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Polymer Technology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... biopolymer technology for durable consumer goods. Polymer Chemist will be responsible for ... formulating and testing new bio-based polymers and additives for production, testing their ...

NY · On-site

An exciting opportunity opens within Base Materials Polymer Technology. We are looking for a Senior Material Specialist, that will have a key role in the choice of polymers used in Tetra Pak products ...

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

ARC Technologies, a part of Hexcel (NYSE: HXL), is a leader in advanced materials supporting ... We're currently seeking an R&D Polymer Chemist to join our Amesbury, MA team and help develop next ...

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

ARC Technologies, a part of Hexcel (NYSE: HXL), is a leader in advanced materials supporting ... We're currently seeking an R&D Polymer Chemist to join our Amesbury, MA team and help develop next ...

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

As a part of Hexcel, we at ARC Technologies LLC are propelling the future of flight, energy ... Specify appropriate polymer systems to meet customers' desired material properties. * Modify ...

Works closely with the CTO to develop new membrane concepts or characterization methods ... Strong background in porous materials and polymer science Critical technical, professional, and ...

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Join Sepax Technologies and help develop the next generation of chromatography materials. We are seeking an R&D Scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and/or surface ...

Occasional The Mission Starpath develops and manufactures the technologies that will enable humans ... Polymer Chemist - Space Solar The Starlight team is focused on dramatically improving space solar ...

Scientist I, Manufacturing Sciences / Scientist - Polymer Chemistry Location: Sunnyvale, CA - 94085 ... TekWissen is an emerging global human capital, recruitment and IT services organization. Operating ...

Polymer Chemist will report to our Head of R&D and will be responsible for formulating and testing ... technology development. · Support customer trials with occasional travel (5-10%) BASIC ...

Polymer Scientist

Lebanon, OR · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Works closely with the CTO to develop new membrane concepts or characterization methods ... Strong background in porous materials and polymer science Critical technical, professional, and ...

Collaborate with technical and manufacturing teams to support technology transfer and assist in ... Master's degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, related ...

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Join Sepax Technologies and help develop the next generation of chromatography materials. We are seeking an R&D Scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and/or surface ...

Showing results 21-40

Polymer Technology information

See salary details

$50.5K

$89.3K

$155K

How much do polymer technology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer technology in the United States is $89,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is polymer technology?

Polymer Technology is the field of science and engineering that focuses on the design, synthesis, processing, and application of polymers and plastics. It involves understanding the chemical and physical properties of polymers, how they can be manufactured, and how they are used in various industries such as automotive, packaging, textiles, electronics, and healthcare. Professionals in this field work on developing new polymer materials, improving existing ones, and finding innovative applications for polymers to meet industrial and consumer needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in polymer technology?

To thrive in Polymer Technology, a solid background in chemistry, materials science, and polymer engineering is essential, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as FTIR, DSC, and GPC), polymer processing equipment, and laboratory safety protocols is important, along with certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing in some settings. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this field. These skills ensure the successful development, testing, and optimization of polymer materials for diverse industrial applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in polymer technology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Polymer Technology often encounter challenges such as staying updated with rapidly evolving materials and manufacturing processes, troubleshooting polymer processing issues, and ensuring product quality under tight deadlines. Addressing these challenges typically involves continuous learning, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (such as chemists, engineers, and quality assurance specialists), and leveraging analytical tools for quality control. Developing strong problem-solving skills and participating in regular training or industry seminars can also help professionals stay ahead in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Polymer Technology vs Polymer Engineer?

AspectPolymer TechnologyPolymer Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in polymer science, materials science, or chemical engineeringSimilar credentials, often with additional engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign, development, testing in labs and production settings
Industry UsageResearch institutions, manufacturing companies, R&D centersManufacturers, product development firms, industrial sectors
Common Search/ComparisonPolymer Technology vs Polymer Engineer

Polymer Technology focuses on research, development, and application of polymers, often emphasizing laboratory work and material innovation. Polymer Engineers apply engineering principles to design, develop, and optimize polymer-based products and processes. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Polymer Technology leans more toward research and material science, whereas Polymer Engineering emphasizes practical application and product development.

Is polymer technology a good career?

Polymer technology is a viable career path for those interested in materials science, involving the development and testing of polymers used in various industries such as packaging, automotive, and healthcare. It often requires knowledge of chemistry, engineering, and laboratory skills, with opportunities for advancement in research, manufacturing, and quality control roles.

