Overview of Polymer/Plastics Engineering?

Polymer/plastics engineering is an interdisciplinary field focused on the design, development and production of plastics and other polymeric materials. It combines elements of chemical engineering, materials science and manufacturing engineering. Polymer/plastics engineers are specially trained to work with the unique properties of synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers for creating plastic materials used in everyday objects such as automobiles, food packaging, consumer electronics and medical devices.

What are the career opportunities associated with Polymer/Plastics Engineering?

Polymer/plastics engineers can find employment in many different industries. Career opportunities include research and development, product design, manufacturing, process engineering, quality control and consulting. Job titles may include research scientists, process engineers, manufacturing engineers, product engineers and process technicians.

Are there internship or co-op opportunities related to Polymer/Plastics Engineering?

Yes, internships and co-op opportunities are available to undergraduate and advanced degree polymer/plastics engineering students. Co-op and internship programs provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the work place while applying knowledge gained in University courses. These real world experiences offer great insight into the field of Polymer/Plastics Engineering.

Are there specialized tracks or concentrations within Polymer/Plastics Engineering?

Yes, there are several specialized tracks or concentrations within Polymer/Plastics Engineering. These may include thermoplastics, thermosets, polymer physics and rheology, plastics in medical devices, and additive manufacturing. Some schools offer courses or concentrations in particular areas of polymer/plastics engineering to provide students with focused knowledge and prepare them for specific career paths.

How Polymer/Plastics Engineering prepares students for graduate school or further education?

Polymer/plastics engineering provides a comprehensive foundation in the physical and chemical principles of polymer and plastics engineering. This knowledge, combined with specialized coursework in particular areas, including rheology, manufacturing processes and product development, can provide a strong foundation for pursuing additional education or entering graduate school.

Impact of artificial intelligence on Polymer/Plastics Engineering?

AI-based systems are increasingly being used to optimize polymer/plastics engineering processes. In the design and development phase, AI-based systems can be used to automate the identification of material properties, as well as to quickly analyze and optimize design specifications. In the manufacturing phase, AI-based systems are being used to identify quality issues and monitor production steps, as well as to improve the efficiency of production processes.

The career outlook for Polymer/Plastics Engineering?

The future of the polymer/plastics engineering industry is very promising, due to the increasing demand for plastics and other polymeric materials in a range of industries, from construction to automotive and electronics. It is estimated that the number of jobs in the field will continue to grow in the coming years as the demand for polymers and plastics increases. Positions in research and development, product design, manufacturing, process engineering and quality control are expected to be in high demand.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Polymer/Plastics Engineering:

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College, Salary: $66,366

The Pennsylvania State University, Salary: $66,366

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, Salary: $66,366

University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Salary: $66,354

Western Washington University, Salary: $55,793

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Polymer/Plastics Engineering.