Polymer Processing Engineer

Polymer Processing Engineer

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Polymer Processing Engineer.

Position Details Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States Division Mississipi Polymer Science Institute Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade

Posting Close Date October 1, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

A customer-focused individual responsible for all aspects of polymer processing projects: material selection, equipment selection, CAD design, processing/testing/reporting based on client needs. Excellent at troubleshooting and root cause analysis, maintaining quality compliance, and working cross-functionally. The successful candidate will be a mid-level polymer engineer/scientist with commercial experience, mechanically inclined, has speed-of-business focus, a deep understanding of polymers, strong communication skills, is statistically competent, and is an independent contributor. Customer projects primarily focus on creating and improving products, manufacturing efficiency, cycle times, and defect reduction over many market applications.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads and manages technical projects from initiation through completion, including client consultations, project planning, technical problem-solving, stakeholder coordination, product development schedules, and project documentation. Manages relationships with clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams and represents MPI at technical conferences, presentations, exhibitions, and educational and community outreach activities.
• Leads polymer processing and manufacturing operations utilizing injection molding, extrusion, Brabender mixing, thermoforming, 3D printing, composite manufacturing, and related equipment. Sets up, qualifies, operates, troubleshoots, and optimizes manufacturing processes; evaluates production data and process performance; and provides on-site technical support to clients for extrusion, molding, and related processing operations.
• Manages molds, dies, processing machinery, materials, and other manufacturing resources, including design, procurement, calibration, maintenance, modification, upgrades, and repairs. Provides technical input on mold and die designs, mold-flow analyses, finite element analyses, and thermal analyses and ensures equipment and resources remain operational and compliant.
• Develops, validates, documents, and continuously improves polymer formulations and manufacturing processes to achieve desired material properties, product quality, and manufacturability. Applies data acquisition, process capability analysis, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), simulation, and root cause analysis to identify and implement process improvements.
• Conducts product performance, acceptance, mechanical, thermal, and material property testing and evaluates materials and finished products for compliance with customer, industry, quality, and regulatory requirements. Develops and implements quality-control procedures, analyzes testing results, prepares technical and compliance reports, and ensures adherence to environmental, health, and safety requirements.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures, work instructions, technical documentation, engineering records, and manufacturing records. Provides employee and customer training on equipment, manufacturing processes, and quality procedures and maintains knowledge of emerging polymer technologies and manufacturing practices.
• Supports sustainable manufacturing and product development initiatives, including the evaluation and development of materials and processes that promote reuse, recyclability, and composability while balancing product performance, manufacturability, and environmental considerations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Three (3) to ten (10) years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including at least five (5) years of direct experience with polymer materials, injection molding, extrusion, 3D printing, composite manufacturing, or related processing equipment. Experience working directly with customers or clients.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, composites, bioplastics, polymer structure-property relationships, rheology, thermodynamics, compounding, processing, and quality control.
• Knowledge of polymer characterization techniques, standardized testing methods, and related testing equipment.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Management, root cause analysis, continuous improvement, and quality assurance principles.
• Knowledge of sustainable polymer and manufacturing practices, including recyclable, bio-based, and compostable materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, statistical analysis software such as Minitab, CAD and 3D modeling software such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360, 3D-printing slicing software, and mold-flow analysis software.
• Skill in analyzing and resolving complex polymer processing, product design, manufacturing, and quality issues.
• Project management skills, including the ability to coordinate technical projects, establish priorities, and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to analyze technical and manufacturing data and communicate findings, recommendations, and conclusions clearly and concisely.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary groups, including engineers, chemists, equipment operators, supply chain personnel, product development teams, clients, inventors, startups, and organizational leadership.
• Ability to provide technical leadership, training, and guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to evolving materials, technologies, manufacturing processes, and business needs.
• Ability to travel, including occasional overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

Six Sigma certification and project management certification preferred. Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies and smart manufacturing environments, including robotics, digital twins, and predictive analytics. Knowledge of sustainable product and manufacturing practices, including design for recyclability, circular economy principles, and environmentally responsible materials.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation''s leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.