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Polymer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

JOB TITLE: Material Handler FLSA STATUS: Non Exempt REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Materials (Warehouse) SUMMARY Responsible for the handling and storage of materials for all departments, as well as ...

Material Handler

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering ...

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering ...

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering ...

$110 - $140/hr

PhD Material Science, Polymer Chemistry or related engineering or scientific discipline. * Experience with Continuous Improvement principles (lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, etc.). * ASQ Certification ...

New

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering ...

Material Handler

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering ...

Operator (B)

Latonia, KY · On-site

$23.26/hr

Headquartered in Minnesota, IP Corporation supports a portfolio of operating companies that manufacture and distribute resins, gel coats, composite materials, and specialty polymer solutions used ...

Showing results 21-40

Polymer information

See Kentucky salary details

$43.9K

$77.6K

$134.6K

How much do polymer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer in Kentucky is $77,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $99,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polymer?

A Polymer job typically involves working with synthetic or natural polymers in research, development, production, or quality control. Professionals in this field may be chemists, engineers, or technicians who design, test, and optimize polymer materials for various applications, such as plastics, coatings, adhesives, and composites. Their work is essential in industries like automotive, healthcare, packaging, and electronics. Responsibilities may include formulating new materials, improving existing products, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

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

To thrive as a Polymer Scientist or Engineer, a strong background in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering is essential, often supported by a relevant degree or advanced certification. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, polymer synthesis techniques, and analytical tools such as FTIR, DSC, or GPC is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and strong collaboration abilities help individuals excel in both research and industrial settings. Mastering these skills and qualifications ensures innovation, safe material design, and successful project outcomes in the competitive field of polymer science.

What are the typical career advancement paths for professionals in polymer science or engineering roles?

Polymer professionals often start in research, product development, or quality control positions and can advance to senior scientist, project manager, or technical leader roles as they gain experience. With additional education or specialized training, opportunities in management, consulting, or regulatory affairs are also common. Many companies support professional development through conferences, certifications, and advanced degrees, facilitating growth into leadership positions. Joining multidisciplinary teams or working on high-impact projects can further accelerate career progression, making this field dynamic and full of opportunities for advancement.

Is polymer science a good career?

Polymer science is a specialized field focused on the development and application of polymer materials, often requiring a background in chemistry or materials science. Careers in this area can offer opportunities in research, manufacturing, and product development, with roles typically involving laboratory work and technical skills. Job prospects depend on industry demand and individual qualifications, with some positions requiring advanced degrees or certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Polymer jobs in Kentucky?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Polymer jobs in Kentucky are:

Infographic showing various Polymer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,585 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Engineer, Manufacturing (Assembly) - 2nd Shift

Summit Polymer

Elizabethtown, KY • On-site

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Summit Polymers rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 84 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.
JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU'LL BE CHALLENGED AND valued.
A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don't just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We're always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service and quality.
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Engineer, Manufacturing (Assembly) FLSA STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing)
SUMMARY
This is hands-on technical work involving the assembly of injection molded plastic parts for automotive interior trim, full center consoles, and kinetic parts including air conditioning outlets, cup holders, glove boxes and bins. Provide technical support and leadership to manufacturing production teams with a focus on operational excellence each and every day.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Under general supervision is responsible for the following major tasks:
  • Responsible for all assembly machine activities associated with new product launches including:
    • Participating with the product development team and corporate manufacturing technical leaders to:
      • Ensure products are designed for manufacturability and quality.
      • Specify robust assembly machines that include effective error proofing, good ergonomics, and facilitate efficient standardized work.
      • Provide feedback to the corporate manufacturing technical leaders to improve assembly machine standards.
    • Working with the corporate manufacturing technical leaders to develop standardized work, machine quote specification sheets, capacity analysis, work balance tables, and assembly cell layouts from NBA thru end of program.
  • Participate in all machine design review meetings.
  • Monitor progress of assembly machine construction to ensure program and plant required timing is met.
    • Participate in machine review and validation runs of assembly equipment prior to shipment to manufacturing plant.
    • Working with corporate packaging engineers and packaging suppliers to develop exeternal packaging and internal work in process packaging that ensures safe, defect-free transportation to subsequent operations and the customer.
    • Work with the SLMS engineer (lean manufacturing) to develop flow racks for the assembly cell.
    • Write standardized work instructions so operators can perform work safely, with the proper quality, and in the proper time.
    • Lead and perform engineering changes to assembly machines from an electrical, pneumatic, servo motor controls, PLC, machining, and sensor & vision system perspective.
    • Assist maintenance with developing effective preventative maintenance schedule.
  • Responsible for supporting manufacturing for assembly machines and cells in production.
    • Support the production team in increasing efficiency, quality, and safety through use of standardardized work tools (element cycle time studies, standardized work charts and combination tables, work balance tables), practical problem solving methods and kaizen improvement opportunities.
    • Troubleshoot process or equipment-related problems and provide solutions in a timely manner.
    • Develop justifications for various process improvement projects.
    • Conduct process audits to ensure standardized work and quality system compliance in assembly.
  • Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar technical discipline OR 5 years of experience in an automotive manufacturing or assembly machine supplier environment may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Proficiency in Omron PLC programming.
  • Basic machine shop skills and ability to fabricate simple components.
  • Ability to read electrical and pneumatic prints.
  • Ability to view assembly machines in software such as SolidWorks eDrawing, to cut sections & measure dimensions.
  • Knowledge of plastic welding processes for injection molded parts including - sonic welding, vibration welding, hot plate welding, IR welding.
  • Knowledge of secondary decoration process including - hot stamping, pad printing, laser etching, laser marking, etc.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use a variety of sensors and vision systems to create a robust assembly machine and process.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software suite - Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Independent thinking with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Flexible and able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
  • Preferred experienced in:
    • SolidWorks
    • VisMockup
    • Six axis robot and cobot programming - Fanuc and UR

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.
  • A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
This position typically does not require any travel.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.

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