Senior Polymer Development Technologist

Job Title: Senior Polymer Development Technologist

Location: West Midlands

Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience

Benefits: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, free on-site parking, on-site gym,

Hours: 09:00 - 17:00, with some flexibility for earlier start and finish

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Senior Polymer Development Technologist to strengthen our client's technical team. This role is central to supporting innovation and product development activities, working across R&D, NPD (New Product Development), RME (Raw Material Evaluation) and the manufacture of high-quality small-lot products for direct customer sales.

The successful candidate will play a key role in transforming ideas into commercially viable products through pilot-scale processing and technical collaboration. We are open to applicants at various levels of experience.

Key Responsibilities

Operate and optimise pilot-scale processing equipment, including Twin-screw compounder, Blown film line and Injection moulding equipment

Produce materials and products for Research & Development (R&D), New Product Development (NPD), Raw Material Evaluation (RME), Small-scale commercial production

Ensure accurate handling, tracking, and movement of materials through ERP systems

Maintain stock control and support material inventory management

Adhere strictly to COSHH regulations and safe material handling practices

Work both independently and collaboratively to meet project and production deadlines

Maintain excellent documentation and reporting standards

Support the Quality Manager with Quality control (QC) testing of finished products and ensuring product consistency and compliance

Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within the Innovation CentreQualifications, Skills & Experience Required

Degree in Polymer Science, Material Science or a related discipline

Expertise in formulation, compounding, extrusion, scale‑up, and SOPs

Proven experience operating polymer processing equipment (e.g. extrusion, compounding, blown film, injection moulding at pilot plant scale)

Strong knowledge and hands-on experience of working with polymers and additives

Understanding of polymer materials and processing techniques

Excellent project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple development projects, manage timelines, and deliver objectives to agreed deadlines

Experience using ERP systems for material control and stock management

Working knowledge of COSHH and health & safety requirements

Strong attention to detail with a systematic and organised approach

Effective communication skills across technical and non-technical teams

Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team

Experience supporting R&D or NPD environments

Familiarity with analytical or testing equipment

Experience in QC testing and quality systems

Experience working with elastomers and polyolefins would be a distinct advantage

Experience managing development projects from concept through to commercialisationWhat's in it for you?

You will be part of a growing team that benefits from continuous investment and cutting-edge polymer processing and analytical capabilities, offering real scope to contribute to impactful, market-ready solutions and offering opportunities for career progression.

Our client is unable to provide sponsorship to work in the UK