1

Polymer Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Produce proof-of-concept and lab-scale samples for testing and evaluation. * Characterize ... Qualifications * BS/MS/PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or ...

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Produce proof-of-concept and lab-scale samples for testing and evaluation. * Characterize ... Qualifications * BS/MS/PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or ...

Polymer Composites Intern

San Jose, CA

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Polymer Composites Intern This Polymer Composites Intern will support active filament development ... Support mechanical testing of printed coupons, including tensile, flexural, impact, or other ...

... testing protocols using SIFT-MS * Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including materials ... Bachelor's degree in Polymer Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field * 3+ years of ...

Polymer Composites Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Polymer Composites Intern This Polymer Composites Intern will support active filament development ... Support mechanical testing of printed coupons, including tensile, flexural, impact, or other ...

Product Design FEA Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159.20K - $191.20K/yr

Experience in polymer testing and modeling.Experience with Abaqus, ANSA, and META.Self-motivated to identify areas for improvement and drive innovation.Excellent cross-functional collaboration and ...

Senior Polymer Chemist

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

... testing protocols using SIFT-MS * Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including materials ... Bachelor's degree in Polymer Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field * 3+ years of ...

Experience in polymer characterization techniques and equipment including DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, and mechanical property testing * Experience forming complex shapes, such as in the automotive or ...

Lead testing protocols for dielectric breakdown, aging, and physical properties * Support ... D. in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field, with deep experience in elastomer ...

Handson experience with material or polymer testing and characterization. * Strong analytical and problemsolving skills with the ability to interpret technical data. * Ability to work both ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Polymer Testing information

See salary details

$50.5K

$89.3K

$155K

How much do polymer testing jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer testing 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 a Polymer Testing job?

A Polymer Testing job involves analyzing and evaluating the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of polymer materials. Professionals in this role conduct tests to assess durability, strength, thermal resistance, and other characteristics to ensure quality and compliance with industry standards. They use various laboratory techniques such as spectroscopy, rheology, and mechanical testing. This position is essential in industries like manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and healthcare to develop and improve polymer-based products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Polymer Testing position, and why are they important?

Excelling in Polymer Testing requires a background in chemistry, materials science, or a related field, with hands-on experience in analytical testing and characterization of polymers. Familiarity with laboratory instruments such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, and universal testing machines, as well as knowledge of industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO), is highly valued. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong reporting skills are key soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring polymer products meet quality specifications and for supporting innovation in materials development.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Polymer Testing?

A typical day in Polymer Testing involves preparing samples, conducting a range of physical and chemical tests (such as tensile strength, thermal analysis, or spectroscopy), and carefully documenting the results. You may analyze data to determine if materials meet client or regulatory standards and collaborate with R&D, quality assurance, or production teams to resolve technical challenges. There is often a mix of independent lab work and teamwork, as well as opportunities to contribute to process improvement or new product development projects. Staying organized and adhering to safety protocols are essential parts of the daily workflow.
What cities are hiring for Polymer Testing jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Testing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Testing jobs? The most popular types of Polymer Testing jobs are:
What states have the most Polymer Testing jobs? States with the most job openings for Polymer Testing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Testing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Testing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Polymer Testing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% Full Time, 89% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Chemist/Polymer Scientist (Ph.D.)

Chemist/Polymer Scientist (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$140K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Exponent
Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients' most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.
Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.
Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you'll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!
Key statistics:
  • 950+ Consultants
  • 640+ Ph.D.s
  • 90+ Disciplines
  • 30+ Offices globally

Our Opportunity
We are currently seeking a Chemist/Polymer Scientist for our Polymers & ChemistryPractice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role you will work as part of an interdisciplinary team contributing to a diverse set of projects from industries such as pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer products, construction, infrastructure and automotive. This position requires some travel and will involve collaborating with scientists and engineers from other Exponent offices and practices. A long-term goal for a successful candidate will be to develop business by obtaining new projects and bringing new clients to the firm.
You will be responsible for
  • Inspecting, testing and analyzing various polymeric materials to assess their specifications and/or reliability in a variety of applications from a wide range of industries
  • Performing root cause investigations on failing or underperforming materials/components by scientifically examining the development, manufacturing or end-use environment of products specified for use in the construction, medical device, consumer electronics, and pharmaceutical industries
  • Analyzing information and conveying technical conclusions to individuals in engineering, business, law, and industry, as well as communicating testing rationale in the context of product development, product defect claims, and intellectual property disputes

You will have the following skills and qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related field
  • Well-developed understanding of small molecule, polymer and materials characterization
  • Knowledge of polymer bulk physical properties, and/or polymer processing preferred
  • Strong background and hands-on experience in polymer/chemical characterization techniques, such as FTIR, GC-MS, LC-MS, GPC, NMR, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, DSC, TGA, and DMA.
  • Knowledge of medical device testing and manufacturing standards, such as ISO 10993, ISO 13485, ISO 14971
  • Experience with the design, assembly, and execution of novel or non-standard testing
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills
  • Must be able to convey complex technical information to individuals in engineering, business, legal and related industries
  • Ability to work within project teams with strong desire to contribute; have potential for technical and project managerial leadership
  • Strong educational and publication credentials
  • This is a Menlo Park, CA -based position. The successful applicant must live in (or be willing to relocate to) the Menlo Park, CA area AND be enthusiastic about regularly working in the office
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].
Life @ Exponent
To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact
Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.
Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.
Work Environment
At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.
We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite
Compensation
Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
Salary Range
USD $140,000.00 - USD $162,000.00 /Yr.
Benefits you will enjoy
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com.
Job Locations
US-CA-Menlo Park