Polymer technologist

Polymer technologists oversee the processing of plastics and rubber to meet customer demands. They work in research, production, technical service or quality control departments.

Also known as:

• Plastics technologist
• Rubber technologist

Work activities

Polymer technologists work in the plastics and rubber industries that manufacture goods, ranging from road surfacing to medical products. They know all about the structure of polymer materials. Polymer technologists who work in research departments are responsible for running projects. They decide upon the most appropriate approach to any problem that arises, supervise laboratory staff and generally oversee the project. They also write reports on the work that is carried out.

There are two main long-term aims of research:

• To increase knowledge of the properties and structure of existing polymers.
• To develop polymers and compounds with new properties.

Polymer technologists who work in production try to improve the production process and sort out any problems. They may think about new materials and machinery that could be used. They find out if these would reduce costs, increase productivity or improve the quality of the final product. Technologists also improve current products and try to extend the range of uses of polymer materials.

Polymer technologists in technical service departments respond to customers’ requests for polymer materials with specific qualities, such as extra strength or impact resistance. Technologists working in process control departments make sure that the quality of raw materials and finished products is maintained. They may supervise technicians or perform some quality tests themselves. They also check that test equipment is up to standard.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• Knowledge and ability in science, especially chemistry.
• To be good at solving problems.
• Good number skills.
• A thorough understanding of polymers and polymer processing technology.
• To pay attention to detail.
• IT skills, including some experience of computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM) packages.
• To be able to communicate well with other people, such as other scientists, engineers, technicians and operatives.

Employers have identified the skills that will be required by the workforce of the future. These are:

• General IT skills.
• Job specific practical/technical skills.
• Teamworking skills.
• Problem-solving skills.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for polymer technologists vary depending on employer and responsibilities. According to jobs site Glassdoor, polymer technologists earn from around £28,000 per year all the way up to £43,000 (1,308 salaries, November 2023).

Polymer technologists usually work a full-time week, Monday to Friday. Occasional late finishes may be required, and shift work is common in production operations.

The main employers are multinational polymer processing companies. Opportunities for polymer technologists occur with firms based in the Midlands, North of England and Scotland. The largest number of employees is located in the North West, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England and the South East.

What’s happening in this work area?

The polymers industry overall has continued to grow over the last 10 years. While there has been a decline in some aspects of the industry, the development of new technologies has enabled it to remain competitive despite growing competition from foreign markets. The state of the economy in general is critical to the polymers industry as the materials are used in a large number of different markets. The cost of crude oil has a direct effect on the cost of all polymers and as such will cause an increase or decrease in plastic product prices, affecting the market greatly.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

You may need a degree to enter this career. Courses in materials technology and related subjects are useful for people wanting to become polymer technologists. Relevant courses are available at various universities and colleges of higher education throughout the UK.

It may also be possible to become a polymer technologist by studying for a degree in chemistry or a related subject. It might also be possible to become a polymer technologist via an HNC, HND or foundation degree in a subject related to chemistry. A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of polymer processing technician is a good way into this career.

People coming from relevant degree courses will have received some training as part of their course. There will be some training on-the-job. Various institutions offer relevant postgraduate courses related to polymer technology or polymer engineering.

Progression will usually be to managerial positions. Polymer technology is a large area so opportunities for progression are generally good. Some people move into quality control positions, or into design, for example.

Qualifications

To do a relevant degree, you will usually need:

• Two to three A-levels or equivalent. Physics and chemistry would be useful.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4.

Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A-levels, for example:

• Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

To enter a relevant HNC, HND or foundation degree, you will usually need:

• One A-level, with preferred subjects including physics and chemistry.
• A GCSE at grades 9-4 in your A-level subject.
• A further three to four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths and a science subject.

However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

To get onto an advanced apprenticeship in this career, you’ll usually need GCSEs in English and maths, or to have completed an intermediate apprenticeship. If you don’t have GSCEs, you may be able to complete them alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills gained in industrial work are often valued by employers. Working as a polymer technician can lead on to entry into technologist-level posts.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Financial support may be available through universities for postgraduate courses from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Related careers

• Ceramics technologist
• Glass technologist
• Materials technologist
• Packaging technologist
• Polymer technician
• Road surfacing manager