Polymer Mechanics & Data-Driven Materials Specialist

3M; Minnesota; On-site; USD 146,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

3M is seeking a Polymer Mechanics & Characterization Specialist at the Maplewood, MN campus. You will generate high-quality experimental data and develop calibrated material models for predictive simulations of adhesives, tapes, and joints, enabling reuse across product development and manufacturing.

You will work with rheological, thermal, and mechanical characterization, implement DMA/DSC/TMA tests, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align strategies with application needs and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years hands-on polymer characterization experience.
• Experience with rheological/thermal/experimental mechanics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on mechanical, rheological, thermal, and multi-axial characterization to generate high-quality data for FE analysis.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve laboratory instrumentation (DMA, rheometers, DSC, TMA, TGA, load frames) with DIC.
• Design and document experimental test methods for reliable data used in model calibration and simulation workflows.
• Develop calibrated material models from experimental data and deploy them in the Digital Materials Hub.
• Apply polymer mechanics to characterize viscoelastic, hyperelastic, damage, and time-dependent responses.
• Analyze large datasets using Python, MATLAB and other tools; communicate results clearly to teams.
• Collaborate with product developers, simulation experts, and customers to align strategies with requirements.
• Train and support others on instrumentation operation and best practices.
• Evaluate new characterization methods and technologies for advancing capabilities.
• Report findings and recommendations to multidisciplinary stakeholders with clarity.
• Balance lab, analysis, and collaboration across multiple programs while maintaining safety and quality.

Skills

Polymer mechanics

Experimental testing

Data analysis

Laboratory work

Education

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

Three years hands-on polymer characterization experience

Tools

Minitab

JMP

DOE

SPC

Python

MATLAB

Job description

3M is seeking a Polymer Mechanics & Characterization Specialist at the Maplewood, MN campus. You will generate high-quality experimental data and develop calibrated material models for predictive simulations of adhesives, tapes, and joints, enabling reuse across product development and manufacturing.

You will work with rheological, thermal, and mechanical characterization, implement DMA/DSC/TMA tests, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align strategies with application needs and