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Polymer Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Celanese Corporation

Advanced Chemist

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$103K - $170K/yr

... polymer formulations and film processing. In addition to developing new products, the Development Scientist participates in Market Growth activities and Manufacturing initiatives. Networking ...

Celanese

Advanced Chemist

Hopewell, VA · On-site

... polymer formulations and film processing. In addition to developing new products, the Development Scientist participates in Market Growth activities and Manufacturing initiatives. Networking ...

Microporous Products

R AND D ENGINEER

Danville, VA · On-site

... Coating Scientist Location Piney Flats, Tennessee POSITION SUMMARY The Research & Development ... Prepare and test water-based coating formulations (ceramic and polymer systems) following ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Propellant Chemical Engineer

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$76K - $142K/yr

Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering or related science discipline preferred. * Knowledge of chemical principles, thermodynamics, polymer chemistry, structure ...

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Polymer Science information

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$58K

$87.1K

$122.4K

How much do polymer science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer science in Virginia is $87,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,900.00 and $99,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is polymer science?

A Polymer Science job involves researching, developing, and testing polymers—large molecules used in plastics, coatings, adhesives, and other materials. Professionals in this field work in industries like aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing to improve product performance and sustainability. They may focus on polymer synthesis, processing, or applications, often collaborating with engineers and chemists.

What are the typical responsibilities in polymer science?

Professionals in Polymer Science often spend their days designing and conducting experiments to synthesize and characterize new polymer materials, analyzing data, and documenting results. You may also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as product development, engineering, and quality assurance to ensure that materials meet performance and safety standards. Regular tasks can include troubleshooting manufacturing processes, staying up-to-date with scientific literature, and presenting findings to stakeholders. This role offers a dynamic work environment, balancing independent research with teamwork, and often provides significant opportunities for professional growth and specialization.

What jobs can you get with a polymer science degree?

A polymer science degree can lead to careers such as polymer scientist, materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, and product development specialist. These roles often involve working in laboratories, manufacturing environments, or research and development settings, utilizing skills in chemistry, materials characterization, and testing methods.

Is polymer science a good career?

Polymer science is a viable career for those interested in materials research, development, and manufacturing. It typically requires a strong background in chemistry, materials science, or engineering, and offers opportunities in industries such as plastics, biomedical devices, and coatings. Job prospects depend on industry demand, education level, and technical skills like laboratory techniques and data analysis.

What does a polymer scientist do?

A polymer scientist researches and develops polymers and related materials, focusing on their chemical properties, structure, and applications. They often work in laboratories, using techniques like spectroscopy and microscopy, and may collaborate with industries such as plastics, textiles, or biomedical fields to create new materials or improve existing ones.

How much do polymer scientists make?

Polymer scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with advanced skills in polymer characterization, research, and development, as well as industry sector and level of responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed in polymer science?

To excel in Polymer Science, you need a solid background in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree or advanced studies. Familiarity with polymer characterization tools (such as FTIR, DSC, and GPC), laboratory protocols, and data analysis software is crucial for experimental and analytical work. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this field. These abilities are important to ensure successful research, development, and collaboration in creating and improving polymer materials for a variety of industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Science jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Polymer Science jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Science jobs in Virginia? For Polymer Science jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Science jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Science jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Polymer Science jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Polymer Science job openings:
Polymer Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Science job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,089 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Advanced Chemist, Product Technology

Celanese Corporation

Chester, VA • On-site

$103K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Celanese rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Overview:
We are currently seeking an Advanced Chemist, Product Technology to join our team. This is a Regional Position in the Mylar Specialty Films Joint Venture, a member company of Celanese.
This position is responsible for developing and commercializing technology for product development programs in polyester films. New products are developed following a stage-gate methodology using Design for Six Sigma tools. Work includes coordination and support of plant trials, development of coating, coating chemistry, polymer formulations and film processing. In addition to developing new products, the Development Scientist participates in Market Growth activities and Manufacturing initiatives.
Networking activities include leveraging technology from Mylar Specialty Films vendors, government, academic institutions, and other Mylar Specialty Films research centers. Successful Customer interaction and Customer need discussions are key job elements.
Responsibilities:
Accountabilities:
  • Coordinate technical aspects of new product development programs
  • Lead new product development efforts
  • Ensure safe execution of all lab work and plant trials
  • Ensure environmental and product stewardship compliance
  • Coordinate and participate in plant trials including material logistics and coverage
  • Communicate with customers, suppliers, development partners to achieve goals

Competencies:
  • Analysis and Judgment; recognizes issues, problems, or opportunities and determines whether action is needed
  • Building Sustainable Customer Relationships; builds rapport and cooperative relationships with customers; seeks information to understand customers' circumstances, problems, expectations, and needs
  • Teamwork/Collaboration; developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
  • Innovation; generating innovative solutions in work situations; trying different and novel ways to deal with work problems and opportunities
  • Engagement; demonstrates a willingness to actively commit to one's work and to invest one's time, talent, and best efforts to accomplish organizational goals; cooperates with others - works collaboratively with others to establish and maintain positive work relationships; acknowledges others contributions; engages in joint problem solving and idea generation; welcomes new experiences - seeks new learning opportunities; pursues intellectual challenges; enjoys changes in one's work responsibilities, work processes, or work environment
  • Embracing Change; approaches change or newness positively - treats change and new situations as opportunities for learning or growth; focuses on the beneficial aspects of change; speaks positively about the change to others
  • Networking; approaches change or newness positively - treats change and new situations as opportunities for learning or growth; focuses on the beneficial aspects of change; speaks positively about the change to others.

Qualifications:
Educational Attainment:
  • A MS or PhD in Organic Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry is preferred.
  • Degrees in another scientific discipline will be considered.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills Required:
  • Technical Subject matter skills (Material, Formulation)
  • Project management skills and experience
  • Ability to make clear presentations
  • Effectively work with all disciplines within the organization to achieve goals
  • Analytical, problem solving and decision making skills
  • Experience with patents and general intellectual property systems.
  • Trained in Six Sigma is preferred

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills Desired:
  • Experience with coating formulations, coating processes, polymer chemistry, or extrusion technology is preferred.
  • Experience with polyester, polyester films or polyester film manufacture is highly desirable.
  • A working understanding of thermoplastic polymer property-process relationships is desirable.

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets, work experience, and qualifications. The expected salary range for this Virginia position is between $103,600 and $170,900.

What Celanese employees say

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About Celanese

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We produce products that make our lives a little easier, by helping customers to bring their inspired ideas and innovations to life. From the global production network of our Acetyl Chain, we provide materials that are critical to the global chemicals and paints and coatings industries. From our broad portfolio of Materials Solutions, we advance automotive and consumer electronic designs and enable life-improving medical, food and beverage products – we offer solutions to our customers to help them succeed.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1912

Social media

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