Polymer Engineer

Shellworks; London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainable materials company in London seeks a Polymer Engineer to help develop innovative alternatives to plastic. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, source biomaterials, and work on material formulations. Ideal candidates have a degree in Polymer Processing or Materials Science, along with proficiency in polymer processing techniques. Join us in our mission to eliminate plastic pollution and create impactful solutions.

Benefits

21 days holiday + birthday off

Opportunities for growth and development

Social events

Well-stocked office kitchen

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of industry experience in polymer engineering.
• Proficient in polymer processing techniques like extrusion and injection molding.
• Experience in polymer characterization methods.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to develop and optimize new material formulations.
• Source and work with novel biomaterials globally.
• Develop and test material formulations in industrial processes.

Skills

Experimental design skills

Data analysis

Creative thinking

Polymer processing techniques

Education

Degree in Polymer Processing, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

Thermal analysis

Rheology

Mechanical testing

Microscopy

Job description

About The Job

Polymer Engineer

Location: London, N4

Work Schedule: 4 days in our office, 1 day working from home

Salary: £30-40k per annum + equity

Join Shellworks as a Polymer Engineer

Help us materialise a better future by eliminating plastic pollution.

About Shellworks

Developed for a throwaway culture, plastics have caused significant pollution to our natural environments, with 90% of all plastics ever created never being recycled. Recent studies show plastics impact beyond pollution, affecting human and environmental health through chemicals and microplastics.

We believe there is a better way. Our innovation, Vivomer, is a polymer made by microorganisms that behaves like plastic but degrades naturally upon disposal. Developed through cutting-edge science and engineering, Vivomer aims to bring a pollution-free future.

If you are driven by challenges and believe in creating sustainable solutions, join us. You will play a key role in developing future materials, influencing product creation, and reducing plastic pollution.

The Opportunity

This is a unique chance to scale sustainable, high-performance alternatives to conventional plastics. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Collaborating with science and engineering teams to develop and optimize new material formulations.
2. Sourcing and working with novel biomaterials globally to create innovative products.
3. Developing and testing material formulations in industrial polymer processes such as compounding, injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion.
4. Working with suppliers on new materials, including analysis, testing, and qualification.

Our Ideal Candidate

The candidate should:

1. Hold a degree in Polymer Processing, Materials Science, or related field, with at least 1 year of industry experience.
2. Be proactive, results-driven, curious, and eager to learn.
3. Have strong experimental design skills, with a passion for data analysis and documentation.
4. Apply creative thinking to improve material processes and solve problems with simple solutions.
5. Be proficient in polymer processing techniques like extrusion, injection molding, compounding, and blow molding.
6. Be experienced in polymer characterization methods, including thermal analysis, rheology, mechanical testing, and microscopy.

Our Benefits

• 21 days holiday + birthday off + holiday break from 27-31 December, plus statutory holidays.
• Opportunities for growth and development.
• Social events and a well-stocked office kitchen.
• Be part of a team making a meaningful social impact.

Join Our Mission

Be part of a passionate team dedicated to sustainability and innovation. Our experts and entrepreneurs are committed to creating a better future. Join us to lead in sustainable materials.

This role involves lifting and carrying materials up to 20 kg (44 lbs), occasionally heavier, throughout the workday.