{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Principal R&D Engineer TPU","description":"

Principal R&D Engineer – Advanced Polymer Processing

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South Central Texas
\nMaterials / R&D / Polymer Science
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Our client is a publicly traded, high-growth manufacturer of engineered materials used in performance-critical applications. With a strong reputation for product quality and innovation, the company continues to invest in next-generation materials and scalable processing capabilities.

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As part of this effort, they are seeking a Principal R&D Engineer to support development within a core polymer platform tied directly to product performance. This role fills a key technical gap within the R&D organization and will play an important role in advancing material capability and consistency.

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This is not a broad R&D role. This is a focused technical seat.

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Your mission is to apply deep expertise in polymer systems, connect material design to real-world performance, and support the development and scaling of materials used in demanding environments. If you’ve built your experience working with performance-driven polymer systems and understand how material behavior translates through processing into finished products, this is for YOU.

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Your Mission:

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Own the material understanding. Connect it to processing. Help drive performance. LET’S GO.

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What YOU get to DO in this role:

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Support development of engineered polymer systems used in performance-driven applications

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Translate material chemistry into mechanical, environmental, and durability outcomes

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Partner with engineering teams to align material behavior with processing and manufacturing conditions

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Define and refine structure–property relationships across material systems

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Contribute to lab-scale development and support transition into production environments

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Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and product management

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Support development of testing strategies tied to long-term performance and durability

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Drive continuous improvement efforts related to material performance and consistency

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Contribute to ongoing material innovation and IP development efforts

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Operate in a hands-on, cross-functional R&D environment

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What you NEED to SUCCEED in this role:

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Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

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3+ years of experience working with polymer systems in a processing or manufacturing environment

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Strong understanding of material behavior, formulation, and performance characteristics

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Hands-on exposure to processing environments where material properties are influenced by manufacturing conditions

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Understanding of how processing variables impact final product performance

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Experience with mechanical, environmental, or durability testing methodologies

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Familiarity with material additives and modifiers used to enhance performance

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Comfort working across lab and production environments

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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset

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Ability to collaborate across teams in a technical, hands-on role

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What’s in it for you at this company?

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A high-impact technical role tied directly to core product performance

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Opportunity to step into a specialized position filling a real capability gap

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Direct exposure to how materials perform in real-world applications

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Strong cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and product teams

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Full relocation assistance provided (~$30K net)

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Competitive compensation aligned with experience and scope

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Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off

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A growing organization that values technical contribution, execution, and product performance

","datePosted":"2026-04-28T14:28:52.000000Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Xpel","logo":"https://cdn.brandfetch.io/domain/xpel.com?c=1id_4BSbc4eMXdiTgjt"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"San Antonio, TX","addressRegion":"Texas","postalCode":"78215","addressCountry":"United States"}},"validThrough":"2026-06-07","employmentType":"OTHER","baseSalary":{"@type":"MonetaryAmount","currency":"$","value":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","unitText":"YEAR","minValue":"130000","maxValue":"150000"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"recruitAbility","value":"17773865326330127488NKB"},"directApply":true}