Materials Scientist

Stability. Innovation. Industry Leader. - We Are Silgan.

Silgan Closures, a Fortune 500 global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, is hiring a Materials Scientist at our Downers Grove, IL corporate office. In this key role, you'll help advance materials science and packaging technology that supports the world's essential food supply chain. Apply today to join an innovative team where your work truly matters!

What we offer you:

• Competitive salary based on experience. Salary range $85,000 - $100,000 annually
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, company-paid life insurance, 401k with company match, paid time off, wellness programs, educational assistance, and more
• A great manufacturing and innovation culture where achievements are recognized and celebrated
• Career growth within a global Fortune 500 company

What you'll do:

• Formulate, source and specify materials for plastic and metal food packaging
• Collaborate with vendors to develop and qualify new materials
• Lead projects from concept through production
• Design experiments and conduct pilot and manufacturing trials
• Analyze data using FTIR, GC, DSC, TMA, and rheology to relate material properties to performance
• Provide technical support for project teams, customers, and manufacturing plants
• Write comprehensive technical reports and ensure regulatory compliance
• Travel (up to 30%) to manufacturing plants, vendors, and customer sites

What you'll need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in materials research, formulation, or packaging
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong project management and analytical skills
• Knowledge of plastics, polymers, formulations, processing, and testing

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Understanding of regulatory compliance for food packaging materials
• Knowledge of rheological and thermal analysis
• Familiarity with metal coatings and their performance

Why you will Love Working Here:

• You enjoy developing and specifying materials for steel, plastic, and aluminum closures
• You like leading materials projects from conception to production
• You thrive in a collaborative R&D environment that drives packaging innovation

Who we are:

Silgan Closures is a global Fortune 500 packaging company with 109 manufacturing facilities across North and South America, Europe, and Asia.
We supply sustainable metal and plastic packaging solutions for food, beverage, healthcare, garden, home, personal care, and beauty products.
Join a stable, reliable, and environmentally conscious company dedicated to long-term growth and innovation.

Apply Today

Ready to advance your materials science career with a global packaging leader?
Apply now to become a Senior Research Scientist at Silgan Closures in Downers Grove, IL!

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.

Silgan is a drug-free workplace.

EEO/M/W/Vet/Disability