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Senior Polymer Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Jm

Senior Research Chemist

Littleton, CO

$111K - $153K/yr

... Engineered Products (EP) and Insulation Systems (IS) businesses, design and conduct pilot/plant ... Bachelor's degree in polymer science, chemistry, materials science or related technical field with ...

Johns Manville

Senior Research Chemist

Littleton, CO · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

... Engineered Products (EP) and Insulation Systems (IS) businesses, design and conduct pilot/plant ... Bachelor's degree in polymer science, chemistry, materials science or related technical field with ...

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Senior Polymer Engineer information

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Polymer Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Polymer Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Senior Polymer Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Polymer Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Polymer Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Senior Polymer Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Senior Polymer Engineer job openings:
Senior Polymer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Polymer Engineer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Senior Polymer Chemist - Thermoset Resin Development

Approach Venture LLC

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Senior Polymer Chemist - Thermoset Resin Development
Broomfield, Colorado | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join an early-stage advanced manufacturing company developing next-generation production technologies for aerospace, defense, and other high-performance industries. The team is building automated manufacturing systems that combine additive manufacturing, process controls, and materials science to produce complex composite structures at scale. As the first dedicated materials hire, you will take ownership of polymer and thermoset resin development from formulation through production. This is a highly hands-on role focused on translating material chemistry into reliable manufacturing processes. You will work closely with engineering leadership to develop resin systems, optimize material performance, and establish the foundation for future materials development across the organization.
About Us
We are a venture-backed pre-seed startup focused on advancing the manufacturing of high-performance composite components. Our team is developing scalable production technologies that address critical supply chain challenges while enabling new capabilities in aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. The company combines expertise in materials science, automation, hardware development, and manufacturing to bring advanced materials from the laboratory into production environments.
Job Duties
  • Lead the development and optimization of thermoset resin formulations for advanced manufacturing applications
  • Design and refine polymer chemistries to achieve targeted processing, curing, thermal, and mechanical performance requirements
  • Develop and improve material mixing, handling, and processing procedures to ensure repeatability and consistency
  • Characterize material behavior using rheological, thermal, and mechanical testing methods
  • Evaluate cure kinetics, viscosity profiles, filler interactions, and overall resin performance
  • Scale formulations from laboratory development through pilot and production-level manufacturing
  • Partner with mechanical, manufacturing, software, and process engineers to optimize material-process integration
  • Establish quality control procedures, material specifications, and validation methodologies
  • Identify, evaluate, and qualify raw material suppliers and new material systems
  • Maintain detailed technical documentation, experimental records, and process data
  • Support intellectual property development and long-term materials strategy
  • Investigate and solve manufacturing, processing, and performance-related material challenges

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
  • 4+ years of experience developing thermoset resin systems, polymer formulations, or composite materials
  • Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, curing mechanisms, and formulation development
  • Experience working with filled resin systems, additives, reinforcement materials, and viscosity modification techniques
  • Hands-on experience with material mixing, processing, degassing, and rheological control
  • Familiarity with analytical and characterization methods such as DSC, TGA, DMA, tensile testing, and microscopy
  • Experience transitioning materials from research environments into manufacturing or production settings
  • Ability to independently design experiments and analyze technical data
  • Strong communication skills and comfort working within multidisciplinary engineering teams

Preferred Experience
  • PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline
  • Experience developing epoxy, phenolic, cyanate ester, or other high-performance thermoset systems
  • Background in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
  • Experience with composite manufacturing processes and reinforced material systems
  • Familiarity with additive manufacturing, paste extrusion, or advanced manufacturing technologies
  • Knowledge of high-temperature materials, thermal protection systems, or ablative materials
  • Experience supporting new product introduction or manufacturing scale-up efforts
  • Prior experience as an early technical hire within a startup environment

Why Join Us
  • Establish the company's materials development function
  • Work directly with founders and engineering leadership on core technology development
  • Own critical decisions around resin chemistry, formulation strategy, and manufacturing scale-up
  • Help solve important manufacturing and supply chain challenges in aerospace and defense
  • Receive meaningful equity ownership in an early-stage venture
  • Collaborate with a highly technical, hands-on team building breakthrough manufacturing capabilities
  • Gain broad exposure across materials development, hardware systems, manufacturing, and product strategy

Compensation Details
$120,000 - $170,000

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