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Polymer Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trinseo

Research Scientist (Polymers)

Exton, PA · On-site

Strong experience and working knowledge in polymer/materials chemistry, characterization, structure-property relationships, polymer physics, and melt processing. * Proven technical leadership and ...

Trinseo LLC

Research Scientist (Polymers)

Exton, PA · Hybrid

Strong experience and working knowledge in polymer/materials chemistry, characterization, structure-property relationships, polymer physics, and melt processing. * Proven technical leadership and ...

E Ink

Intern - Polymer Characterization

Fremont, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Currently pursuing a Master's/PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field. * Hands-on ...

E Ink

Intern - Polymer Characterization

Fremont, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Currently pursuing a Master's/PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field. * Hands-on ...

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How much do polymer physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for polymer physics in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Polymer Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, chemistry, and materials science, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field. Familiarity with analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, rheology, microscopy), laboratory equipment, and data analysis software is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are vital for conducting groundbreaking research, accurately interpreting experimental results, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

What is polymer physics?

Polymer physics is the branch of physics that studies polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating subunits called monomers. This field focuses on understanding the physical properties, structures, and behaviors of polymers at the molecular and macroscopic levels. Topics in polymer physics include the study of polymer chains, their dynamics, crystallinity, phase transitions, and mechanical properties. Professionals in this field apply principles from physics and chemistry to develop new materials and improve existing polymer products.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in polymer physics, and how can these be addressed?

Professionals in polymer physics often encounter challenges such as characterizing complex molecular structures, interpreting experimental data, and staying current with rapidly evolving analytical techniques. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—such as chemists, materials scientists, and engineers—can help address these issues by pooling expertise and resources. Additionally, ongoing professional development and training in new technologies, along with participation in conferences and industry seminars, are crucial for overcoming technical hurdles and advancing in this field.

What is the difference between Polymer Physics vs Materials Scientist?

AspectPolymer PhysicsMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsDegree in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science; often advanced degreesDegree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics; often advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, industrial R&D focused on polymersResearch labs, manufacturing, academia, industry across various materials
Industry UsageSpecialized in understanding polymer behavior and propertiesBroader focus on all materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers
Common Search/ComparisonPolymer Physics vs Materials Scientist

Polymer Physics focuses specifically on the physical properties and behaviors of polymers, often requiring a physics or chemistry background. Materials Scientists have a broader scope, working with various materials including metals, ceramics, and polymers, applying their knowledge to develop new materials and improve existing ones. Both roles are vital in research and industry, but Polymer Physics is more specialized in polymer behavior and properties.

More about Polymer Physics jobs
What job categories do people searching Polymer Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Physics jobs are:
Polymer Physics jobs near you

Senior Materials Engineer, Polymer Additive Manufacturing

Elastium

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Elastium is transforming the legacy footwear industry toward rapid, fully automated, and localized production. Our manufacturing platform combines proprietary hardware, software, and materials science to make shoe production as effortless as pushing a button. We're building the most frictionless way of turning bits into useful atoms, sending ripples of singularity across the industry, and bringing tens of billions of GDP back to America.
Our bet is simple: the future of manufacturing belongs to companies that can program matter as fast as software. We are looking for a Senior Materials Engineer to own the actual atoms to be programmed. This is a hands-on frontier engineering role spanning polymer chemistry, compounding, characterization, process development, and production validation. Specifically, you will:

  • Lead the full cycle development of new foam compounds across TPU, PEBA, and adjacent systems.
  • Design formulations, run material production trials, test materials in our production cells, build process windows for foaming, deposition, and bonding inside the production cells.
  • Develop advanced additive manufacturing processes for low-density thermoplastic elastomer foams.
  • Own material characterization workflows, including rheology, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), density, morphology, degradation and stability, and mechanical testing (tensile/compression, energy return, hysteresis, and durability metrics)
  • Source and evaluate raw materials, additives, blowing agents, and processing aids.
  • Work hands-on with compounding lines and external/internal production setups to optimize throughput, consistency, and foam quality.
  • Oversee material manufacturing and scale-up, from experimental batches to robust repeatable production.

Requirements

  • BS or MS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or equivalent.
  • A minimum of 3 years of industry experience focusing on the applications of polymers in product development, including proven experience developing new polymer formulations or processes.
  • Deep understanding of physics governing in-process and post-process polymer behavior: thermodynamics, mechanics of extrusion/deposition, polymer rheology, crystallization/viscoelasticity, etc.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply engineering principles to novel applications and to troubleshoot materials-related challenges in design and production settings.
  • Familiarity with mechanical testing, data-driven process development and statistical process control.
  • Experience with polymer additive manufacturing.
  • You're high-agency operator with mission-critical discipline and accountability. You identify and neutralize threats before they escalate.

Why this job matters

At Elastium, you won't be another engineer optimizing inside an existing box-you'll build in the wild, architecting a new industrial era where factories run like software, starting with footwear. Footwear is an enormous challenge because it's a massive, messy, labor-heavy industry that left the U.S. for a reason. Reinventing how footwear is made at scale requires breakthrough materials science that can survive the brutal realities of production, scale across thousands of autonomous robotic cells, and deliver world-class product quality. If you want to solve problems that fundamentally reshape the physical world, this is the mission.

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