Polymer Mechanics & Characterization Specialist

Scorpion Therapeutics; Minnesota; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

3M is seeking a Polymer Mechanics & Characterization Specialist to perform mechanical, rheological, and thermal tests on pressure-sensitive tapes, structural polymers, and adhesive joints. You will develop calibrated material models for predictive simulations and analyze large datasets using Python and MATLAB.

The role emphasizes independent work in a fast-paced R&D environment, with collaboration across product development and materials science teams, and on-site work at Maplewood, MN with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering with 3+ years polymer characterization or experimental mechanics.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical, rheological, thermal, and multi-axial characterization of adhesives, polymers, and joints.
• Operate and troubleshoot advanced laboratory instrumentation and test methods.
• Develop calibrated material models for predictive simulations.
• Analyze large datasets using Python and MATLAB.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in product development, simulation, and materials science.
• Support continuous process improvement and emerging characterization techniques.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Experimental mechanics

Characterization techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science / Polymer Science / Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Role

Polymer Mechanics & Characterization Specialist within 3M's Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division, focusing on experimental testing, data generation, and modeling of adhesives and polymers. Responsibilities: perform mechanical, rheological, thermal, and multi-axial characterization of pressure-sensitive tapes, structural polymers, and adhesive joints; operate and troubleshoot advanced laboratory instrumentation; design and validate test methods; develop calibrated material models for use in predictive simulations within 3M's Digital Materials Hub; analyze large datasets using Python and MATLAB; collaborate with cross-functional teams including product development, simulation, and materials science; and support continuous process improvement and emerging characterization techniques.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, with a minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in polymer characterization or experimental mechanics; proficiency with laboratory instrumentation and data analysis tools.

Preferred

Master's degree or higher, experience with reliability modeling, FMEA, risk assessments, and regulatory standards such as UL or IEC; experience with statistical software (Minitab, JMP), and developing qualification programs.

Work Setup

On-site at Maplewood, MN, with occasional domestic/international travel (~5%). The role involves advanced polymer and adhesive testing in a fast-paced R&D environment, with emphasis on technical independence, safety, quality, and cross-disciplinary communication.