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Polymer Science Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Qualifications 3 years of relevant industry experience BS in Materials Science & Engineering, Polymer Science, Fiber Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering Strong knowledge ...

Minimum Qualifications 6+ years of relevant industry experience BS in Materials Science & Engineering, Polymer Science, Fiber Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering Strong knowledge ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Austin, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Organic Chemistry 2 Tutor

Austin, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

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Showing results 1-20

Polymer Science information

See Austin, TX salary details

$58K

$87K

$122.4K

How much do polymer science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer science in Austin, TX is $87,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,800.00 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 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.

Is polymer science a good career?

Polymer science is a viable career that involves researching and developing new polymer materials for industries such as healthcare, packaging, and automotive. It typically requires a strong background in chemistry or materials science, with skills in laboratory work and data analysis. Job prospects depend on industry demand and individual qualifications, with opportunities for advancement in research, development, and manufacturing roles.

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, and biomedical devices to create new materials or improve existing ones.

What jobs can you get with a polymer science degree?

A polymer science degree can lead to careers such as polymer chemist, materials scientist, process engineer, quality control analyst, or research scientist in industries like plastics, rubber, textiles, and biomedical materials. These roles often require knowledge of polymer properties, laboratory skills, and familiarity with manufacturing processes and testing methods.

What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Science jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Polymer Science jobs in Austin, TX are:

Infographic showing various Polymer Science job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,049 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Synthetic Chemist - Ion Exchange Membrane Polymer Chem.

Austin, TX • On-site

Energy Exploration Technologies Inc
Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Energy Exploration Technologies has a mission to become a worldwide leader in the global transition to sustainable energy. Founded in 2018, the company is fundamentally changing the way humanity is powering our world and storing clean energy with breakthrough lithium-ion technology and energy storage solutions.
The Role
EnergyX is seeking a Synthetic Chemist to join our membrane materials team, focused on the design, synthesis, and optimization of polymer chemistries used in our ion exchange membranes (cation exchange, anion exchange, and bipolar membranes). This role owns the chemistry behind next-generation membrane formulations - from monomer and crosslinker selection through polymerization and post-functionalization - working closely with process, formulation, and stack engineering teams to translate lab-scale chemistry into roll-to-roll manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, synthesize, and characterize novel polymer chemistries for ion exchange membranes, targeting properties such as ion exchange capacity, permselectivity, area resistance, and chemical/mechanical durability.
  • Develop and optimize monomer, crosslinker, and initiator systems, including selection and handling of reactive functional monomers and crosslinking chemistries appropriate for cloth-supported, roll-to-roll membrane casting.
  • Lead bench-scale synthesis and formulation work, and support scale-up of promising chemistries into pilot and production-scale membrane casting processes.
  • Characterize membranes and precursor materials using techniques such as FTIR, NMR, ion exchange capacity titration, and conductivity/permselectivity testing.
  • Diagnose membrane degradation mechanisms (e.g., chemical attack, oxidative degradation, fouling) observed in field or pilot operation and propose chemistry-based solutions.
  • Maintain documentation of synthesis routes, formulations, and experimental data; contribute to IP disclosures and patent applications.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with process engineering, stack design, and commercial teams to align membrane chemistry development with customer and application requirements.
  • Support safe handling, storage, and disposal of reactive monomers, solvents, and crosslinking agents in accordance with process safety and EHS standards.

Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, with an emphasis on synthetic/polymer chemistry (Ph.D. preferred; M.S. with significant industry experience considered).
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience synthesizing and characterizing ion-containing or ion-conductive polymers (e.g., ion exchange membranes, fuel cell membranes, battery separators, or related ionomers).
  • Strong working knowledge of polymerization chemistry (free radical, step-growth, or controlled polymerization) and crosslinking chemistry.
  • Practical experience with standard polymer and membrane characterization techniques.
  • Understanding of structure-property relationships governing ion transport, selectivity, and chemical stability in polymeric membranes.
  • Ability to work safely with reactive monomers, crosslinkers, and solvents, and to follow process safety protocols in a lab environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience documenting synthesis procedures and presenting technical results to cross-functional audiences.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with ion exchange membrane chemistry for electrodialysis, bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED/BPED), electrolysis, redox flow batteries, or fuel cells.
  • Experience with cloth-supported or reinforced membrane casting processes and roll-to-roll manufacturing considerations.
  • Experience scaling chemistry from bench to pilot or production, including troubleshooting formulation issues that arise during scale-up.
  • Prior involvement in patent filings or technical publications related to membrane or polymer chemistry.
  • Experience with lithium extraction, water treatment, carbon capture, or related separations/electrochemical process applications.

Benefits:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Healthcare (Health, Dental, Vision) with employer contribution
  • PTO
  • Sick Leave
  • Equity Compensation
  • 401(k) plan

EnergyX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with EnergyX is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.