Product Development Specialist

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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…