Materials Innovation Specialist

Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Materials Innovation Specialist in Lincolnwood, IL. The work will be done onsite. This is a permanent job. Compensation is $110,000/yr benefits. Our customer will pay for relocation assistance.

Summary of Position: The Materials Innovation Specialist will drive innovation, sustainability, and performance improvements in the raw materials while supporting business objectives.

• Part of the Product Development Team, collaborating closely with the Materials Department, which has a dedicated supervisor handling day-to-day operations.

• Focus on standardizing processes and formulas while leading efforts to improve existing formulas and explore alternative materials like biodegradable and green solutions to replace PVC, which is frequently listed as unsustainable.

• Responsible for leading research efforts, potentially partnering with universities or external organizations, and driving innovation in material sustainability.

• From a product development perspective, work as a specialist in material science, providing expertise and support to engineering teams implementing and testing new equipment and technologies (e.g., sorting and inspection processes).

• Conduct material trials, including on-site visits to vendors, ensuring materials meet specifications and requirements.

• Collaborate with suppliers and proactively research opportunities with new vendors to enhance materials and processes.

• Ideal candidate is self-motivated, experienced with PVC (compounding or related processes), and knowledgeable in material science and extrusion.

• Must be comfortable working on-site, five days a week.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partners with Supply Chain to forecast material needs, qualify new sources, and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Analyze material performance and contamination data, recommend corrective actions, and improve yield and reliability
• Develops and documents manufacturing processes for new materials, optimizing existing ones to enhance efficiency and performance
• Recommends improvements to existing mix formulas based on testing results
• Explores alternative materials to PVC, lead research on green materials, integrating sustainable solutions into products and processes
• Documents, manages, and improves standards of the material processes
• Provides materials insights to Product Development, Engineering, and Operations teams to ensure manufacturability and performance
• Partners with the Materials Supervisor to oversee the implementation of new raw materials and/or equipment in the grinding and mixing process
• Contributes to upgrading material processing equipment for better functionality and efficiency.
• Assists with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (COMPETENCIES)

Behavioral These are the habits/traits that lead to successful employment at both Trim-Tex and the position.

• Business Acumen
• Critical Thinking
• Decision-Making
• Efficiency Focused
• Quality Focused
• Problem-Solving

Educational

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering from accredited college or university; Master’s degree and/or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering preferred.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing or engineering work environment

Technical

• Intermediate Electronic mail software – Microsoft Outlook
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including oral presentation skills
• Intermediate Spreadsheet software – Microsoft Excel
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) knowledge and usage

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, see, and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, sit for long periods of time, and repeat the same movements.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.