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Polymers Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Materials R&D Technician

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$35 - $44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue, compression, etc.) with metals, polymers, or composites OR characterization work scope (thermal testing, imaging, etc.) * Support maintenance and ...

Exponent Inc.

Principal Scientist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$225 - $275/hr

  • Retirement

Our Opportunity We are seeking an experienced consultant for a Principal Scientist position in our Polymers & Chemistry Practice. This position is open across all U.S. office locations. In this role ...

Fenner

General Laborer - Day Shift

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22.90/hr

... Polymers Values and Behaviors at all times. Career Progression Opportunities: (example: junior or senior levels) • Mixer Helper • Coater Helper • Slitter Operator Education and/or Relative ...

Fenner

General Laborer - Day Shift

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22.90/hr

... Polymers Values and Behaviors at all times. Career Progression Opportunities: (example: junior or senior levels) • Mixer Helper • Coater Helper • Slitter Operator Education and/or Relative ...

Ineos

Process Technician

Carson, CA

INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA Interested in joining a winning team? A team whose employees are empowered to make a difference? ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE: ineos ...

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for the development, test and performance evaluation of metals, polymers, coatings, and joining/forming techniques used across the current and next generation Starshield satellite designs

Pae

Support Scientist II-6

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$99K/yr

This includes the development of organisms and systems that are capable of producing mission-relevant compounds such as nutritional compounds, pharmaceuticals, chemicals/polymers, fuels, and binding ...

Danaher

Senior Materials Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role serves as a technical expert for material-related investigations involving polymers, elastomers, adhesives, films, molded plastic components, reagents, and chemical interfaces used in PCR ...

Danaher Corporation

Senior Materials Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role serves as a technical expert for material-related investigations involving polymers, elastomers, adhesives, films, molded plastic components, reagents, and chemical interfaces used in PCR ...

New

INEOS

Process Technician

Carson, CA · On-site

INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA Interested in joining a winning team? A team whose employees are empowered to make a difference? ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE: ineos ...

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All JobsPolymers JobsPolymers Jobs in California

Polymers information

See California salary details

$31.1K

$60.9K

$90.8K

How much do polymers jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymers in California is $60,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $69,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polymer and what does a polymer scientist do?

Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating structural units, commonly known as monomers, and are essential in the production of plastics, fibers, rubbers, and many other materials. Professionals working with polymers—such as polymer scientists, engineers, or technologists—research, design, develop, and test new polymer materials for various applications. They may also improve existing products or processes, ensuring materials meet specific mechanical, chemical, or environmental requirements. Their work is vital in industries like packaging, automotive, healthcare, and electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polymer scientist?

To thrive as a Polymer Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, materials science, and polymer engineering, usually supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Experience with analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and rheology, as well as familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative polymer materials, ensuring precise research outcomes, and collaborating successfully within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in polymer research and development?

Professionals in polymer research and development often encounter challenges such as optimizing material properties for specific applications, scaling up production from laboratory to industrial levels, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as chemists, engineers, and product designers—is common to address these challenges. Staying updated with advances in polymer technology and sustainability trends is also crucial for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Polymers vs Chemical Technicians?

AspectPolymersChemical Technicians
Required CredentialsDegree in Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Chemical EngineeringAssociate's degree or diploma in Chemistry or Chemical Technology
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesLaboratories, manufacturing settings, quality control labs
Industry UsageSpecialized in polymer materials, plastics, and compositesBroader chemical industry, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and testing

Polymers professionals focus on the development, testing, and manufacturing of polymer-based materials, often requiring specialized knowledge in polymer chemistry. Chemical Technicians support various chemical processes across multiple industries, including polymers, but with a broader scope. While both roles work in laboratory and manufacturing environments, Polymers specialists have more targeted expertise in polymer science, whereas Chemical Technicians handle a wider range of chemical tasks.

Is polymer technology a good career?

Polymer technology is a viable career path for those interested in materials science, chemical engineering, and manufacturing. It involves developing and improving polymer-based products, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, process engineering, and laboratory skills. The field offers opportunities in industries such as plastics, automotive, healthcare, and packaging, with potential for growth and specialization.

What degree do you need to be a polymers engineer?

Polymers engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, materials science, polymer science, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or higher, along with knowledge of polymer processing, testing, and industry standards.

What are popular job titles related to Polymers jobs in California?

For Polymers jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Polymers jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Polymers jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Polymers jobs?

Cities in California with the most Polymers job openings:

Polymers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymers job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $60,939 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Materials Technician (ASTM/Tensile Test)

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Materials Technician (ASTM/Tensile Test)
Department: Manufacturing
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $35.00 - $40.00 / hour
Description
As a Materials Engineering Technician at Impulse, you will anchor our mechanical testing capabilities. In this role, you will be hands-on in the lab, executing critical testing on a wide variety of materials including advanced metals, polymers, composites, and ceramic that make up our orbital vehicles and propulsion systems. You will be responsible for ensuring that all testing adheres to strict industry standards, managing test setups, and guaranteeing the integrity of the data that drives our engineering decisions.
Responsibilities
  • Set up and operate universal testing machines to perform tensile, compression, flexural, shear, and fatigue testing across diverse material groups
  • Interpret and strictly adhere to ASTM, ISO, and custom internal testing standards for aerospace applications
  • Manage the end-to-end specimen preparation process, ensuring precise dimensional tolerances and surface finishes are met prior to testing
  • Select, install, and align appropriate gripping and fixturing for complex test setups, including high-temperature, cryogenic, or non-standard geometries
  • Record, process, and compile test data into clear, concise reports for the materials and design engineering teams
  • Perform routine maintenance, calibration checks, and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment to minimize downtime
  • Maintain a highly organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 3+ years of direct experience operating mechanical testing equipment in a structured laboratory environment
  • Proven hands-on experience testing a broad range of material classes: metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics
  • Deep functional knowledge of mechanical testing standards (e.g., ASTM E8, D3039, D638, C1161) and specimen geometry requirements
  • Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely handle high-load testing equipment and delicate sensors (extensometers, strain gauges)
  • Excellent meticulousness regarding data entry, traceability, and documentation

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Associate's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field (or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience)
  • 5+ years of demonstrated experience with prior experience working environmental mechanical testing, such as testing in cryogenic chambers, elevated temperature furnaces, or vacuum
    environments within in the aerospace or defense industries
  • Hands-on experience with basic machining (mills, lathes, band saws) to fabricate or modify custom test fixtures on the fly
  • Knowledge of advanced strain measurement techniques, including Digital Image Correlation (DIC)
  • Familiarity with metallographic preparation or basic failure analysis post-testing
  • Experience performing fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth rate tests

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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