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Polymer Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Concast Inc

Polymer General Laborer

Wanamingo, MN · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

The Role The Polymer General Laborer plays a key part in Concast's production process, preparing ... Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, and use hands for handling materials and operating ...

STI Polymer

Blend Technician

Sanford, NC

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Operating and monitoring equipment to drain reactor vessels. * Filtering and ensuring the quality of finished goods. * Packaging finished polymer with detailed attention to safety and standards.

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How much do polymer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for polymer operator in the United States is $18.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for a plant operator?

The highest salaries for plant operators, including polymer operators, can reach up to $80,000 to $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities. Factors such as industry, location, certifications, and shift differentials can influence earning potential.

What are Polymer Operators?

Polymer Operators are professionals who oversee and control the machinery and processes involved in the production of polymers, such as plastics and resins. They monitor equipment, adjust settings, and ensure that the manufacturing process runs smoothly and safely. Their duties also include troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, maintaining quality standards, and adhering to safety protocols. Polymer Operators play a crucial role in producing materials used in countless everyday products.

What is the difference between Polymer Operator vs Chemical Plant Operator?

AspectPolymer OperatorChemical Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in polymer processingHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in chemical operations
Work EnvironmentPolymer manufacturing facilities, production linesChemical processing plants, industrial environments
Industry UsagePlastic, rubber, and polymer industriesChemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals

Polymer Operators focus on producing and maintaining polymer products, while Chemical Plant Operators handle a broader range of chemical processes. Both roles require technical skills, safety knowledge, and certifications, but Polymer Operators specialize in polymer-specific equipment and materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Polymer Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Polymer Operator, you need knowledge of polymer processing techniques, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, process control systems, and safety regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help operators excel in monitoring production quality and addressing issues quickly. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality polymer manufacturing operations.

What is a polymer operator?

A polymer operator is a worker responsible for operating and monitoring equipment used in the production of polymers and plastics. They ensure the proper functioning of machinery, follow safety protocols, and may perform quality checks during manufacturing processes. This role often requires knowledge of chemical processes and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often in specialized industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or chemical manufacturing, where operators may earn higher wages due to the complexity and safety requirements. Roles like CNC machine operators, industrial machinery operators, or those with advanced certifications and experience tend to have higher salaries. Factors such as location, industry, and skill level influence compensation significantly.

Are polymer engineers in demand?

Polymer engineers and operators are in demand due to ongoing growth in the plastics and materials industries. They are needed for manufacturing, quality control, and process optimization, often requiring knowledge of machinery, polymers, and safety protocols. Job opportunities are generally stable in manufacturing and research sectors.

What are some common challenges Polymer Operators face when working with large-scale production equipment?

Polymer Operators often encounter challenges related to maintaining consistent product quality and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions on the production line. Working with large-scale machinery requires strong attention to safety protocols and the ability to quickly identify and resolve issues to minimize downtime. Operators must also adapt to changes in production schedules and collaborate closely with quality control and maintenance teams to ensure efficient operations. Staying current with process improvements and technical updates is essential for success in this role.
More about Polymer Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Polymer Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Operator jobs are:
Polymer Operator jobs near you
Process Engineer, Polymer Science

Process Engineer, Polymer Science

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 402 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 520 rated manufacturers

Job description

Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world's toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
Description: Process Engineer - Polymer Science
Position Summary
The Process Engineer specializing in Polymer Science is responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling polymer manufacturing processes. This role focuses on improving production efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The engineer collaborates closely with R&D, production, quality, and supply chain teams to support the lifecycle of polymer products from development through full-scale manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Process Design & Optimization
  • Develop, design, and optimize polymer processing methods (e.g., extrusion, draw, compounding, polymerization).
  • Analyze existing processes to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements in yield, quality, and throughput.
  • Scale up new products and pilot processes to full commercial production.

Manufacturing Support
  • Provide technical support to production teams for troubleshooting process issues and product defects.
  • Monitor Critical to Quality (CTQ) process parameters to ensure consistent product quality.
  • Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.

Polymer Material Expertise
  • Evaluate polymer properties such as rheology, thermal behavior, and molecular weight distribution.
  • Recommend material formulations and processing conditions based on application requirements.
  • Work with additives, fillers, resins, and blends to enhance product performance.

Continuous Improvement
  • Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
  • Implement cost-reduction strategies while maintaining product specifications.
  • Utilize data analytics and statistical tools to drive decision-making.

Quality & Compliance
  • Ensure manufacturing processes comply with industry standards (ISO, ASTM, FDA, etc. where applicable).
  • Support quality assurance teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Maintain safety and environmental compliance (OSHA, EPA guidelines).

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with R&D for new product introduction (NPI) and technology transfer.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams on equipment upgrades and reliability.
  • Interface with suppliers and customers on technical matters when needed.

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field (Master's preferred)

Experience
  • 5 years of experience in polymer processing or chemical manufacturing.
  • Hands-on experience with equipment such as extruders, reactors, mixers, and drawing.

Technical Skills
  • Strong understanding of polymer chemistry and processing techniques.
  • Knowledge of rheology, thermodynamics, and material characterization methods (DSC, TGA, GPC, etc.).
  • Familiarity with process simulation tools and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
  • Experience with ERP and MES systems is a plus (especially relevant in manufacturing environments).

Soft Skills
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Project management skills with ability to handle multiple priorities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Process yield and efficiency improvements
  • Reduction in scrap/rework rates
  • Production downtime reduction
  • Cost savings initiatives
  • Successful scale-up and product launches

Work Environment
  • Combination of office, laboratory, and manufacturing plant settings.
  • May require exposure to chemicals, high temperatures, and industrial equipment (PPE required).
  • Occasional travel to suppliers, customers, or other manufacturing sites.

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