Principal Engineer – Polymer Materials

ST Engineering North America

Principal Engineer in Polymer Materials at ST Engineering MRAS. Leading advanced composites and polymer material development for aerospace applications.

Posted 7/29/2026full-timeBaltimore • Maryland • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $130,000 - $170,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in polymer synthesis, advanced composites, and multifunctional material development, with a strong focus on material characterization and compliance with industry standards. Proven ability to lead R&D initiatives and collaborate cross-functionally to translate material innovations into high-performance applications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In ChemistryPolymer SynthesisComposite CharacterizationCross-Functional CollaborationAdvanced Materials Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Polymer FunctionalizationStructure–Property RelationshipsThermoset ChemistryNanocomposites DevelopmentMechanical TestingCure Kinetics AnalysisMaterial Specifications DevelopmentThermal StudiesRheological CharacterizationRoot-Cause Analysis

Soft Skills

Scientific CommunicationTechnical GuidanceCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

FTIRNMRDSCTGADMASEMARES G2 Rheometer

Industry Keywords

Composite MaterialsAerospace ApplicationsMaterial ComplianceHigh-Performance ApplicationsPolymer Science

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead development of new polymer resin systems, adhesives, toughened matrix systems, and composite formulations for advanced structures
Direct synthesis, chemical modification, and formulation of polymer systems to achieve desired structural, processing, and durability characteristics
Develop new or improved composite lay-up, cure, bonding, and consolidation processes linked to material chemistry
Act as the technical focal point for all polymer material selection, performance definition, and risk assessment
Establish and lead test programs for polymer materials including chemical, thermal, rheological, physical, and mechanical characterization
Analyze material behavior under various environmental, structural, and processing conditions
Develop and maintain material specifications, process specifications, and qualification plans
Ensure compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and industry specifications for composite materials
Work with manufacturing and process engineering teams to translate polymer material behavior into robust production processes
Support development of prototype parts, early process trials, and validation builds used to test new material systems
Investigate material-processing interactions (viscosity, cure kinetics, consolidation behavior, tack, drape, etc.) to support manufacturability and scalability
Provide expert technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams working on composite demonstrators, new product development, and advanced technology programs
Collaborate with suppliers, academia, and research institutes on polymer science innovation and material development partnerships
Deliver clear technical direction, documentation, and reporting to customers, leadership, and internal stakeholders.
Lead root‑cause analysis of polymer and composite material deviations, defects, or process issues
Recommend material or process adjustments based on performance deviations and end‑use requirements
Develop and sustain continuous improvement initiatives related to material robustness, durability, quality, and long-term performance.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in Chemistry with a specialization in polymer materials, ceramic–polymer nanocomposites, thermosets, and advanced materials systems
More than 8 years of experience in polymer synthesis, advanced composites, thermoset chemistry, nanocomposites, and multifunctional material development for high-performance applications
Expertise in polymer synthesis, functionalization, and structure–property relationships, including benzoxazine, epoxy, polyurethane, polyamide, PVC, elastomeric systems, and ceramic‑reinforced composites
Strong hands-on experience with polymer and composite characterization, including FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM, rheometry (ARES G2), mechanical testing, and cure kinetics analysis
Proven record of designing, developing, and optimizing thermosets, polymer–ceramic nanocomposites, and multifunctional composite materials for aerospace and high-performance applications
Experience leading end-to-end R&D, including material synthesis, purification, formulation, scaling, processing, and laboratory-to-pilot transition activities
Demonstrated ability to conduct thermal, mechanical, dielectric, insulation, and aging studies for materials intended for demanding environments
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills—capable of partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and research teams to translate material innovations into deployable components and manufacturable composite systems
Excellent scientific communication skills, with a substantial record of peer-reviewed publications in polymer science, composites, dielectric materials, and advanced nanocomposites.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting from start date
Health Flexible Spending Accounts
Free Onsite Gym with weekly fitness classes
Immediate 401k vesting
Educational Assistance
Life Insurance
Paid Time off (Permissive for exempt staff)