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Senior Polymer Scientist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Henkel

Sr Chemist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $96K/yr

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline preferred; equivalent industry experience will also be considered. * Bachelor's or ...

All JobsPolymer Scientist JobsSenior Polymer Scientist JobsSenior Polymer Scientist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Senior Polymer Scientist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$57.9K

$124.7K

$181.5K

How much do senior polymer scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior polymer scientist in Riverside, CA is $124,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,900.00 and $156,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Senior Polymer Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Senior Polymer Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Polymer Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Polymer Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Senior Polymer Scientist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Senior Polymer Scientist job openings:

Senior Polymer Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Polymer Scientist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,674 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Sr Research Engineer - Polymer Materials

James Hardie

Fontana, CA • On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

James Hardie rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie, TimberTech, AZEK Exteriors, Versatex, fermacell, and StruXure.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we're united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.

Summary

This position can be based at our Wilmington, OH or Fontana, CA plant

The Senior Research Engineer / Scientist - Polymer Materials will support the development, optimization, and deployment of PVC material technologies for highperformance, durable building products. This role requires deep fundamentals in polymer science and polymer engineering, with emphasis on PVC chemistry, physics, processing, and structure-property-process relationships, bridging laboratory research and manufacturing implementation.

What You'll Do:

Key Responsibilities

Polymer Formulation & Materials Development

Develop, optimize, and evaluate PVC formulations, including base resins, stabilizer systems, lubricants, impact modifiers, process aids, fillers, and pigments. Apply fundamental polymer science and engineering principles (polymer thermodynamics, viscoelasticity, molecular weight effects, phase behavior, and degradation mechanisms) to guide formulation design. Demonstrate strong understanding of PVCspecific behavior, including fusion/gelation, thermal stability, shear sensitivity, rheology, and morphology development. Establish and interpret structure-property-processing relationships to balance durability, mechanical performance, surface quality, and manufacturability. Conduct laboratoryscale compounding, extrusion, and molding to support new product, cost, and sustainability initiatives. Drive AI assisted material characterizations and formulation development. 

Process & Manufacturing Support

Support PVC extrusion and compounding processes, including formulationdriven troubleshooting of surface defects, instability, degradation, dimensional control, and throughput limitations. Apply polymer processing fundamentals (heat transfer, shear and elongational flow, residence time, die swell, cooling, and orientation effects) to diagnose and resolve manufacturing issues. Partner with manufacturing, quality, and process engineering teams to scale laboratory formulations to robust, highyield production. Support pilotscale and plant trials. 

Testing & Characterization

Design and execute experimental plans using thermal, mechanical, rheological, and environmental characterization techniques (DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, weathering, impact, tensile, flexural). Interpret data using firstprinciples understanding of polymer behavior and PVC material response. Maintain high standards for documentation and technical rigor. 

Project Management & Technical Communication

Plan and execute technical projects with defined scope and milestones. Communicate complex polymer concepts clearly through written reports and presentations. Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders. 

What You'll Bring:

Required Qualifications 

PhD in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering with 0-7 years of experience, or MS with 3-10 years of experience.  

Strong fundamental knowledge of polymer chemistry and polymer engineering. Deep understanding of PVC materials including stabilization chemistry, fusion behavior, degradation mechanisms, and extrusion processing.  

Experience in AI assisted material characterizations and formulation development for composite materials. 

Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Travel -35% (mainly domestic) 

Preferred Qualifications 

Handson experience with PVC compounding, extrusion, or formulation development. Experience supporting highvolume manufacturing or pilotscale operations. Familiarity with building materials and durability requirements. 

What You'll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $120,000 - $135,000.  Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

  • Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
  • Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
  • Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
  • Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
  • Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
  • Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
  • Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
  • More: Click here to learn more about our benefits

Build a Better Future for All - Apply now!

#LI-MB22

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

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