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Polymer Simulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Covestro

Senior APC Engineer

Baytown, TX · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Development of dynamic simulation models for chemical and polymer production processes * Keep an eye on standardizing project approaches from a global perspective * Development of dynamic simulation ...

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Polymer Simulation information

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$11K

$67.6K

$121.5K

How much do polymer simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 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 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 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 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.

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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Simulation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Simulation jobs are:
Polymer Simulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Simulation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,601 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Principal Polymer Engineer - CMP Pads

Entegris

Aurora, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Entegris rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Title:
Principal Polymer Engineer - CMP Pads
Job Description:
The Role
Entegris is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Principal Polymer Engineer with deep expertise in polymer material design and processing to join our Materials Solutions Division R&D team. This position will be based at our Aurora (Greater Chicago Area) or Hillsboro (Portland, Oregon) facility.
In this role, you will drive the development of next-generation CMP pad technologies by creating differentiated material concepts and broadening the boundaries of current design approaches. You will work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and external partners to translate innovative designs into robust, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that create long-term competitive advantage.
What You'll Do
Lead material engineering and platform innovation
  • Lead the design and engineering of next-generation polymer material systems for advanced CMP applications, defining formulation strategies and material design space (composition, architecture, and process interactions) to achieve targeted performance and manufacturability.

  • Apply deep expertise in polymer science and structure-property-process relationships to develop differentiated material concepts and expand current design boundaries.

  • Translate material designs into scalable, manufacturable, and high-performance products by integrating formulation, processing, and engineering principles.

  • Utilize advanced characterization, modeling, and experimental approaches to guide design decisions and accelerate technology development.

  • Translate customer and business needs into robust technical solutions, balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, cost, and sensitivity to material and process variation.

Solve complex multidisciplinary challenges
  • Lead investigations into material, process, and product performance challenges across development and manufacturing environments.

  • Apply first-principles thinking, Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and data-driven methodologies to accelerate learning and optimize technical solutions.

  • Collaborate across R&D, manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to resolve critical technical issues and enable successful commercialization.

Provide technical leadership
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship across multiple development programs and cross-functional initiatives.

  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, suppliers, customers, and external partners to advance strategic technology objectives.

  • Communicate technical strategies, project outcomes, and scientific insights effectively through presentations, reports, and customer interactions.

  • Foster a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What We Seek
  • Ph.D. with 5+ years or M.S. with 8+ years of industrial experience in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline.

  • Deep expertise in polymer structure-property-processing-performance relationships and their impact on product functionality, strong intuition in polymer formulation and multi-variable material design, with the ability to navigate trade-offs between performance, processability, and manufacturability

  • Demonstrated experience engineering advanced polyurethane or other high-performance polymer systems for demanding industrial applications.

  • Extensive experience with polymer processing and manufacturing technologies, including one or more of casting, molding, foaming, reactive processing, composite fabrication, or other advanced polymer manufacturing methods, with the ability to connect processing conditions to material performance.

  • Hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques such as DMA, DSC, TGA, rheology, FTIR, microscopy, mechanical testing, or related analytical methods, and the ability to leverage characterization data to guide material design and engineering decisions.

  • Proven ability to integrate material composition, architecture, processing, and characterization to develop differentiated, scalable technologies.

  • Strong background in Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and data-driven problem solving; experience with predictive modeling or simulation is a plus.

  • Demonstrated success developing technologies from concept through scale-up and commercialization while balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.

  • Track record of technical innovation, with the ability to challenge conventional approaches and create novel engineering solutions for complex materials problems.

  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and technical leadership skills, with experience influencing multidisciplinary teams and strategic technology direction.

  • Experience in CMP or semiconductor materials is preferred but not required. Candidates with backgrounds in advanced polymers, elastomers, composites, foams, coatings, or related high-performance material systems are encouraged to apply.

What We Offer:
At Entegris, we invest in providing opportunity to our employees and promote from within. The new hire in this role will have the potential to grow and create relationships across the organizationand be recognized for demonstrated success and adherence to company PACE values.
Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.
  • Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match

  • Excellent health, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs

  • Flexible work schedule and 11 paid holidays a year

  • Paid time off (PTO) policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge

  • Education assistance to support your learning journey

  • Values-driven culture with colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence.

Compensation: $140,000-$186,500, dependent on candidate skillset and experience.
At Entegris we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, and reward employees for their individual abilities, achievements and experience without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital or military status.

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