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Polymer Research Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

KraussMaffei

Engineering Co-op

Florence, KY · On-site

... Chemical Engineer Co-Op Duties: * Assist process engineers with customer and R&D trials * Apply ... Gain knowledge of polymer compounding, sheet extrusion, and pipe extrusion * Specify new equipment ...

RKW - North America

Process Engineer

Franklin, KY · On-site

Collaborate closely with Research & Development, Production, Quality, and other cross-functional ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Polymer, Materials, Industrial, Process Engineering, or ...

Axillon Aerospace, Inc.

Manufacturing Engineer 2

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$72K - $92K/yr

Evaluates manufacturing processes by designing and conducting research programs; applying knowledge ... Strong understanding of polymer matrix behaviors, mechanical properties, and industry safety ...

Evonik

Summer Internship

Calvert City, KY

$21 - $27/hr

Process Engineering Intern: Contributed to the startup activities of a new chemical process ... Research & Development Intern: Engaged in the development of Evonik's Eudragit aqueous dispersion ...

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Machinist A

Lexington, KY

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

MIT Lincoln Laboratory The Fabrication Engineering Group provides rapid fabrication, assembly ... This role supports an R&D environment focused on high-precision, low-volume prototype development ...

GE Appliances

Applications Chemist

Louisville, KY · On-site

... R&D team and help develop next-generation cleaning solutions and materials technologies for ... PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Colloid Science, or a ...

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Machinist A

Lexington, KY

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

MIT Lincoln Laboratory The Fabrication Engineering Group provides rapid fabrication, assembly ... This role supports an R&D environment focused on high-precision, low-volume prototype development ...

GE Appliances

Applications Chemist

Louisville, KY

... R&D team and help develop next-generation cleaning solutions and materials technologies for ... Collaborate with engineering teams to understand how detergents and additives interact with ...

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Polymer Research Engineer information

What does a polymer research engineer do?

A Polymer Research Engineer specializes in the study, development, and testing of new and existing polymer materials. They work to improve the properties of plastics, rubbers, and other polymers for various applications, such as packaging, automotive parts, or medical devices. Their responsibilities often include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with other scientists and engineers to innovate or enhance polymer products. Additionally, they may be involved in scaling up laboratory findings to industrial production processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polymer research engineer?

To thrive as a Polymer Research Engineer, you need a solid background in polymer science, materials engineering, and analytical chemistry, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, polymer characterization techniques (such as DSC, FTIR, and GPC), and experience with software for data analysis are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you effectively design experiments and present findings. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative polymer materials and driving advancements in materials science.

What are the most common challenges a polymer research engineer faces when developing new polymer materials?

Polymer Research Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing material performance with cost-effectiveness, ensuring scalability from laboratory to industrial production, and meeting strict regulatory and safety standards. Additionally, they must stay updated with advances in polymer chemistry and processing technologies while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams like manufacturing, quality assurance, and product development. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication to drive innovation and achieve project goals.

What is the difference between Polymer Research Engineer vs Polymer Development Scientist?

AspectPolymer Research EngineerPolymer Development Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, industrial settingsLaboratories, R&D departments, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, chemical companies, research institutionsManufacturers, chemical companies, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Polymer Research Engineer and a Polymer Development Scientist lies in their focus. Research engineers typically concentrate on developing new polymer materials and innovative processes, while development scientists focus on refining existing materials and scaling up production. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often overlapping in industry usage and job functions.

What are popular job titles related to Polymer Research Engineer jobs in Kentucky?

For Polymer Research Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Polymer Research Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Polymer Research Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Polymer Research Engineer jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Polymer Research Engineer job openings:

Polymer Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Research Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Materials Engineer

Lexington, KY

Midland-Marvel Recruiters
See more jobs at Midland-Marvel Recruitersexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a self-driven, initiative-taking, hands-on, recycled polymer expert with a background in polypropylene and polyethylene. The purchased recycled material is used in blending to specific properties. The blended material is used to injection mold large products. The candidate must have a thorough understanding of the relationship between the incoming properties of the recycled polymers and the properties of the blended polymers related to the finished part properties.



Responsibilities



  • Support the evaluation of purchased recycled materials
  • Recommend recycled materials to purchase based upon properties and costs
  • Support the daily blending of recycled and virgin materials for the Materials Processing Department
  • Support the daily decision-making of the blended materials and recommend where they should be used
  • Support the optimal blend of wide virgin resin usage with prime materials in the products
  • Maximize the material cost savings while ensuring the final product material specifications are being met
  • Partner with Materials Processing to interpret the test results and recommend the best course of action
  • Work with the Materials group to establish process controls for materials and processing
  • Correlation of polymer blend/formulation with observed properties
  • Identify equipment needs for effective controls
  • Work with in-house ISO/IEC 17025 accredited polymer lab
  • Control and recommend enhancements to the Blendsheet software application
  • Provide technical recycled expertise
  • Available during evenings / weekends for issues that would hold up production.


Qualifications



  • At least 10 years’ experience in recycled PP and PE
  • Prefer degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field
  • Laboratory research experience with ASTM specimen molding and testing using FTIR, DSC, TGA, plastometer, tensile, flexural, and notched Izod is required


Required Skills



  • A strong team player with a positive and professional attitude, and a strong bias for solving problems
  • In-depth knowledge of the latest technologies on recycled material testing and processing
  • Demonstrated work experience in plastic injection molding
  • Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Good verbal and written communication skills, as well as presentation skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Effective written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and influence peers
  • Must be willing to work in the Lexington, KY area
  • Experience in Polyethylene, Polypropylene, HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, polyolefins or thermoplastics would be a plus.





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