Product Development Specialist

About INEOS Styrolution

INEOS Styrolution is the number one producer of high-performance styrenics, offering a broad portfolio that comprises styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS, and advanced styrenics. The company delivers customized solutions for customers across automotive, healthcare, electronics, household, construction, packaging, toys, sports and leisure sectors. With more than 90 years of innovation in material science and production sites worldwide, INEOS Styrolution combines global reach with local expertise to meet the evolving needs of its customers. This includes bringing safe, sustainable, and high-performing products to market and supporting their efforts toward meeting their sustainability targets. INEOS Styrolution is fully owned by INEOS Group.

Job Title: Product Development Specialist

Location: Channahon, Illinois

Please Note: This position will be based in Channahon, IL for the first two months of employment. Following this period, the role will permanently relocate to Aurora, IL. Candidates must be willing and able to accommodate the change in work location and commute.

The Position:

This position will provide technical expertise and project support to the Regional Development Center through a combination of laboratory testing, material processing, and product development activities. The role contributes to the development of new products and applications, supports customer and manufacturing technical challenges, generates high-quality experimental data, and collaborates across functions to accelerate commercialization and business growth.

What you will do:

Product Development & Project Support

• Support development of new styrenic products, formulations, blends, and applications.
• Plan and execute laboratory and fabrication activities supporting development projects.
• Contribute technical recommendations based on analysis of test results and product performance.
• Participate in regional and global product development initiatives.
• Assist with commercialization, technology transfer, and manufacturing implementation activities.

Laboratory Testing & Technical Analysis

• Perform physical, mechanical, thermal, rheological, and analytical testing of developmental materials.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and plastics processing equipment.
• Develop or modify test methods to address project or customer requirements.
• Analyze experimental results and communicate findings through reports and presentations.

Technical Expertise & Customer Support

• Lead the team in polymer grade selection, application recommendations, and customer technical consultations.
• Provide or oversee technical support during processing trials, ensuring successful conversion of materials into finished goods across varied equipment types.
• Direct troubleshooting efforts, including on-site support, to resolve complex processing and manufacturing challenges.

Manufacturing & Customer Technical Support

• Support investigations related to quality, processing, and manufacturing challenges.
• Assist Technical Service, Manufacturing, and Business teams in resolving technical issues.
• Participate in customer-focused development programs and application evaluations.

Continuous Improvement & Laboratory Excellence

• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, testing methodologies, and equipment utilization.
• Assist with calibration, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment reliability initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, and quality management systems.

What you will bring:

• 1-3 years of relevant industrial experience required; up to 5 years preferred.
• Experience in product development, laboratory testing, technical service, manufacturing support, plastics processing, applications development, or related technical functions is desirable.
• Experience designing experiments, interpreting technical data, and working in cross-functional teams is preferred.
• Relevant internships, co-op assignments, and undergraduate research may be considered toward the minimum experience requirement.

Level of education & knowledge:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Plastics Engineering, or related technical discipline required.
• Working knowledge of polymer materials, testing methodologies, and experimental design.
• Familiarity with compounding, extrusion, and injection molding is desirable.

Technical skills:

• Knowledge of polymer testing and characterization techniques.
• Experience operating laboratory and plastics processing equipment.
• Ability to analyze technical data and communicate conclusions.
• Understanding of formulation development and product performance evaluation.
• Experience with styrenic materials preferred.

Competencies, Behavioral skills:

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to safety.

Physical demands:

• Role may require limited travel to manufacturing sites, customers, suppliers, and industry events.
• Ability to work in laboratory and fabrication environments.
• Ability to lift material containers up to typical laboratory handling requirements and operate processing equipment safely.
• Exposure to noise, heat, moving equipment, and manufacturing conditions may occur.
• Adherence to all safety requirements is mandatory.

Compensation range: $78,524 - $98,156

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge and skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. During the recruiting process, we may use AI-enabled tools to assist with tasks such as documenting or summarizing candidate interactions. These tools are used for support purposes only and do not make hiring decisions

Compensation & Benefits:

INEOS Styrolution offers a competitive benefits package to support employees and their dependents, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Life and disability insurance.

A 401(k)-retirement plan with a company and matching on contributions.

Paid time off and additional wellness, financial, and lifestyle benefits.

We work closely across international teams in a collaborative environment built on trust, openness, and mutual respect. Employees are encouraged to take initiative, contribute ideas, and grow their careers through new experiences and opportunities. We welcome people from different backgrounds and experiences and foster a culture where everyone feels valued and supported.

We are excited to hear from you and share more about our company.

INEOS Styrolution Recruitment Team