1

Polymer Simulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Verify designs including suitable simulation - Finite Element Analysis (FEA) * Partner with ... Experience in polymer concrete manufactured products for infrastructure construction preferred

Verify designs including suitable simulation - Finite Element Analysis (FEA) * Partner with ... Experience in polymer concrete manufactured products for infrastructure construction preferred

next page

Showing results 1-20

Polymer Simulation information

See salary details

$11K

$67.6K

$121.5K

How much do polymer simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer simulation in the United States is $67,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $79,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is polymer simulation?

Polymer simulation is the use of computational models and methods to study the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of polymers at the molecular or macroscopic level. These simulations help scientists predict how polymers behave under different conditions, design new materials, and understand fundamental processes such as polymerization or molecular interactions. Techniques commonly used include molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations, and coarse-grained modeling. Polymer simulation is valuable in materials science, chemistry, engineering, and related fields.

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

To excel as a Polymer Simulation Specialist, you need a solid background in polymer science, computational modeling, and a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or PhD in materials science, chemistry, or chemical engineering. Proficiency in simulation software like LAMMPS, GROMACS, or Materials Studio, plus programming skills in Python or MATLAB, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies enable accurate modeling, effective collaboration with research teams, and the development of innovative polymer materials.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in polymer simulation roles?

Professionals in polymer simulation often encounter challenges such as accurately modeling complex molecular structures and predicting material properties under various conditions. Keeping up with advances in simulation software and computational methods is essential, as the field evolves rapidly. Additionally, effective collaboration with experimental chemists and materials scientists is key, as simulation results often inform or validate laboratory findings. Balancing computational resources with project deadlines can also be a regular hurdle in both academic and industrial environments.

What is the difference between Polymer Simulation vs Polymer Engineer?

AspectPolymer SimulationPolymer Engineer
Required CredentialsDegree in materials science, chemical engineering, or related field; knowledge of simulation softwareDegree in chemical, materials science, or polymer engineering; practical experience in polymer processing
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based, using computer modeling and simulation toolsLaboratories, manufacturing plants, or R&D facilities involving hands-on work
Industry UsageUsed in research, product development, and testing of polymer propertiesInvolved in designing, developing, and optimizing polymer products and processes

Polymer Simulation focuses on modeling and predicting polymer behavior through computer simulations, while Polymer Engineers work directly with polymer materials in practical applications. Both roles require a strong background in polymer science but differ in their approach—one is more theoretical and software-based, the other hands-on and process-oriented.

More about Polymer Simulation jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Simulation jobs?

The most popular types of Polymer Simulation jobs are:

What states have the most Polymer Simulation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Polymer Simulation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Polymer Simulation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,601 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Polymer R&D Engineer/Scientist

Washington, DC

Precise Systems
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.

Precise Systems is seeking to immediately hire a full-time person to join a diverse, multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to work as a project team member on specific materials, environmental effects, and engineering projects. The team includes personnel at NRL’s headquarters in Washington, DC (NRLDC), at NRL’s blue-water test facility in Key West, FL (NRLKW), as well as offsite personnel from other Navy facilities and collaborating companies in private industry. Work may occur in the office, the laboratory, or the field (including, potentially, shipboard work), as necessary.  The job will be based in Washington, DC or Key West, Florida but regular travel to perform work at NRLKW is required.   

Duties:

  • Develop test data in support of setting requirements and predicting field performance for Navy applicable multi-layer multi-material (metallic and non-metallic) designs of interest with a specific focus on mechanical, structural, and environmental degradation effects of polymer, composite and metallic systems
  • Responsible for researching, defining, and communicating engineering approaches in order to meet relevant design gaps for use of plastics, composites, elastomers, sealants, and adhesives in the seawater environment.
  • Perform mechanical testing for material property understanding, as well as produce experimental data to support ongoing research
  • Develop material qualification specifications.
  • Use modeling, experimental, and analytical data to inform theory-based investigations
  • Communicate and interface with cross-functional groups, research leads, program management, technical engineering and key stakeholders with intent to successfully progress research through product delivery phase, which may include practical fleet applications and solutions.
  • Demonstrated failure mode analysis, root cause investigation, and problem solving for product quality issues.

Required Education:

  • Undergraduate, Masters degree or Ph.D. in polymer/plastics engineering, materials science/engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemistry.

Required Experience:

  • 3 years' experience in materials research, environmental effects, and engineering projects
  • Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) modeling
  • Experience with MATLAB for data acquisition, analysis and presentation
  • Sound knowledge and understanding of physical and mechanical properties and behavior of structural polymers, composites, and adhesives
  • Understanding of polymer formulations in order to develop approaches to material screening
  • Proven understanding of adhesion science concepts to include adhesive bonding, surface chemistry, and viscoelasticity
  • Understanding of polymer/composite degradation and/or accelerated life testing for use in determining root cause mechanisms to predict lifecycle performance
  • Ability to perform mechanical testing for material property understanding, as well as produce experimental data to support ongoing research
  • Ability to develop material qualification specifications
  • Ability to use modeling, experimental, and analytical data to inform theory-based investigations
  • Ability to communicate and interface with cross-functional groups, research leads, program management, technical engineering and key stakeholders with intent to successfully progress research through product delivery phase, which may include practical fleet applications and solutions
  • Demonstrated failure mode analysis, root cause investigation, and problem solving for product quality issues.

Desired Education and Experience:

  • Master’s or Ph.D., or a combination of B.S. or M.S. and years of experience in polymer/plastics engineering, materials science/engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemistry. 
  • Experience with polymers/non-metallics in severe exposure environments or naval applications
  • Experience with structural modeling of polymers in COMSOL Multiphysics.
  • Project Management- Excellent data handling, documentation, critical milestone creation, and organization skill.
  • Experience with automating data acquisition and analysis in MATLAB.
  • Experience with data acquisition with MATLAB.
  • Former active-duty Navy or other military service.
  • Problem-solver willing to learn new skills (in addition to apply skills already mastered).

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer-related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Precise Systems values employee contributions, promotes diverse opportunities for professional growth, and prioritizes overall well-being. Our comprehensive professional services benefits package includes health insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, disability insurance, retirement plans, holiday pay, employee-managed leave, and professional growth opportunities.

We recognize exceptional performance and alignment with our core values through our STAR Award recognition program.

Compensation at Precise Systems is determined by various factors, including education, experience, skills, competencies, and contract-specific requirements. The salary range for this position is $77,571.36 - $116,357.04 (annualized USD). This range represents the standard pay for this role and is just one component of Precise Systems’ total compensation package.

Precise Systems is committed to fair and equitable pay practices in alignment with applicable pay transparency laws and equal employment opportunity standards.

Precise Systems is dedicated to a shared vision and core values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, which foster innovation and drive our continued success in the global marketplace. Precise Systems and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. Visit www.GoPrecise.com for a listing of current openings and our comprehensive, employee friendly benefits summary.  Precise Systems participates in E-Verify.


Required Skills
Required Experience