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Senior Polymer Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Polymer Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$57.7K

$124.3K

$181K

How much do senior polymer scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior polymer scientist in Reston, VA is $124,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,600.00 and $156,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior polymer scientist?

A Senior Polymer Scientist is a highly experienced professional who researches, develops, and optimizes polymer materials for various applications, such as packaging, healthcare, or electronics. They lead projects involving polymer synthesis, processing, and characterization while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Their responsibilities often include developing new materials, improving existing formulations, ensuring product quality, and staying updated on industry advancements. Additionally, they may mentor junior scientists and support regulatory compliance efforts.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a senior polymer scientist?

Senior Polymer Scientists are responsible for designing and conducting experiments to develop new polymer materials or improve existing ones, analyzing data using advanced instrumentation, and troubleshooting any technical challenges that arise in the laboratory. They often oversee or mentor junior scientists and research associates, collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as engineering and manufacturing, and prepare technical reports or presentations for stakeholders. Additionally, they stay up-to-date with industry trends and compliance standards to ensure research remains innovative and aligned with business goals. This multifaceted role requires balancing hands-on laboratory work with strategic planning and cross-team communication, making each day dynamic and intellectually stimulating.

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

A Senior Polymer Scientist typically requires an advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.Sc.) in Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Materials Science, along with extensive experience in polymer synthesis, characterization, and application development. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (e.g., NMR, FTIR, GPC), laboratory information management systems, and regulatory standards is essential, and certifications in safety or laboratory management can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, project management, collaboration, and excellent communication skills help drive innovation and effective teamwork. These competencies are critical for leading complex research projects, ensuring high-quality outputs, and fostering advancements in polymer technologies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Polymer Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Polymer Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Senior Polymer Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Polymer Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Polymer Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Polymer Scientist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Polymer Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Polymer Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,326 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Scientist / Nuclear Weapons SME

Global Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Germantown, MD • On-site

$175 - $190/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

THIS POSITION IS 100% ON-SITE IN GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND.

Relocation Support to the Germantown area may be provided.

Global Engineering & Technology (GET) is seeking a Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) with expertise in nuclear weapon science to support the Department of Energy's Office of Classification in Germantown, Maryland.

This is a highly compensated full-time position with benefits, with work performed primarily at the DOE facility in Germantown, Maryland. This long-term position may provide relocation support to the Germantown area for those who live outside of the DMV (region encompassing the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).

Salary Range: Compensation for this position will range from $175,000 to $190,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Duties:
  • This position requires expert-level knowledge to advise senior DOE management on current technical issues related to the SME's area of expertise in nuclear weapons research (e.g., nuclear weapon design, materials science research, stockpile management, special nuclear materials production, developments relating to improvised nuclear devices, or other areas of expertise)
  • This leadership and policy guidance position requires the ability to lead working groups and develop white papers and presentations
  • This senior professional prepares classification guidance and classification/declassification policy documents and guides in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, DOE Orders, and DOE Office of Classification procedures for Restricted Data (RD), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), National Security Information (NSI), and Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI), including but not limited to the technical areas described below
Security Clearance

Candidate MUST be a United States citizen and have a current DoD Top Secret security clearance or DOE Q security clearance.

Education and Experience
  • Applicant MUST have earned an advanced degree in nuclear engineering or a physical science
  • Applicant MUST have hands‑on nuclear weapon science experience
  • This position requires excellent writing and verbal communication skills. The individual must demonstrate the ability to read and understand written English at or above academic grade 15 (Nelson Denny reading assessment).

Minimum of ten (10) years' total field experience in the subject area of nuclear weapons is required. Hands‑on experience with nuclear weapons‑related matters such as any of the following is highly valued:

  • Computer Codes and Simulation Tools
  • Nuclear Weapon Design
  • Weapon Science
  • Use Control and other surety aspects of nuclear weapons
  • Knowledge of Improvised Nuclear Devices (INDs)
  • Advanced understanding of Radiation Exposure Devices and Radiological Dispersal Devices, including their basic science and technological principles
  • Second Line of Defense to interdict nuclear materials
  • Hands‑on knowledge of computer code development to support the nuclear weapon complex is desirable, as is experience with XML computer language
  • Experience working with DOE / NNSA / DoD / DHS / NRC and the national nuclear weapon laboratories

The following are also highly valued:

  • Expertise in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)
  • Experience teaching and developing testing and educational materials for subjects such as IND or ICF is highly desirable

We provide exceptional benefits to our full‑time employees (spouse/family coverage option is available at a company‑subsidized rate).

Benefits include:

  • Medical Plan Options With UnitedHealthcare
  • Dental Insurance
  • Long‑term and Short‑term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Generous 401(k) Match

All benefits are effective on day one of employment.

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET) does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

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