Design And Development Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Company Overview
Hexpol TPE Americas LLC is a leading provider of high-performance thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), specializing in advanced materials solutions that serve a wide range of industries including automotive, medical, consumer goods, and industrial applications. As part of the global Hexpol Group, we are dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional quality through custom-engineered TPE products that offer superior performance, durability, and flexibility.

Overview
We are seeking a passionate and energetic Development Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will drive the development of innovative TPE formulations and materials, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to bring cutting-edge solutions from concept to production. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional eager to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in materials technology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Responsible for design, evaluation, and reporting on TPE product development at the lab and pilot to meet standards and troubleshoot any issues based on root cause analysis.
• §Responsible for testing polymeric materials and additives in the lab.
• Drives the technology development process and actively participates in the identification and analysis of new materials.
• Work with sales team presenters to understand their needs and translate them into product designs, and present on technical problems and developments.
• Design and plan R&D trials in coordination with sales, customer service, and manufacturing.
• Develop and transfer test protocols. Participates in cross-functional project teams as required.
• Coordinate, consolidate, and analyze new TPE structure/property characterization and support customer-related testing needs.
• Maintains relationships with customers and suppliers and provides technical presentations in industry-level forums.
• Work collaboratively with the supporting teams to implement testing protocols across departments.
• Consolidate R&D data into new database and organize recipes in new templates.
• Support R&D department to facilitate all internal activities.§ Perform other duties as assigned.

Ideal Competencies Required for Role

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• This is a fast-paced position that requires flexibility and a willingness to cooperate with others to meet daily demands.
• Must be organized, professional, able to prioritize work, and customer-service oriented.
• The ability to follow detailed instructions is critical.
• Have self-discipline and stay on task without supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word and Excel required together with instrument related software use.
• Collaboration - Collaboration across departments and disciplines. Work closely with sales, production, and other departments to ensure that quality efforts are aligned with the organization’s overall objectives.
• High degree of attention to detail and diligence.
• Ability to analyze problems, conduct experiments, and make data-supported decisions.
• Hands-on work style, with a desire to work in laboratory and manufacturing setting.
• Strong work ethic and demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of troubleshooting analytical equipment.
• Planning and project management skills.
• Professionalism, creativity, and enthusiasm to get things done and convince internal and external partners / alliances.
• Good mathematical and problem solving / reasoning skills.
• Time management and planning – ability to meet tight deadlines.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science and Engineering, or closely related field.
• Experience in analytical instrumentation- polymers testing. Knowledge of Thermoplastic elastomers is a plus.
• Familiarity with structure/properties relationships of elastomers and related polymers with a focus on methods used for their characterization.
• Thorough understanding of the properties of elastomers, and interaction between the relevant polymer materials and additives.

Physical Requirements

• Position requires working in both a manufacturing area which is not climate controlled and an office area which may or may not be climate controlled.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods.§ Lifting to 50 lbs. is often required.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, hearing protection, safety eyeglasses, steel-toed safety shoes that meet the ANSI/ASTM I75/C75 standard whenever in the manufacturing lab areas, and the use of a full-face mask respirator when needed.
• Climbing stairs and ladders several times a day.
• Manual dexterity of fingers and hands to feel and type.
• Visual perception including color for quality check.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment varies from loud when in the plant area to quiet in the office areas.

Join us at Hexpol TPE Americas LLC and be part of a forward-thinking team committed to shaping the future of high-performance materials. Bring your passion for innovation, your expertise in engineering, and your drive for excellence — together, we’ll create solutions that make a lasting impact across industries worldwide.