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Polymer Research Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Are you deep in polymer chemistry? Do you like formulation? As the Head of R&D and a Leadership Team member, we need your energy, creativity, and wisdom. Generate successful pathways to team growth ...

... research. The ideal candidate is currently pursuing a degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field and is eager to apply their academic ...

... research. The ideal candidate is currently pursuing a degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field and is eager to apply their academic ...

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Showing results 1-20

Polymer Research information

See Colorado salary details

$34.7K

$73.3K

$193K

How much do polymer research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer research in Colorado is $73,269.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $68,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the polymer research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Polymer Research, a strong background in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering with at least a bachelor's or advanced degree is essential. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and rheometers, along with proficiency in relevant software for material analysis, is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help researchers excel in both independent projects and team environments. These competencies are vital for accurately conducting experiments, interpreting results, and contributing innovative solutions in the development of new polymer materials.

What is a polymer research?

A Polymer Research job involves studying the structure, properties, and applications of polymers to develop new materials or improve existing ones. Researchers in this field work in laboratories, testing and analyzing polymer behaviors under different conditions. They may focus on areas such as biopolymers, nanomaterials, or sustainable plastics for various industries, including healthcare, automotive, and packaging. The role often requires collaboration with engineers, chemists, and manufacturers to implement research findings into real-world applications.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a polymer research role?

In a Polymer Research position, your daily tasks often involve designing and conducting experiments to develop or modify polymer materials, analyzing data using specialized laboratory equipment, and documenting your findings in detailed reports. You may also collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as product development, quality assurance, and manufacturing, to help translate research outcomes into commercial applications. Literature review and staying current with scientific advancements are also integral parts of the role. By blending hands-on lab work with data analysis and teamwork, polymer researchers play a critical role in driving innovation within the materials science industry.

Infographic showing various Polymer Research job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,269 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Senior Polymer Chemist - Thermoset Resin Development

Approach Venture LLC

Broomfield, CO โ€ข On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Senior Polymer Chemist - Thermoset Resin Development
Broomfield, Colorado | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join an early-stage advanced manufacturing company developing next-generation production technologies for aerospace, defense, and other high-performance industries. The team is building automated manufacturing systems that combine additive manufacturing, process controls, and materials science to produce complex composite structures at scale. As the first dedicated materials hire, you will take ownership of polymer and thermoset resin development from formulation through production. This is a highly hands-on role focused on translating material chemistry into reliable manufacturing processes. You will work closely with engineering leadership to develop resin systems, optimize material performance, and establish the foundation for future materials development across the organization.
About Us
We are a venture-backed pre-seed startup focused on advancing the manufacturing of high-performance composite components. Our team is developing scalable production technologies that address critical supply chain challenges while enabling new capabilities in aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. The company combines expertise in materials science, automation, hardware development, and manufacturing to bring advanced materials from the laboratory into production environments.
Job Duties
  • Lead the development and optimization of thermoset resin formulations for advanced manufacturing applications
  • Design and refine polymer chemistries to achieve targeted processing, curing, thermal, and mechanical performance requirements
  • Develop and improve material mixing, handling, and processing procedures to ensure repeatability and consistency
  • Characterize material behavior using rheological, thermal, and mechanical testing methods
  • Evaluate cure kinetics, viscosity profiles, filler interactions, and overall resin performance
  • Scale formulations from laboratory development through pilot and production-level manufacturing
  • Partner with mechanical, manufacturing, software, and process engineers to optimize material-process integration
  • Establish quality control procedures, material specifications, and validation methodologies
  • Identify, evaluate, and qualify raw material suppliers and new material systems
  • Maintain detailed technical documentation, experimental records, and process data
  • Support intellectual property development and long-term materials strategy
  • Investigate and solve manufacturing, processing, and performance-related material challenges

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
  • 4+ years of experience developing thermoset resin systems, polymer formulations, or composite materials
  • Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, curing mechanisms, and formulation development
  • Experience working with filled resin systems, additives, reinforcement materials, and viscosity modification techniques
  • Hands-on experience with material mixing, processing, degassing, and rheological control
  • Familiarity with analytical and characterization methods such as DSC, TGA, DMA, tensile testing, and microscopy
  • Experience transitioning materials from research environments into manufacturing or production settings
  • Ability to independently design experiments and analyze technical data
  • Strong communication skills and comfort working within multidisciplinary engineering teams

Preferred Experience
  • PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline
  • Experience developing epoxy, phenolic, cyanate ester, or other high-performance thermoset systems
  • Background in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
  • Experience with composite manufacturing processes and reinforced material systems
  • Familiarity with additive manufacturing, paste extrusion, or advanced manufacturing technologies
  • Knowledge of high-temperature materials, thermal protection systems, or ablative materials
  • Experience supporting new product introduction or manufacturing scale-up efforts
  • Prior experience as an early technical hire within a startup environment

Why Join Us
  • Establish the company's materials development function
  • Work directly with founders and engineering leadership on core technology development
  • Own critical decisions around resin chemistry, formulation strategy, and manufacturing scale-up
  • Help solve important manufacturing and supply chain challenges in aerospace and defense
  • Receive meaningful equity ownership in an early-stage venture
  • Collaborate with a highly technical, hands-on team building breakthrough manufacturing capabilities
  • Gain broad exposure across materials development, hardware systems, manufacturing, and product strategy

Compensation Details
$120,000 - $170,000