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Polymers Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Stepan

Asset Manager - Polymers

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

$123K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Stepan is hiring an Asset Manager - Polymers role at our Northbrook, IL location. Responsibilities: Asset Group & Product Lines Profitability and Product Optimization Management: Responsible for the ...

Stepan Company

Asset Manager - Polymers

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

$123K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Stepan is hiring an Asset Manager - Polymers role at our Northbrook, IL location. Responsibilities: Asset Group & Product Lines Profitability and Product Optimization Management: • Responsible for ...

Stepan

Asset Manager - Polymers

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$123K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Stepan is hiring an Asset Manager - Polymers role at our Northbrook, IL location. Responsibilities: Asset Group & Product Lines Profitability and Product Optimization Management: • Responsible for ...

Mapei

Polymers Production Supervisor

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join MAPEI Corporation, a global leader in manufacturing construction chemicals and building materials - including adhesives, sealants, and specialty products used in flooring, tile, and concrete ...

Malone Workforce Solutions

Batch Mixer

Schaumburg, IL

$13 - $15/hr

Follow standard instructions to measure or weigh polymers, carbon black, curatives and other substances into the machinery. * Check for consistency in various batches and measure the viscosity of the ...

HEXPOL TPE Americas LLC

Development Engineer

Broadview, IL · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Experience in analytical instrumentation- polymers testing. Knowledge of Thermoplastic elastomers is a plus. * Familiarity with structure/properties relationships of elastomers and related polymers ...

Actalent

**Quality Control Chemist**

East Saint Louis, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Quality Control Chemist The Quality Control Chemist works in a heavy manufacturing environment, supporting the production of resins and polymers used in paint coatings. This role is based in a ...

Northern Impact

Senior Bridge Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

... polymers, and developing design calculations * Experience designing with Illinois Department of Transportation design standards * Experience in supervision of structural project staff * Proficiency ...

IPEG Industrial Group

Industrial Chiller Tester

Niles, IL · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... polymers, plastic, and food powders. The Group is close to its customers, on a global basis, through continuous technical assistance and support from the design phase to the installation and start-up ...

PGNA INC

Industrial Chiller Tester

Niles, IL

$25 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... polymers, plastic, and food powders. The Group is close to its customers, on a global basis, through continuous technical assistance and support from the design phase to the installation and start-up ...

PGNA INC

Portable Chiller Assembler

Niles, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... polymers, plastic, and food powders. The Group is close to its customers, on a global basis, through continuous technical assistance and support from the design phase to the installation and start-up ...

Sibelco

Weighmaster

Chicago Ridge, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our work powers progress across industries as diverse as glass, ceramics, construction, coatings, polymers, and water purification. Beyond our materials, we're proud of our commitment to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPolymers JobsPolymers Jobs in Illinois

Polymers information

See Illinois salary details

$30.5K

$59.8K

$89.2K

How much do polymers jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymers in Illinois is $59,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $67,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polymer and what does a polymer scientist do?

Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating structural units, commonly known as monomers, and are essential in the production of plastics, fibers, rubbers, and many other materials. Professionals working with polymers—such as polymer scientists, engineers, or technologists—research, design, develop, and test new polymer materials for various applications. They may also improve existing products or processes, ensuring materials meet specific mechanical, chemical, or environmental requirements. Their work is vital in industries like packaging, automotive, healthcare, and electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polymer scientist?

To thrive as a Polymer Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, materials science, and polymer engineering, usually supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Experience with analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and rheology, as well as familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative polymer materials, ensuring precise research outcomes, and collaborating successfully within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in polymer research and development?

Professionals in polymer research and development often encounter challenges such as optimizing material properties for specific applications, scaling up production from laboratory to industrial levels, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as chemists, engineers, and product designers—is common to address these challenges. Staying updated with advances in polymer technology and sustainability trends is also crucial for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Polymers vs Chemical Technicians?

AspectPolymersChemical Technicians
Required CredentialsDegree in Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Chemical EngineeringAssociate's degree or diploma in Chemistry or Chemical Technology
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesLaboratories, manufacturing settings, quality control labs
Industry UsageSpecialized in polymer materials, plastics, and compositesBroader chemical industry, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and testing

Polymers professionals focus on the development, testing, and manufacturing of polymer-based materials, often requiring specialized knowledge in polymer chemistry. Chemical Technicians support various chemical processes across multiple industries, including polymers, but with a broader scope. While both roles work in laboratory and manufacturing environments, Polymers specialists have more targeted expertise in polymer science, whereas Chemical Technicians handle a wider range of chemical tasks.

Is polymer technology a good career?

Polymer technology is a viable career path involving the development and manufacturing of polymer materials used in industries such as packaging, automotive, and healthcare. It requires knowledge of chemistry, materials science, and often involves working with specialized equipment and safety protocols. Job prospects depend on industry demand and individual skills, with opportunities for advancement and specialization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Polymers jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Polymers jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Polymers jobs in Illinois?

For Polymers jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Polymers jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Polymers jobs in Illinois are:

Polymers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymers job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,835 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Asset Manager - Polymers

Stepan

Northbrook, IL • Hybrid

$123K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Stepan is hiring an Asset Manager - Polymers role at our Northbrook, IL location.

Responsibilities:

Asset Group & Product Lines Profitability and Product Optimization Management:
Responsible for the Profit and Loss of assigned Assets and Product Lines in assigned regions. 
Manage and direct company resources to maximize profit for Stepan. 
Develop Asset Strategies to maximize profitability through operations run strategies, energy management, inventory, and network optimization.

Capacity & Demand Analysis and Optimization
Analysis of long-term sales forecasts (> 18Months) to generate a long-term network plan. 
Review of short- and long-term sales opportunities to partner with supply chain in optimizing profitability between 12-18 months as part of the S&OP processes. 
Support supply chain in prioritizing and addressing supply constraints that arise under a 12-month planning horizon.

Growth Project Implementation
Development, approval and execution of regional, product line / asset specific plans to support initiatives that drive top line growth (base business, replacement business, new products, M&A). 
Utilization of effective project management skills.

Strategic Planning:
Development, approval and execution of regional, product line / asset specific five-year plans, consistent with the Global Corporate Plan, including long-term raw material, product portfolio, asset and capital strategies.

Process Optimization / Operational Excellence: 
Identification of process optimization opportunities through OEE analysis, raw material yield and profit maximization, and network design. 
Prioritization and tracking of process optimization and cost reduction projects.

External Focus: 
Build mid-level relationships with customers, suppliers and competitors. 
Secure market feedback from direct external engagements and third-party information. 
Integrate knowledge into effective product strategies.  

Talent Development:
Helps other employees and team members develop both technical and non-technical skills and provides opportunities that challenge team members to grow.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of related business experience, 8+ years preferred
Experience working in a matrixed environment and leading cross functional activities.
Self-starter with the ability to identify and proactively resolve business issues. 
Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization and across departments.
Strong analytical, project management, problem solving skills, metrics-driven and process-oriented. 
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and continuous process improvement mindset.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field 
Master's degree preferred

Pay Range: $123,000 - $166,000

The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.

At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:

  • Discretionary Bonus
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K with Match
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Reactions - Recognition Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

#LI-HYBRID #LI-KB1

Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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