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Polymer Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Senior Analytical Chemist

Fishers, IN · On-site

$113K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Familiar with polymer manufacturing and mixing processes. * Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate analytical equipment. * Data Analysis and Reporting - Interpret complex scientific data, draw ...

Field Chemist I

Indianapolis, IN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental science or equivalent experience. * Understanding ... The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility.

Field Chemist I

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental science or equivalent experience. * Understanding ... The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility.

Field Chemist I

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental science or equivalent experience. * Understanding ... The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility.

Showing results 41-47

Polymer Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$55.7K

$83.6K

$117.5K

How much do polymer scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% 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.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - New Product Introduction

Superior Essex Inc.

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Superior Essex rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Essex Furukawa strives to push the boundaries of what is possible by creating magnet wire solutions that enable our customers' innovations and exceed expectations. Our team provides products and services to some of the world's leading automotive, energy, and industrial manufacturers. With over a century of experience, Essex Furukawa is leading the charge to power new technologies in electric vehicles, grid modernization, and sustainability.

Role Summary:

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will play a critical role in our organization by applying advanced engineering principles and methods to analyze, optimize, and enhance state-of-the-art magnet wire products and production processes. This position involves hands-on technical leadership, particularly in the areas of execution and industrialization of product development, process optimization, and will be a champion for continuous improvement.

Essential Functions/Duties:

  • Apply sound engineering principles and methods to design and develop state of the art magnet wire products, production processes, and equipment to improve quality, efficiency, and cost.
  • Hands-on technical leadership of design and execution of magnet wire product, process, and production equipment technology.
  • Scope of development includes the creation of intellectual property which provides a distinct competitive advantage over commercially available equipment.
  • Interface with New Product Introduction Team to provide knowledge and develop products, equipment technology, and processes for the introduction and evaluation of new/modified products.
  • Responsible for development and implementation of equipment and processes to meet or exceed the requirements of current and future customer applications.
  • Provide technical support for new equipment evaluation, assist with the installation, startup, training, and product launch phases.
  • Evaluate prototype equipment, document performance, and recommend modifications.

REQUIRED knowledge/skills/abilities and other minimum qualifications:

  • BS degree in an engineering discipline required.
  • Five (5) or more years of design, R&D, or process engineering experience.
  • Possess a demonstrated understanding of the following areas: material properties, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical process control.
  • Demonstrated analytical skills: methodically investigating problems, organizing logical experimental trials, document data, and present results.
  • Possess "hands-on" experience with equipment evaluation and process experimentation.
  • Travel Requirements: 25-50% as needed.
  • Strong PC skills required.
  • Strong statistical background.
  • Advanced presentation and communication skills.
  • Strong structured problem-solving skills.
  • Experience working in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Five (5) or more years of experience in wire and cable manufacturing, polymer materials, heat treating, or similar experience in the coatings industry.
  • Three (3) years of developing and implementing new equipment, processes, and procedures.
  • History of developing and implementing process improvement initiatives.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving for effective solutions.
  • Possess the demonstrated ability to recognize and apply theoretical concepts to real world applications.
  • MS in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with a strong concentration in material science, heat transfer, or thermodynamics preferred.
  • Certification or proven practical experience with Design for Lean Six Sigma.
  • Project Management Experience, PMP preferred.
  • FEA/CFD experience preferred.
  • APQP experience preferred.

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