Work Environment
Polymer Engineers typically work in the following Career Sectors:
Videos on the Web
- Polymer Engineer- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Analyse product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
- Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives, such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Further Information
- Polymer Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
Interests - Polymer Engineer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry - Polymer Engineer
Entants to this career area require a Bachelor's degree in engineering. There are a range of Level 7 and Level 8 Engineering programmes, and also programmes at Level 6.
Training & Development
FET Centre Traineeship Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Operations, CNC (Computer Numeric Control) Operator NFQ level 5 search FET courses
FET Centre PLC courses Product Design and Manufacture, Engineering Technology & Engineering (Pre-Apprenticeship), Engineering - Preliminary, Pre-University Engineering NFQ level 5 search FET PLC courses
Apprenticeships Polymer Processing Technologist Apprenticeship at NFQ level 7 Search apprenticeships
Higher education CAO entry route Mechanical & Polymer processing NFQ level 8 search search CAO courses
Professional Development
Postgraduate Study Options Polymer Processing, Polymer Processing, Polymer Technologies NFQ level 6-8
Skillnets Polymer Technologies Network
Springboard courses Polymer processing post graduate NFQ level 9 blended learning Search Springboardcourses
Last Updated: April, 2023
Pay & Salary - Polymer Engineer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* 30k - 75k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Glassdoor/ Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Indeed/ Excel
Last Updated: July, 2024
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available
Labour Market Updates - Polymer Engineer
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022, by approximately 3,000 persons, but remained above 2017 levels, resulting in a positive, but below average, annual average growth rate for the five-year period. Employment for this occupation was primarily in industry (accounting for a 60% share of employment). Employment permits issued were across a variety of technician roles (e.g. process, manufacturing, laboratory). The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance technicians in manufacturing with electrical/mechanical skills as difficult-to-fill.
Employers (Skills for Growth) experienced difficulties in filling a range of engineering technician roles, including aircraft technicians and manufacturing technicians, particularly for those with digital skills and knowledge of procedures/processes. There was a 3% increase in the number of online job adverts in 2022, driven by increases in electrical/electronic technicians and, to a lesser extent, laboratory technicians.
New apprenticeship registrations for a number of industry related technicians (including lab analysts) have risen strongly since the first of these programmes were introduced in 2017; by 2022 there were 314 new registrations across a range of apprenticeships (lab analyst, manufacturing technology, OEM engineer etc.) up from approximately 100 in 2017. Although demand seems to be lessening for these roles, issues with attracting suitable candidates remain for maintenance and laboratory technicians in particular, at least in the short-term.
Useful Contacts - Polymer Engineer
-
Engineers Ireland
- 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
- (01) 665 1300
- Click Here