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Polymer Science Government Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Materials Engineer/scientist

Broomfield, CO

$100K - $180K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a ... The company is a venture-backed startup with active government programs and a strong commercial ...

3M

Intellectual Property Liaison*

Maplewood, MN

... material/polymer science, etc.). At 3M, you have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and ... Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on ...

3M

Intellectual Property Liaison*

Maplewood, MN · On-site

... material/polymer science, etc.). At 3M, you have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and ... Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on ...

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Polymer Science Government information

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$58.5K

$87.8K

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How much do polymer science government jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer science government in the United States is $87,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Polymer Science Government position, and why are they important?

To succeed in a government role in polymer science, you typically need an advanced degree in polymer science, chemistry, materials science, or a related field along with strong research and analytical skills. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data analysis software, and adherence to government regulations such as ASTM or ISO standards is essential. Strong written and verbal communication, project management, and collaboration skills help facilitate work across multidisciplinary teams and governmental agencies. These skills ensure scientific accuracy, effective compliance, and impactful contributions to public sector research and policy projects.

Is polymer science a good career?

Polymer science is a viable career that involves research, development, and application of polymers in industries such as healthcare, packaging, and automotive. It typically requires strong chemistry and materials science skills, with opportunities for advancement in research, manufacturing, and quality control roles.

What is a Polymer Science Government job?

A Polymer Science Government job involves research, development, and regulation of polymer materials within governmental agencies. Professionals in this field work on projects related to materials science, environmental impact, public safety, and industrial applications. They may conduct laboratory research, develop policies, or oversee compliance with regulations. These roles exist in agencies such as the Department of Energy, EPA, or national laboratories. The work often supports national interests in sustainability, defense, and advanced manufacturing.

What types of projects and collaborations can I expect in a government polymer science position?

As a polymer scientist in a government setting, you will often work on projects involving the development, testing, or regulation of polymer materials for public use or national priorities, such as sustainable packaging or defense applications. Collaboration with other scientists, engineers, environmental agencies, and sometimes private sector partners is common, often requiring input across chemistry, engineering, and policy domains. You may also contribute to drafting reports, establishing safety or quality standards, and implementing research findings to inform government policy. This multidisciplinary environment offers exposure to a range of scientific challenges and opportunities to make a tangible impact on community well-being and industry practices.

What can you do with a polymer science degree?

A polymer science government role involves developing and testing polymer materials for government projects, ensuring safety and compliance standards. Graduates can work in research, quality control, or regulatory agencies, often utilizing skills in laboratory analysis, materials characterization, and scientific reporting.

How much does a polymer scientist make?

A polymer scientist typically earns between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those in government agencies may offer higher salaries, and proficiency with laboratory techniques and polymer characterization tools can influence compensation.

Which government job is best for science students?

For science students, government jobs such as research scientist, laboratory technician, or scientific officer are ideal options. These roles often require a background in science, relevant degrees, and sometimes certifications, offering stable employment and opportunities for research and development work.
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Polymer Science Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Science Government job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,842 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer

Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer

Mclaurin Aerospace

Houston, TX

$87K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer to join our JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.

If selected you will:

  • Provide leadership for projects related to textile materials selection, flammability testing in high oxygen atmospheres, ignition characterization, battery thermal runaway tests, and related test campaigns across multiple NASA centers, partner agencies and commercial entities
  • Support various NASA programs by providing nonmetallic and fibrous materials expertise for the selection of soft goods and polymeric materials exposed to different atmospheres, high vacuum, and extreme temperatures. This support applies to any type of soft goods and polymeric materials: rigid and semi-rigid plastics, thin films, coatings, foams, textiles, and their finishing treatments.
  • Provide technical leadership on nonmetallic material and fibrous materials selection to use in Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) development for various NASA programs.
  • Support NASA Materials and Processes (M&P) engineers with respect to the evaluation and selection of nonmetallic and fibrous materials
  • Act as primary engineer coordinating various flammability, ignition and combustion tests in accordance with NASA-STD-6001 with the White Sands Test Facility.
  • Direct development of flammability configuration coupons made from various soft goods and polymeric materials.
  • Review NASA reports, requirement documents, proposals, conference papers, journal articles related to nonmetallics and fibrous materials.
  • Perform testing and characterization on nonmetallic materials as needed.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2- 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Fire Science and Engineering, or related field and a minimum of 2 years of direct experience in the field, preferably with some understanding or experience in textiles.
  • Familiar with high performance polymers that are commonly in film, foam, or fiber form, such as PTFE, PVDF, Aramids, Polyimide, PEEK, PBI, etc.
  • Familiarity with flammability testing, fire testing, flame testing or combustion testing on polymers.
  • Experience in characterization methods, such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM/EDS. Familiar with polymer testing standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and productively with team members and cross functional team.
  • Problem solver and quick learner with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills include the ability to prepare and give presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with textiles for structural applications.
  • Previous experience supporting a NASA project.

Benefits

  • Competitive pay
  • Positive work-life balance
  • 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • Generous PTO
  • 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
  • Education assistance
  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines.

US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.

Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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