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Polymers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CHEMICAL OPERATOR

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$17.75 - $20.25/hr

Mallard Creek Polymers is seeking a qualified Chemical Operator to join our team. Who you are: Our ideal teammate... Enjoys working with a team to meet polymer production goals. They like operating ...

CHEMICAL OPERATOR

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$17.75 - $20.25/hr

Mallard Creek Polymers is seeking a qualified Chemical Operator to join our team. Who you are: Our ideal teammate... Enjoys working with a team to meet polymer production goals. They like operating ...

Delivery Driver

West Chester, OH · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Queen City Polymers is an experienced leader in custom plastics manufacturing, distribution, machining, fabricating, cutting to-size, fulfillment, and assembly. We pride ourselves on serving ...

Queen City Polymers is an experienced leader in custom plastics manufacturing, distribution, machining, fabricating, cutting to-size, fulfillment, and assembly. We pride ourselves on serving ...

Queen City Polymers is an experienced leader in custom plastics manufacturing, distribution, machining, fabricating, cutting to-size, fulfillment, and assembly. We pride ourselves on serving ...

Warehouse Technician - Arnette Polymers

Richmond, MO · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Responsible for ensuring all trucks, trailers, and drivers have the proper licenses and certifications to haul any and all materials they deliver or pick up from Arnette Polymers, including hazardous ...

Fenner Precision Polymers is a global organization that values employee contributions and supports career development. The Product Manager will develop product strategies, oversee product roadmaps ...

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Polymers information

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$31.5K

$61.7K

$92K

How much do polymers jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymers in the United States is $61,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Polymer Scientist, and why are they important?

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 are polymers and what do people working in this field 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 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.

More about Polymers jobs
What cities are hiring for Polymers jobs? Cities with the most Polymers job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Polymers jobs? The most popular types of Polymers jobs are:
What states have the most Polymers jobs? States with the most job openings for Polymers jobs include:
Infographic showing various Polymers job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,748 per year, or $29.7 per hour.
B61 Polymers and Materials System Scientist (Scientist 2)

B61 Polymers and Materials System Scientist (Scientist 2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title B61 Polymers and Materials System Scientist (Scientist 2)
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name W-1/B61 Systems Engineering
Minimum Salary 106400
Maximum Salary 176000
What You Will Do
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
The B61 Systems Engineering Group is responsible for ensuring the continued safety, performance, and reliability of the B61 nuclear package from deployment through dismantlement. The group currently supports multiple phases of the nuclear weapon's life cycle, ranging from feasibility studies through retirement. W-1 also serves as the Laboratory's coordinator for all B61 bombs external programmatic leadership activities involving the National Nuclear Security Administration, Sandia National Laboratories, the US Air Force, and the Department of Defense/War.
As a Polymer and Materials system scientist in W-1, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
  • Works closely with the lead Polymer and Materials Component Engineer to be part of a small team that is responsible for the technical interface between W-1 and the production agency (PA), surveillance engineers, and physics communities.
  • Helps to lead and coordinate technical projects associated with B61 polymers/materials and report out results to LANL management.
  • Evaluate input to the Annual Assessment Reports with respect to polymer and material health.
  • Attend technical meetings and discussion on behalf of the B61 Systems Engineering Group.
  • Works closely with the lead Polymer and Materials Component Engineer to lead efforts directed at addressing potential knowledge gaps within these materials and evaluate and prioritize new evaluation tools that could help address such concerns.
  • Communicate and work interdependently with personnel involved in the evaluation of polymers and materials at LANL, which includes but is not limited to; W-9 system surveillance engineers, weapon system engineers, MST Division, C-division, Q-division, primary physicists, and W-Division management.
  • Contribute as a technical advisor for B61 PSFN/SFN/SFIs associated with polymers and materials.
  • Serve as a technical lead for B61-13 production and contributor to B61-13 AUR full rate production.
  • Resolve process related issues at Pantex and/or KCNSC related to polymers and materials.
  • Collaborate and coordinate with MST and C-division on material related issues.
  • Contribute to B61 Weapons Systems FMEA and collaborate with other Weapons Systems groups on topics relating to materials-related projects.
  • Support Primary Mod 12/13 PRTs as necessary.
  • Some moderate travel may be required to the various production agencies.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Weapon Engineering Experience
Knowledge of engineering and material science principles and practices. Experience with materials used in LANL weapons designs and methods used for characterization of these materials.
Technical Leadership
Demonstrated ability in contributing to the completion of projects, establishing project plans, assigning tasks to team members, and reporting progress and meeting milestones. Proven ability to reach milestones and produce deliverables while remaining with budget constraints. Demonstrated ability to interact with internal and external customers, and ability to work on multiple projects within a given time.
Problem Solving
Demonstrated ability to generate and apply innovative approaches to solve complex problems. Proven record of achievements in a technical field.
Communication and Teamwork
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and through written documentation. Experience in communicating with coworkers, managers, and customers. Proven record of working effectively as a team member. Demonstrated ability to seek technical input from experts.
Education/Experience: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
  • General knowledge of the engineering authorization system and document management systems.
  • Experience in technical report writing.
  • Working knowledge of practices related to working with Special Nuclear Material, classified documents and parts.
  • Current or previous experience as a derivative classifier
  • Ph.D. in related field is preferred.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
  • Please submit a detailed cover letter with your resume addressing all required and desired skills. (Please save cover letter with job number and name).
  • Although the primary responsibilities of this position are associated with work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, occasional travel is required.
  • Applicant must currently hold a Q Clearance with Sigma 15 authorization or have the ability to obtain a Q clearance and Sigma 15 authorization

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Regular
Regular
Contact Details
Contact Name Robinson, Loren
Email lrob@lanl.gov
Work Telephone

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