
  • Oral Communication - Listens and gets clarification; Demonstrates group presentation skills.
  • Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively. 
  • Quality Management - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. 
  • Adaptability - Manages competing demands. 
  • Dependability - Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. 
  • Initiative - Undertakes self-development activities. 
  • Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently. 
  • Safety and Security - Uses equipment and materials properly. 
  • Demonstrates ownership and accountability

 

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related technical discipline; minimum of 3 years of experience and/or training in related/relevant field.


We offer a competitive compensation package including: 

• Medical 

• Dental 

• 401 (K) 

• Vision 

• Paid Time Off 

• Life Insurance 

• In addition to other programs and plans