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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 ...

Mentis Systems

Polymer Scientist

NC · On-site

... polymer blends, emulsions, particles, biomedical polyesters, other viscoelastic systems etc.) • ... Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or related scientific discipline. Prior work ...

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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 Aug 9, 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 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.

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

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 is a polymer science engineer?

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.

More about Polymer Science Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Polymer Science Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Science Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Polymer Science Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Polymer Science Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Science Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Science Engineer jobs are:
Polymer Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Science Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Principle Engineer - Polymer Materials

ST Engineering

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

ST Engineering rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Who YOU are and what YOU can become
ST Engineering MRAS is seeking a Principle Engineer - Polymer Materials to serve as a senior technical authority for polymer science, composite materials, and advanced resin systems used across MRAS's development and production programs.
In this role, you will lead the research, synthesis, formulation, characterization, evaluation, and qualification of polymer-based materials-including matrix resins, adhesives, films, coatings, and composite systems-supporting both new technology development and production maturation. You will partner with cross-functional engineering, R&D, quality, production, and supplier teams to ensure our materials meet performance, processing, durability, and regulatory requirements.
This role is ideal for a highly technical, hands-on engineer with a passion for understanding polymers at the molecular level and translating those insights into manufacturable composite technologies for next-generation aerostructures.
Who WE are and where WE are going
At ST Engineering MRAS, our employees have amazing opportunities to work on advanced technologies and systems that support thousands of customers and millions of people worldwide every day. From the first flight across the Pacific Ocean to developing highly complex structures for the most popular aircraft in the world, we have come a long way always with a can-do approach to problem solving while delighting customers with our high say-do ratio. We are looking for people with innovative ideas and the drive to help us grow into the future.
A pioneer in the production and assembly of complex aerostructures including aircraft and rocket components, engine nacelle systems, thrust reversers and advanced composite products, we apply the latest digital technologies and automation in composite design and manufacturing that are second to none. At ST Engineering MRAS, we are also rapidly augmenting our maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities leveraging the company's expanded aircraft nacelle portfolio as well as it's materials and processing expertise.
What YOU will do
Advanced Polymers & Composite Material Development
  • Lead development of new polymer resin systems, adhesives, toughened matrix systems, and composite formulations for advanced structures.
  • Direct synthesis, chemical modification, and formulation of polymer systems to achieve desired structural, processing, and durability characteristics.
  • Develop new or improved composite lay-up, cure, bonding, and consolidation processes linked to material chemistry.
  • Act as the technical focal point for all polymer material selection, performance definition, and risk assessment.

Material Testing, Characterization & Qualification
  • Establish and lead test programs for polymer materials including chemical, thermal, rheological, physical, and mechanical characterization.
  • Analyze material behavior under various environmental, structural, and processing conditions.
  • Develop and maintain material specifications, process specifications, and qualification plans.
  • Ensure compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and industry specifications for composite materials.

Applications to Composite Manufacturing
  • Work with manufacturing and process engineering teams to translate polymer material behavior into robust production processes.
  • Support development of prototype parts, early process trials, and validation builds used to test new material systems.
  • Investigate material-processing interactions (viscosity, cure kinetics, consolidation behavior, tack, drape, etc.) to support manufacturability and scalability.

R&D Leadership & Cross-functional Integration
  • Provide expert technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams working on composite demonstrators, new product development, and advanced technology programs.
  • Collaborate with suppliers, academia, and research institutes on polymer science innovation and material development partnerships.
  • Deliver clear technical direction, documentation, and reporting to customers, leadership, and internal stakeholders. (Leveraging strong presentation and coordination skills from the candidate's background.)

Material Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement
  • Lead root-cause analysis of polymer and composite material deviations, defects, or process issues.
  • Recommend material or process adjustments based on performance deviations and end-use requirements.
  • Develop and sustain continuous improvement initiatives related to material robustness, durability, quality, and long-term performance.

What YOU must bring to Succeed
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry with a specialization in polymer materials, ceramic-polymer nanocomposites, thermosets, and advanced materials systems.
  • More than 8 years of experience in polymer synthesis, advanced composites, thermoset chemistry, nanocomposites, and multifunctional material development for high-performance applications.
  • Expertise in polymer synthesis, functionalization, and structure-property relationships, including benzoxazine, epoxy, polyurethane, polyamide, PVC, elastomeric systems, and ceramic-reinforced composites.
  • Strong hands-on experience with polymer and composite characterization, including FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM, rheometry (ARES G2), mechanical testing, and cure kinetics analysis.
  • Proven record of designing, developing, and optimizing thermosets, polymer-ceramic nanocomposites, and multifunctional composite materials for aerospace and high-performance applications.
  • Experience leading end-to-end R&D, including material synthesis, purification, formulation, scaling, processing, and laboratory-to-pilot transition activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct thermal, mechanical, dielectric, insulation, and aging studies for materials intended for demanding environments.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills-capable of partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and research teams to translate material innovations into deployable components and manufacturable composite systems.
  • Excellent scientific communication skills, with a substantial record of peer-reviewed publications in polymer science, composites, dielectric materials, and advanced nanocomposites.
  • This position involves access to export-controlled technology which requires U.S. Person status or government authorization. A 'U.S. Person,' as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62, includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card holders), and individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the United States. To be considered for this position, you must either be a U.S. Person or fall within a legally recognized export control exception or authorization. If hired, you will be required to provide valid proof of such status.

Desired Characteristics
  • Deep technical strength in polymer chemistry, composite synthesis, nanocomposite engineering, and high-performance thermoset development.
  • Strong background performing structure-property analyses, dielectric behavior evaluations, and environmental/aging studies under multi-stress conditions.
  • Demonstrated leadership in academia and industry through mentoring, supervising research, and guiding milestone-driven materials R&D programs.
  • Hands-on experience with composite processing, resin infusion, extrusion, compression molding, thermal processing, and densification techniques.
  • Creative, analytical, and research-driven mindset with an established track record of delivering innovative polymer material systems from concept through validation.
  • Excellent aptitude for cross-functional problem solving, including resolving complex materials issues using advanced testing and characterization tools.
  • Evidence of scientific leadership and innovation through multi-publication contributions in high-impact journals focused on polymers, composites, and sustainable materials systems.

At ST Engineering MRAS, we offer great rewards, competitive pay, career advancement and growth opportunities.
Estimate salary range for this role: $130,000 to $170,000 per year. ST Engineering MRAS considers several factors with extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, education/training/certification, job level, and work location. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.
ST Engineering - MRAS Benefits:
As a full-time employee of ST Engineering- MRAS, you are eligible for our benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting from start date
  • Health Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Free Onsite Gym with weekly fitness classes
  • Immediate 401k vesting
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time off (Permissive for exempt staff)

Employment Notice: Background and Drug Screening Requirements
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace, successful completion of a background check and drug screening is a mandatory condition for employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results from these screenings.
It takes diverse talent to solve real-world problems. ST Engineering is deeply committed to building a workplace community where inclusion is valued, and everyone feels welcomed. We're proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other legally protected grounds. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It's through our differences that innovative changes are made.
ST Engineering is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact our Talent Strategies team at 571-771-0101, or by email at stena.careers@stengg.us.

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