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Senior Polymer Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Senior Polymer Chemist

Long Beach, CA

Vast is looking for a Senior Polymer Chemist , reporting to the Non-Metallic Materials & Processes ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including materials, thermal, and systems engineers, to ...

PIP Global

Senior Polymer Chemist

Charleston, SC · On-site

The Senior Polymer Chemist will lead the development, formulation, and optimization of elastomeric ... This role will also play a critical role in bridging material science, process engineering, and ...

Vast

Senior Polymer Chemist

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Vast is looking for a Senior Polymer Chemist , reporting to the Non-Metallic Materials & Processes ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including materials, thermal, and systems engineers, to ...

Quadratic 3D

Senior Polymer Chemist

Somerville, MA

D. in Polymer, Chemistry, Materials Science or Chemical Engineering degree with 3 to 10 years of relevant experience. * One or two years of postdoc experience is helpful. Additional Information ...

Quadratic 3D

Senior Polymer Chemist

Somerville, MA · On-site

D. in Polymer, Chemistry, Materials Science or Chemical Engineering degree with 3 to 10 years of relevant experience. * One or two years of postdoc experience is helpful. Additional Information ...

Rivian

Sr. Polymer Chemist

Hayward, CA · On-site

... Chemical Engineering with a focus on polymer chemistry. * Experienced in polymer formulation/chemistry of acrylics, polyurethanes, silicones, and epoxies with strong knowledge of the interplay ...

Rivian

Sr. Polymer Chemist

Hayward, CA · On-site

... Chemical Engineering with a focus on polymer chemistry. * Experienced in polymer formulation/chemistry of acrylics, polyurethanes, silicones, and epoxies with strong knowledge of the interplay ...

Dexcom

Sr Medical Device Engineer

San Diego, CA

$110K - $152K/yr

You will operate polymer synthesis, processing, and analytical testing equipment in support of ... You bring expertise in polymer science or polymer engineering, enabling innovative material ...

Dexcom, Inc.

Sr Medical Device Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

You will operate polymer synthesis, processing, and analytical testing equipment in support of ... You bring expertise in polymer science or polymer engineering, enabling innovative material ...

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All JobsSenior Polymer Engineer Jobs

Senior Polymer Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior polymer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior polymer engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities for a Senior Polymer Engineer in a manufacturing environment?

As a Senior Polymer Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you can expect to lead projects focused on developing new polymer materials or optimizing existing ones for specific applications. Your responsibilities often include designing experiments, analyzing material properties, troubleshooting production issues, and guiding junior engineers or technicians. You’ll frequently collaborate with R&D, quality assurance, and production teams to ensure materials meet performance and regulatory standards. Additionally, you may interact with clients or suppliers to align material specifications with product requirements.

What is the difference between Senior Polymer Engineer vs Polymer Scientist?

AspectSenior Polymer EngineerPolymer Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; experience in polymer design and processingTypically a Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Polymer Science; strong research background
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize polymer products in manufacturing or R&D settingsConducts fundamental research, experiments, and analysis in labs or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing companies, R&D labs, and industries focused on polymer productsCommon in research institutions, universities, and advanced R&D departments

The main difference is that Senior Polymer Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to develop and improve polymer products in industrial settings, while Polymer Scientists primarily conduct research to understand polymer properties and create new materials. Both roles require strong technical credentials, but their work environments and objectives differ.

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

To thrive as a Senior Polymer Engineer, a deep understanding of polymer science, materials engineering, and process optimization is essential, typically supported by a degree in chemical or materials engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, ANSYS), laboratory analysis tools (e.g., DSC, TGA), and knowledge of industry standards or Six Sigma certification are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, and effective communication skills are crucial for leading projects and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the development of innovative materials and efficient processes, driving product quality and organizational success.

What are Senior Polymer Engineers?

Senior Polymer Engineers are experienced professionals who specialize in the design, development, and testing of polymer materials and products. They apply advanced knowledge of chemistry, materials science, and engineering principles to create polymers used in a wide range of industries, such as automotive, medical devices, packaging, and electronics. In addition to technical expertise, they often lead teams, manage projects, and collaborate with clients or other departments to solve complex materials challenges. Their role is crucial in advancing new materials and improving the performance, durability, and sustainability of polymer-based products.
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What cities are hiring for Senior Polymer Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Polymer Engineer job openings:
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Senior Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Polymer Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Polymer Chemist

Vast

Long Beach, CA

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Vast is looking for a Senior Polymer Chemist, reporting to the Non-Metallic Materials & Processes Lead, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. 

This role supports toxicity and contamination control for Haven-1, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for crew members in orbit. 

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Conduct research on advanced polymer materials-including composites, coatings, and elastomers- with a focus on chemical stability, thermal decomposition, and outgassing/off-gassing behavior under aerospace-relevant conditions
  • Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation, including SIFT-MS, TGA, FTIR, and TGA-FTIR
  • Calibrate, validate, and optimize performance of analytical instruments; ensure high reliability and data integrity
  • Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues; liaise with vendors, technical support, stakeholders as needed
  • Develop, refine, and validate methods for evolved gas analysis (EGA) and real-time volatile detection, including off-gas testing protocols using SIFT-MS
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including materials, thermal, and systems engineers, to integrate findings into broader design and testing efforts
  • Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements related to materials and chemical analysis

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Polymer Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field
  • 3+ years of industrial or research experience in polymer characterization and analytical method development
  • Hands-on experience operating and maintaining TGA, FTIR, GC-MS, HPLC-MS, and SIFT-MS or CIMS instrumentation
  • Strong foundation in thermal analysis and gas-phase chemical detection

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Masters degree or PhD in Polymer Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry preferred 
  • Expertise in SIFT-MS, TGA-FTIR, or TGA-MS data acquisition, method development, and result interpretation
  • Advanced knowledge of polymer degradation mechanisms and desorption processes
  • Experience validating analytical protocols and conducting method development for off-gassing and thermal stability testing
  • Familiarity with NASA-STD-6001B for flammability, off-gassing, and material selection of non-metallic materials
  • Familiarity with MAPTIS for material screening, evaluation, and compliance
  • Strong data analysis skills, including statistical modeling and use of Design of Experiments (DoE)
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Proven ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly, both verbally and in writing
  • Experience in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, ideally in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries
  • Experience with identifying and investigating chemical ionization mechanisms (e.g., proton/electron transfer, adduct formation, dissociative electron transfer, hydride association) relevant to polymer off-gassing and degradation

Additional Requirements:

  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
  • Specific certifications, as appropriate

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