What does a polymer technologist do?

A polymer technologist researches, develops, and tests polymer materials and products, such as plastics, rubbers, and composites. They work in laboratories or manufacturing settings, using analytical tools and techniques to improve material properties, ensure quality, and develop new applications. Strong knowledge of chemistry, materials science, and relevant safety standards is essential for this role.
More about Polymer Technology jobs

What cities are hiring for Polymer Technology jobs?

Cities with the most Polymer Technology job openings:

What states have the most Polymer Technology jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Polymer Technology job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Polymer Engineer

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

A. O. Smith Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


A. O. Smith rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company / Location Information
A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
This position will sit out of A. O. Smith's Corporate Technology Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For qualified candidates relocating from outside the area, A. O. Smith offers a generous relocation package to help support a smooth and successful transition.
Primary Function
The Materials Engineer - Polymers will be a part of our Lloyd R. Smith Corporate Technology Center (CTC) Team in Milwaukee, WI. The CTC contains a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians with the purpose of researching, developing, and supporting technologies on a 3-5 year time horizon. This role will serve as the organization's Subject Matter Expert for plastics, rubbers, elastomers, and other polymeric materials used in water heating and water treatment equipment. The engineer will support global business units, manufacturing plants, quality teams, sourcing, suppliers, and product engineering by providing technical guidance on material selection, qualification, failure analysis, root cause investigation, product performance issues, and application suitability. The role will also develop analytical approaches and test methods to assess material performance and will conduct forward-looking research into new materials, additives, compounds, processing methods, and manufacturing technologies.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the organization's Subject Matter Expert for polymeric materials, including plastics and rubbers, and educate the organization on material behavior, degradation mechanisms, chemical compatibility, processing effects, supplier variation, emerging material technologies, and best practices for material selection and use.
  • Lead materials-related failure analysis and root cause investigations for plastics, rubbers, elastomers, seals, gaskets, molded components, and other polymeric materials, including development of structured investigation plans, use of appropriate characterization methods, interpretation of evidence, documentation of findings, and recommendations for corrective actions.]
  • Provide technical support to business units, manufacturing plants, quality teams, sourcing, suppliers, and product engineering teams on polymer-related product complaints, performance issues, material substitutions, and application suitability questions; develop analytical approaches and test methods needed to assess material performance and application suitability.
  • Support business unit needs by making recommendations for selecting, evaluating, and qualifying polymeric materials, including thermoplastics, thermosets, rubbers, elastomers, and composite materials, for water-contact, high-temperature, pressure-bearing, sealing, and chemically exposed applications.
  • Conduct forward-looking research into new polymeric materials, additives, compounds, processing methods, manufacturing technologies, and supplier capabilities that could improve product performance, reliability, cost, sustainability, manufacturability, or competitive differentiation.
  • Work with internal and external testing labs to verify material and product performance, develop new test methods as needed, and translate test data into well-communicated, practical recommendations for design, quality, manufacturing, and supplier decisions.

Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • 7 years of relevant experience. Candidates with less experience may be considered based on depth of expertise.
  • Demonstrated expertise in polymer engineering, materials failure analysis, root cause investigation, and technical problem solving; experience with adjacent materials such as metals, enamels, foams, adhesives, or coatings is beneficial.
  • Significant experience with plastics, rubbers, elastomers, and polymer characterization methods, including mechanical testing, thermal analysis such as DSC, TGA, and DMA, rheology and melt flow evaluation, spectroscopy such as FTIR, microscopy including SEM/EDS, hardness testing, compression set, chemical compatibility and swelling evaluation, aging studies, and other methods used to assess polymer composition, degradation, processing effects, and application performance.
  • Experience evaluating polymer degradation, environmental stress cracking, chemical attack, swelling, embrittlement, creep, fatigue, wear, aging, compression set, sealing performance, and other application-specific failure modes.
  • Ability to document and communicate technical findings clearly to engineering, quality, manufacturing, sourcing, supplier, and leadership audiences through concise reports, presentations, and recommendations.
  • Great communication and organizational skills, including the ability to facilitate and foster good cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teamwork.
  • Strong time management and prioritization skills to balance multiple projects within a defined schedule and budget.
  • Domestic and International travel required.

We Offer
Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.
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ADA Statement & EEO Statement
In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status.
We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.

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