Polymer Engineers work in the realm of developing or testing plastics or related equipment and processes. A bachelor's degree in a related major is necessary. These engineers may develop new polymers, manage a lab, manage projects and processes, or design equipment. Polymer Engineers work primarily in the field of plastics development. They may help develop new plastics or assist in the testing and evaluation of products. Polymer engineers may be expected to maintain a laboratory or oversee other employees in working on a product or process. Polymer Engineers may work in areas that include the development of new polymers, equipment design for polymer processing, project engineering and process management. Assembling and managing a laboratory, testing or evaluating products, coordinating studies, designing new substances and optimizing processes are all common facets of a polymer engineer's job. Polymer Engineers may work in many fields, including thermoplastics (polymers that change state from liquid to solid based on temperature) or elastomers (flexible polymers that are often used as seals, gaskets or adhesives). Polymer engineers may seek advancement by becoming technical specialists or by entering management and sales.