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Polymer Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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

Bachelor's degree preferred - business administration, engineering, chemistry, polymer science or equivalent work experience. * Experience in the plastics or plastics recycling industry, in either a ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Polymer Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$55.7K

$83.6K

$117.5K

How much do polymer scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer scientist in Indiana is $83,588.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,800.00 and $95,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polymer scientist?

Polymer scientists are professionals who study the chemical, physical, and engineering properties of polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating structural units. They research, develop, and test new polymer materials for use in various industries such as plastics, textiles, electronics, and biomedical devices. Their work often involves improving the performance, durability, and sustainability of polymer-based products. Polymer scientists may work in laboratories, manufacturing, or academic settings, collaborating with chemists, engineers, and manufacturers to create innovative materials.

What does a polymer scientist do?

A polymer scientist designs new materials, such as cellulose, rubber, Kevlar, and Teflon, which are then used to make products. They work in a lab setting with a team of researchers, trying different formulations to create new polymers. As a polymer scientist, your career responsibilities and duties include understanding how materials will react with one another, whether they are safe for use by humans, and any risks they might pose to the environment. To become a polymer scientist, you need a bachelor’s degree in polymer science, organic chemistry, or a related field. Many higher-level jobs require a master’s degree or doctorate and several years of experience in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polymer scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Polymer Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, materials science, and polymer characterization, usually supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with analytical tools such as FTIR, NMR, DSC, and GPC, as well as experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills help set top professionals apart. These skills ensure successful research, development, and application of new polymer materials in industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by polymer scientists when developing new materials, and how are they typically addressed?

Polymer Scientists often encounter challenges related to balancing material properties such as strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance while ensuring cost-effectiveness and scalability for production. Additionally, meeting regulatory standards and environmental concerns, such as recyclability, can be complex. These challenges are usually addressed through interdisciplinary collaboration with chemists, engineers, and manufacturing teams, as well as by staying updated on the latest research and advancements in polymer technology. Experimentation and iterative testing are also crucial parts of the daily workflow to refine material properties.

What is the difference between Polymer Scientist vs Polymer Engineer?

AspectPolymer ScientistPolymer Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic settingsManufacturing plants, production facilities, R&D labs
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, cosmetics, research institutions, materials companiesPlastic, packaging, automotive, consumer goods industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, scientific focusUnderstanding product development, manufacturing processes

Polymer Scientists focus on researching and developing new polymers and understanding their properties, often working in labs and academic settings. Polymer Engineers apply this knowledge to design, optimize, and scale manufacturing processes for polymer products in industrial environments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

How much does a polymer scientist make?

A polymer scientist's average salary in the United States ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in polymer synthesis or characterization can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 per year.

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, laboratory skills, and often a master's or Ph.D. degree. Job prospects are generally stable, with opportunities for innovation and advancement in research and development roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Scientist jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Polymer Scientist jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Polymer Scientist jobs in IN?

For Polymer Scientist jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Polymer Scientist job openings in Indiana as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,588 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

R&D Aerospace Material Scientist

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

The R&D Aerospace Material Engineer role is responsible for test method design and implementation, conducting design of experiments, interpretation of data, drawing conclusions, and preparing final test reports related to polymer testing in the Material Laboratory using a variety of innovative laboratory equipment. The Engineer will also work with aerospace manufacturing facilities to harmonize processes and test reports, as well as audit the facilities to increase efficiency and reliability. This position will join a high functioning team to support the Aerospace market. Strong understanding of scientific methods required. Communication and problem solving skills are key.

Tasks and responsibilities:
  • Develop, implement, and manage multiple projects concurrently including creating and keeping timelines, ensuring projects adhere to customer requirements, and communicating results to customers.
  • Design tests that align with material development for the purpose of characterizing polymer’s physical and thermal properties.
  • Design and perform data analysis.
  • Prepare, develop, implement, and interpret test requirements as defined in ASTM, customer, and other industry standard specifications.
  • Perform benchmarking operations with other laboratories to verify the lab’s competency and retain accreditation.
  • Write technical reports and presentations.
  • Follow procedures and perform duties in compliance with lab accreditation requirements (ISO17025)
  • Create and perform benchmarking operations with TSS aerospace manufacturing locations to assure all locations are performing adequate testing.
  • Harmonize with TSS aerospace manufacturing locations processes, test reports, and other opportunities for alignment.
  • Audit Aerospace manufacturing site’s internal laboratories to increase efficiency and reliability. Find opportunities for improvement and risks to the business based on the performance of audited labs.
  • Expand the current Material Laboratory’s scope of accreditation to include additional tests as the need arises by the Aerospace market segment.
  • Analyze material properties to identify which materials in the TSS portfolio can be consolidated.
  • Manage the aerospace Qualified Material List with all Trelleborg sites providing parts for aerospace.
  • Remain free from any undue internal influence and external commercial, financial, and other pressures and influences that may adversely affect the quality of their work.
  • Active participation in Continuous Improvement, Preventative Action, and Corrective Action programs with regards to testing, report writing, and the ISO17025 lab management system.
  • General upkeep of the laboratory
  • Compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and customer mandated procedures
  • Other duties as assigned by manager
  • Strong mechanical and technical capability
  • Time management skills to meet targeted completion dates
  • Strong organizational skills with an ability to multi-task and manage projects
  • Attention to detail and accuracy. "Right the first time" attitude
  • Strong customer focus and understanding of total customer satisfaction
  • Ability to work independently the majority of the time while still functioning well in a team environment
  • Skilled in verbal, written, and visual communication of technical content to an audience with different levels of technical knowledge, including international persons.
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor of Science Degree required in a scientific field (Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Forensic Science or similar)
  • Lab experience required
  • ISO familiarity required
  • Auditing experience preferred
  • Strong analytical, decision making, and problem solving skills required
  • Technical writing skills required
  • Experience with 5S practices a plus

As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disability status.

This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card Holder), Political Asylee or Refugee.

Qualifications Education Required

Bachelors or better.

Experience Required

Technical writing skills required

Strong analytical, decision making, and problem solving skills required

Preferred 3 years:

3-5 Years of Lab experience preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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