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Polymer Scientist Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Purple

Senior Material Scientist (Hybrid)

Draper, UT · On-site

$94K - $111K/yr

Lead a small team ofMaterials Scientists and Techniciansto support the Materials Science goals of ... Extensiveknowledge of polymer structure, physical chemistry, and polymer characterization ...

Purple

Senior Material Scientist (Hybrid)

Draper, UT · On-site

$94K - $111K/yr

Lead a small team of Materials Scientists and Technicians to support the Materials Science goals of ... Extensive knowledge of polymer structure, physical chemistry, and polymer characterization ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Cedar City, UT · 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 ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Logan, UT · 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 ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Provo, UT · 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 ...

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Polymer Scientist information

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How much do polymer scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer scientist in Utah is $79,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,700.00 and $91,000.00 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.
More about Polymer Scientist jobs

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Polymer Scientist jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Polymer Scientist jobs in Utah are:

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Polymer Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Scientist job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,969 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer - Polymer Chemistry

Hexcel Corporation

Salt Lake City, UT

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Hexcel rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

With our strong investment in research and development and our culture of continuous improvement, Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of advanced lightweight composite materials, including carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycombs and engineered core and composite structures. We invite you to join the Hexcel team at various manufacturing sites, sales offices and R&D centers around the globe. Become a part of the "strength within."
Hexcel is currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineer - Polymer Chemistry for our Salt Lake City, UT, USA, Matrix location.
The selected individual will be responsible for but not limited to the following obligations:
  • Support operations in achieving area safety, quality, material usage variance, yield, on time delivery and throughput targets.
  • Analyze and interpret resin, film and prepreg manufacturing techniques, procedures and processing conditions.
  • Troubleshoot manufacturing process problems and implement corrective measure. Assist in directing equipment repairs and upgrades.
  • Develop and execute continuous improvement plans for resin mix, film or prepreg processes.
  • Write and maintain detailed procedures and specifications to document resin mix, film or prepreg processes.
  • Evaluate resin, film and prepreg processing conditions and resultant material properties and troubleshoot as necessary utilizing SPC techniques. Assume full responsibility for managing process conditions to meet Process Control Document requirements and mechanical and physical properties.
  • Investigate material non-conformances utilizing root cause analysis techniques and implement corrective actions to prevent future failures.
  • Develop and implement resin, film and prepreg processing conditions for new equipment and/or new materials. Provide training as necessary to operations personnel.
  • Drive improvements in material performance and improve Capability (Cpk and Ppk)
  • Provide concise design criteria and process constraints for facility expansions or improvements and assume responsibility for all new or improved equipment start up exercises and tests.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required, PhD preferred in Chemical Engineering with emphasis in Polymer Chemistry and/or a degree in Polymer Chemistry/Science.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience focused on polymer chemistry. Experience with epoxy, phenolic, and bismaleimide (BMI) resins is highly preferred.
  • Experience in resin, prepreg or other continuous process industry preferred.
  • Experience in Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma continuous improvement program, green and black belt preferred.
  • Possesses a deep understanding of fundamental physical/chemical properties and structure-property relationships. Ability to conduct complex chemical experiments.
  • Strong project management skills with a demonstrated ability to work both as an individual contributor and as a cross-functional team member managing multiple projects.
  • Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Current computer literacy including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Project, Visio and PowerPoint.
  • Experience with SPC and other statistical techniques preferred.

Eligible candidates must be a: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, person admitted in refugee status, or person granted asylum. Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry.
Hexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.

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