ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Polymer Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Senior Polymer Chemist

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Hands-on experience operating and maintaining TGA, FTIR, GC-MS, HPLC-MS, and SIFT-MS or CIMS ... Advanced knowledge of polymer degradation mechanisms and desorption processes * Experience ...

Polymer Resources, Ltd.

Be Seen First

Line Operator (Extruder) All 3 Shifts - Rochester, NY

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Polymer Resources is seeking a Line Operator for a position based at our Rochester, NY facility. At Polymer Resources, we compound Engineering Thermoplastic materials that are used in both Injection ...

AA2IT

Engineer II - Polymer S

Lansdale, PA

... polymer fabrication technology (e.g. 3D Printing or Injection Molding) Ability to build and work ... Hands on experience in operating and maintaining 3D printers and industrial machining equipment ...

Vast

Senior Polymer Chemist

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Hands-on experience operating and maintaining TGA, FTIR, GC-MS, HPLC-MS, and SIFT-MS or CIMS ... Advanced knowledge of polymer degradation mechanisms and desorption processes * Experience ...

Concast Inc

Polymer General Laborer

Wanamingo, MN · On-site

$23 - $25/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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsPolymer Operator Jobs

Polymer Operator information

See salary details

$12

$18

$28

How much do polymer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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 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 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.

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.

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

Senior Polymer Chemist

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Vast is looking for a Senior Polymer Chemist, reporting to the Non-Metallic Materials & Processes Lead, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. 

This role supports toxicity and contamination control for Haven-1, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for crew members in orbit. 

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Conduct research on advanced polymer materials-including composites, coatings, and elastomers- with a focus on chemical stability, thermal decomposition, and outgassing/off-gassing behavior under aerospace-relevant conditions
  • Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation, including SIFT-MS, TGA, FTIR, and TGA-FTIR
  • Calibrate, validate, and optimize performance of analytical instruments; ensure high reliability and data integrity
  • Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues; liaise with vendors, technical support, stakeholders as needed
  • Develop, refine, and validate methods for evolved gas analysis (EGA) and real-time volatile detection, including off-gas testing protocols using SIFT-MS
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including materials, thermal, and systems engineers, to integrate findings into broader design and testing efforts
  • Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements related to materials and chemical analysis

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Polymer Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field
  • 3+ years of industrial or research experience in polymer characterization and analytical method development
  • Hands-on experience operating and maintaining TGA, FTIR, GC-MS, HPLC-MS, and SIFT-MS or CIMS instrumentation
  • Strong foundation in thermal analysis and gas-phase chemical detection

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Masters degree or PhD in Polymer Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry preferred 
  • Expertise in SIFT-MS, TGA-FTIR, or TGA-MS data acquisition, method development, and result interpretation
  • Advanced knowledge of polymer degradation mechanisms and desorption processes
  • Experience validating analytical protocols and conducting method development for off-gassing and thermal stability testing
  • Familiarity with NASA-STD-6001B for flammability, off-gassing, and material selection of non-metallic materials
  • Familiarity with MAPTIS for material screening, evaluation, and compliance
  • Strong data analysis skills, including statistical modeling and use of Design of Experiments (DoE)
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Proven ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly, both verbally and in writing
  • Experience in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, ideally in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries
  • Experience with identifying and investigating chemical ionization mechanisms (e.g., proton/electron transfer, adduct formation, dissociative electron transfer, hydride association) relevant to polymer off-gassing and degradation

Additional Requirements:

  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
  • Specific certifications, as appropriate

Apply