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Polymer Science Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENTEK INTERNATIONAL LLC

Polymer Scientist

Lebanon, OR

$115K - $130K/yr

Strong background in porous materials and polymer science Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities * Lead and drive engineers & production team through high-level projects and ...

ENTEK

Polymer Scientist

Lebanon, OR · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Strong background in porous materials and polymer science Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities * Lead and drive engineers & production team through high-level projects and ...

Purosil LLC

Polymer Materials Scientist

Corona, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate will have R&D level proficiency in polymer chemistry (ideally silicone and/or organic rubbers), material science, and applied materials science/mechanical engineering. You Should ...

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Polymer Science Engineer information

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$50.5K

$89.3K

$155K

How much do polymer science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer science engineer in the United States is $89,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or software engineering with senior or executive roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, and compensation may include bonuses and stock options.

What are the career opportunities in polymer science?

Polymer Science Engineers can pursue careers in research and development, manufacturing, quality control, and product design within industries such as plastics, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods. They often work in laboratories or production facilities, utilizing skills in chemistry, materials science, and process engineering, and may require knowledge of testing methods and regulatory standards.

What are common challenges faced by Polymer Science Engineers when transitioning from research to large-scale manufacturing?

Polymer Science Engineers often encounter challenges when scaling up from laboratory research to full-scale manufacturing, including maintaining polymer quality, consistency, and performance at higher production volumes. Controlling variables such as temperature, pressure, and raw material purity becomes more complex, and unforeseen issues like equipment limitations or batch variability can arise. Collaboration with process engineers, quality control teams, and production managers is essential to troubleshoot problems and optimize processes for commercial success.

Are polymer engineers in demand?

Polymer science engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for advanced materials in industries such as healthcare, automotive, and packaging. They often require knowledge of polymer synthesis, characterization, and processing, with employment opportunities available in research, manufacturing, and development sectors.

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

To thrive as a Polymer Science Engineer, you need a solid background in chemistry, materials science, and polymer processing, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as FTIR, DSC, SEM, and experience using lab information management systems or simulation software is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on interdisciplinary teams and present findings clearly. These competencies are essential to develop innovative polymer materials, ensure product quality, and drive advancements in diverse industries.

What are Polymer Science Engineers?

Polymer Science Engineers are professionals who specialize in the study, design, and development of polymers—large molecules made up of repeating subunits, commonly known as plastics and rubbers. They work on creating new materials or improving existing ones for use in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, healthcare, and packaging. Their work involves understanding the chemical and physical properties of polymers, processing techniques, and how these materials behave in different environments. They also collaborate with other engineers and scientists to develop innovative products and solutions using polymer materials.

What is the difference between Polymer Science Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectPolymer Science EngineerMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or Materials ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsResearch labs, industrial settings, academia
Industry UsagePlastic, rubber, polymer manufacturing companiesBroad industries including metals, ceramics, polymers

Polymer Science Engineers focus specifically on the development and processing of polymers and plastics, often working in manufacturing and R&D for plastics industries. Materials Scientists have a broader scope, working with various materials like metals, ceramics, and polymers across multiple industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Polymer Science Engineers specialize in polymers, whereas Materials Scientists have a wider material expertise.

What does a polymer engineer do?

A polymer science engineer designs, develops, and tests polymer materials and products, such as plastics, rubbers, and composites. They analyze material properties, optimize manufacturing processes, and ensure product quality, often using tools like spectroscopy and microscopy. The role typically requires knowledge of chemistry, materials science, and engineering principles, along with relevant certifications or degrees.
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Polymer Science Engineer jobs near you
Process Engineer, Polymer Science

Process Engineer, Polymer Science

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Matthews, NC

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 399 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
 

Description: Process Engineer – Polymer Science

Position Summary

The Process Engineer specializing in Polymer Science is responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling polymer manufacturing processes. This role focuses on improving production efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The engineer collaborates closely with R&D, production, quality, and supply chain teams to support the lifecycle of polymer products from development through full-scale manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Process Design & Optimization

  • Develop, design, and optimize polymer processing methods (e.g., extrusion, draw, compounding, polymerization).
  • Analyze existing processes to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements in yield, quality, and throughput.
  • Scale up new products and pilot processes to full commercial production.

Manufacturing Support

  • Provide technical support to production teams for troubleshooting process issues and product defects.
  • Monitor Critical to Quality (CTQ) process parameters to ensure consistent product quality.
  • Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.

Polymer Material Expertise

  • Evaluate polymer properties such as rheology, thermal behavior, and molecular weight distribution.
  • Recommend material formulations and processing conditions based on application requirements.
  • Work with additives, fillers, resins, and blends to enhance product performance.

Continuous Improvement

  • Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
  • Implement cost-reduction strategies while maintaining product specifications.
  • Utilize data analytics and statistical tools to drive decision-making.

Quality & Compliance

  • Ensure manufacturing processes comply with industry standards (ISO, ASTM, FDA, etc. where applicable).
  • Support quality assurance teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Maintain safety and environmental compliance (OSHA, EPA guidelines).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with R&D for new product introduction (NPI) and technology transfer.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams on equipment upgrades and reliability.
  • Interface with suppliers and customers on technical matters when needed.

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field (Master’s preferred)

Experience

  • 5 years of experience in polymer processing or chemical manufacturing.
  • Hands-on experience with equipment such as extruders, reactors, mixers, and drawing.

Technical Skills

  • Strong understanding of polymer chemistry and processing techniques.
  • Knowledge of rheology, thermodynamics, and material characterization methods (DSC, TGA, GPC, etc.).
  • Familiarity with process simulation tools and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
  • Experience with ERP and MES systems is a plus (especially relevant in manufacturing environments).

Soft Skills

  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Project management skills with ability to handle multiple priorities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Process yield and efficiency improvements
  • Reduction in scrap/rework rates
  • Production downtime reduction
  • Cost savings initiatives
  • Successful scale-up and product launches

Work Environment

  • Combination of office, laboratory, and manufacturing plant settings.
  • May require exposure to chemicals, high temperatures, and industrial equipment (PPE required).
  • Occasional travel to suppliers, customers, or other manufacturing sites.

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