About INEOS Styrolution
INEOS Styrolution is the world’s leading styrenics supplier, with a high-performing portfolio of styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS and advanced styrenic products. With more than 90 years of innovation in materials science, INEOS Styrolution is focused on customer satisfaction with differentiated solutions that provide a competitive edge as well as investments in technology that enable closed loop recyclability for styrenics while reducing our carbon emissions. INEOS Styrolution applications can be found in many everyday products across multiple industries: including automotive, electronics, household, construction, healthcare, packaging, and toys/sports. Operating 17 production sites in nine countries, the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of INEOS Group Limited and employs approximately 3,000 people. Sales were 4.5 billion euros in 2023. More information: www.ineos-styrolution.com
Current Opportunity
Job Title
Lab Technician 1
Grade
USA_IV41_LT_IV-HG DEC IV41 LAB 4
Location
Decatur, Alabama
The Position: QC Lab Technician – This position is responsible for operating and maintaining the QC laboratory to deliver timely, accurate test results in support of the Decatur Site’s manufacturing and quality objectives. Based in Decatur, Alabama, the role contributes to site‐level quality assurance, ISO maintenance, and Corporate Tech Center initiatives by providing on‐shift testing support, troubleshooting instruments, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
What you will do:
- Participate in site Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) programs, follow the 20 Principles of Behavioral and Process Safety, and maintain high housekeeping standards in the lab.
- Operate the QC Lab safely and efficiently, performing routine and non‐routine testing to validate finished‐product quality, provide grading and release recommendations, and support complaint investigations.
- Manage SAP/LIMS/Data Management tools for test data entry and reporting, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
- Assist with maintaining the site’s ISO registration and Quality systems, including internal audit preparation, document control, and corrective action follow‐through.
- Serve as the on‐shift contact for special product trial campaigns and equipment vendors—coordinating calibration, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of lab instruments.
- Rotate through the QC Lab Technician shift schedule (including nights and weekends), providing uninterrupted lab coverage, vacation backfill, and support during plant upsets or customer quality concerns.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities—standardizing methods, updating procedures, and training less‐experienced Technicians to enhance overall Lab capabilities.
What you will bring:
Level of Education & Knowledge
- Certification or associate/college degree in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and a minimum of five years QC laboratory or chemical process experience will be considered.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 (or similar) quality system requirements and familiarity with regulatory guidelines affecting chemical manufacturing.
- Polystyrene manufacturing or chemical plant experience is an asset.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of hands‐on QC Lab experience or equivalent in a chemical manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to perform analytical tests, interpret results, and troubleshoot instrumentation.
- Proven track record of meeting deadlines, delivering consistent lab results, and supporting audit preparations.
- Experience working in a high‐stress, fast‐paced production environment; able to prioritize tasks when multiple site or customer issues arise.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency with computer software and site systems (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook; SAP; LabWorks/LIMS).
- Ability to learn new lab software and instrumentation (e.g., spectrophotometers, rheometers, titration systems) and implement new methods under supervision.
- Strong attention to detail when entering data, generating reports, and performing calculations.
- Aptitude for identifying root causes of discrepancies and suggesting corrective actions.
Competencies & Behavioral Skills
- Excellent organizational and communication skills; able to interact effectively with operators, engineers, and external auditors.
- Self‐motivated and capable of working independently or collaboratively within cross‐functional teams.
- Demonstrated good judgment and decision‐making; able to recognize when to escalate safety or quality concerns.
- Flexible and adaptable to shift rotations (including nights and weekends) to meet lab coverage requirements.
- Strong motivational skills; committed to fostering a team environment at an ISO‐registered facility.
Physical & Visual Requirements
- Comfortable wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) throughout shift.
- Able to handle raw materials, lab equipment, and finished product; exposure to solvents, chemicals, temperature extremes, and varying noise levels.
- Able to stand or walk for extended periods (frequently on uneven surfaces), climb ladders and stairs (daily, up to 85 ft.), and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
- Close visual acuity for tasks such as reading instruments, performing visual inspections, and working at a computer station.
Compensation & Benefits:
INEOS Styrolution offers a competitive benefits package to support employees and their dependents, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Life and disability insurance.
- A 401(k)-retirement plan with a 3% automatic company contribution and a 100% match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
- Paid time off and additional wellness, financial, and lifestyle benefits.
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge and skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At INEOS Styrolution, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are carefully made based on the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
The Location:
This opportunity is located at the INEOS Styrolution Decatur Site in Decatur, Alabama.
We Have Great Chemistry
We believe diversity is perceiving difference; inclusion is valuing it. Without inclusion, we cannot unlock the value that diversity has to offer. Everyone has a seat at our company table. Our employees bring their unique selves to work daily, have a sense of belonging, and contribute to our core values. We have an inclusive approach, which is open and transparent. We respect and value diversity and believe in equality of opportunity. We do this by valuing and respecting cultural differences and welcoming diversity of thought and perspectives from all our employees.
We are excited to hear from you and share more about our organization.
Your INEOS Styrolution Recruitment Team
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