ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Polymer Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPolymer Process Engineer JobsPolymer Process Engineer Jobs in California

Polymer Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do polymer process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Polymer Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical engineering or materials science, with experience in polymer processing and manufacturing principles. Familiarity with process simulation software, extrusion/injection molding equipment, and relevant industry standards or certifications (such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing) is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and optimizing production processes. These skills ensure efficient, high-quality polymer product development while maintaining safety, cost-effectiveness, and innovation in manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Polymer Process Engineer vs Chemical Process Engineer?

AspectPolymer Process EngineerChemical Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical Engineering or Polymer ScienceBachelor's in Chemical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentPlastic and polymer manufacturing facilitiesChemical plants, refineries, or manufacturing plants
Industry UsagePlastic, rubber, and polymer industriesChemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy
Common Search/ComparisonPolymer Process Engineer vs Chemical Process Engineer

Polymer Process Engineers focus on developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for plastics and polymers, often working in specialized facilities. Chemical Process Engineers have a broader scope, working across various chemical industries to design and improve chemical production processes. While both roles require chemical engineering knowledge, Polymer Process Engineers specialize in polymer-specific processes and materials.

What are some common challenges faced by Polymer Process Engineers when scaling up a process from the lab to full production?

Polymer Process Engineers often encounter challenges when transitioning a process from laboratory scale to full-scale manufacturing. These can include maintaining product consistency, optimizing process parameters, and managing equipment limitations that may not exist at smaller scales. Troubleshooting issues such as material flow, temperature control, and reaction kinetics is essential to ensure quality and efficiency. Effective collaboration with R&D, quality assurance, and production teams is crucial for addressing these challenges and implementing successful scale-up strategies.

What does a Polymer Process Engineer do?

A Polymer Process Engineer specializes in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes involving polymers and plastics. They work to improve the efficiency, quality, and safety of polymer production, which can include tasks like designing equipment, testing materials, and implementing new technologies. These engineers often collaborate with research, production, and quality assurance teams to ensure that polymer products meet required specifications. Their expertise is crucial in industries such as automotive, packaging, medical devices, and consumer goods.
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Process Engineer jobs in California? For Polymer Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Polymer Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Polymer Process Engineer job openings:
Polymer Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Process Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Polymer Lab Technician

Cambium Biomaterials, Inc.

El Segundo, CA

$24 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Polymer Lab Technician 

Must be a U.S. Persons due to the nature of our work.

Defense, aerospace, and other high-performance applications demand new material solutions stronger, lighter, more resilient, tested, and delivered faster than traditionally available. Cambium is disrupting advanced materials development, from AI-driven molecular design to agile domestic manufacturing. Whether enabling hypersonic flight or protecting critical systems, our solutions push the limits of what's possible. Cambium solves mission-critical problems in defense and industry. Our team of world-class scientists and engineers was purpose built to take on those challenges. Come join us and revolutionize advanced materials for defense, aerospace, and beyond.

We are seeking a Polymer Lab Technician to join our expanding team in El Segundo, CA. The ideal candidate is a hands-on laboratory professional who will collaborate with chemists, scientists, and engineers to advance polymer research, formulation, testing, and scale-up projects. This position demands meticulous attention to detail, adherence to written procedures, and prior experience working with polymer or chemical materials in a laboratory setting. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Follow written and verbal instructions to accurately perform a wide range of polymer and chemical laboratory tasks. 

  • Prepare, weigh, mix, and process polymer formulations, resins, elastomers, or related chemical materials. 

  • Assist with polymer compounding, blending, curing, and material processing activities. 

  • Prepare samples for testing, characterization, and scale-up trials. 

  • Operate laboratory equipment and instruments used for polymer and materials characterization 

  • Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks or electronic systems. 

  • Work closely with senior chemists and engineers to support R&D experiments, troubleshooting, and process optimization. 

  • Maintain laboratory organization, chemical inventory, and equipment readiness. 

  • Follow all laboratory safety protocols and contribute to a strong culture of safety. 

  • Participate in R&D problem-solving activities with an open and collaborative mindset. 

Required Qualifications 

  • High school diploma or certificate with more than 5 years of experience. 

  • Demonstrated hands-on experience in a laboratory environment, including academic, industrial, R&D, or manufacturing settings. 

  • Ability to follow written procedures and accurately document work. 

  • Detail-oriented, organized, and reliable working style. 

  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

  • Due to the nature of the work, U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency is required. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience with polymer characterization techniques, including DSC, TGA, FTIR, rheology, and mechanical testing. 

  • Prior experience handling various polymers is desirable. 

  • Ability to prepare SOPs and work within basic quality systems, such as GMP or ISO-style documentation. 

  • Comfort working with hazardous chemicals and understanding of chemical hygiene best practices. 

  • Prior experience supporting scale-up trials or working in manufacturing and production environments. 

Physical Requirements 

  • Good manual dexterity. 

  • Ability to work at standing and/or sitting workstations. 

  • Ability to safely handle chemicals and laboratory equipment while wearing required PPE. 

  • Ability to lift and move laboratory materials as needed. 

BENEFITS

Cambium offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits plan. This includes excellent medical/dental/vision benefits, and a matching 401(k) plan, professional development reimbursement, and an opportunity for equity for most full time positions.

As a condition of employment, the candidate may need to successfully complete a medical evaluation and obtain clearance to wear respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.

Apply