Senior Polymer Development Technologist

Reed Specialist Recruitment; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension

Free on-site parking

On-site gym

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment is seeking a Senior Polymer Development Technologist to join our client’s Innovation Centre in the West Midlands. The role focuses on transforming ideas into commercially viable products via pilot-scale processing and close cross-functional collaboration.

You will contribute across R&D, NPD and RME, manage multiple development projects, and ensure timely delivery while maintaining rigorous documentation and quality systems.

Qualifications

• Degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science or related discipline.
• Extensive knowledge of polymer processing techniques and scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Operate and optimise pilot-scale processing equipment (twin-screw compounder, blown film line, injection moulding).
• Produce materials and products for R&D, NPD, RME and small-scale production for direct customer sales.
• Ensure accurate handling and movement of materials through ERP systems.
• Maintain stock control and support material inventory management.
• Adhere to COSHH regulations and safe handling practices.
• Work independently and with teams to meet project and production deadlines.
• Maintain documentation and reporting standards.
• Support QC testing and ensure product compliance and consistency.

Skills

Polymer science

Materials science

Formulation

Compounding

Extrusion

SOPs

Pilot-scale processing

Project management

ERP systems

Analytical equipment

Education

Degree in Polymer Science or Materials Science

Tools

ERP systems

Analytical equipment

QC testing equipment

Job description

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 commercialisation

What'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