Applications Development Specialist

Limitless Decatur; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 96,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Limitless Decatur, part of Primient, is looking for an Applications Development Specialist who will drive innovation in bio-based products through research and development. The role requires excellent analytical skills, teamwork capacity, and a strong technical background in chemistry or related fields. Candidates should possess a customer-focused mindset and have significant experience in the technical services industry. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits within a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

Benefits

Multiple healthcare plans

401(k) with matching contributions

Paid holidays and vacation

Parental leave

Learning & development programs

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in technical service, applications development, or product development.
• Experience in carbohydrate chemistry and polymer science is a plus.
• Demonstrate ability to apply technical knowledge to develop innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on bio-based products and their applications.
• Develop technical information to assist customers in product understanding.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product development.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Communication

Curiosity

Statistical analysis

Education

BS or higher in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

Chromatography

Spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Applications Development Specialist | Primient

About Primient

Primient is a century-old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence, backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Our focus is on ensuring the production of the safest, highest quality products while upholding our responsibilities to our people and the planet. We are a privately held company with locations across the US, Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. We are investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we aim to grow our business, reputation, and the careers of our teammates.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will conduct research and development activities focused on chemistry, biology, and applications of bio-based products. This role supports the growth of Primient ingredients by designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and product development within industrial market segments. Customer focus, innovation, collaboration, and results orientation are essential, as this position directly contributes to product line success and Primient’s industry reputation.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a private equity-backed, market-leading industrial manufacturer with a strong history of success, reputation for capabilities, and a diversified, marquee customer base creating mission-critical products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a strong knowledge of Primient's products and customers.
• Leverage Primient capabilities and product range to explore and develop solutions, demonstrating and documenting their value.
• Drive customer needs assessments with cross-functional teams to identify technical requirements and commercial opportunities.
• Develop and deliver technical information to customers, supporting interactions with deep category expertise and ingredient performance knowledge.
• Represent the team during technical interactions, building relationships with key contacts and gathering feedback for effective solutions.
• Support new business development by providing product recommendations, technological feasibility assessments, market insights, risk evaluations, and performance data.
• Stay informed about established, emerging, and competitive technologies, ingredients, and solutions to ensure shared success.
• Address customer concerns proactively and explore alternative solutions for mutual benefit.
• Partner with sales, technical service, and customers to identify viable solutions, adapting and delivering compelling value propositions to expand sales.
• Perform complex laboratory procedures and projects with minimal supervision, planning and supporting customer trials, lab work, and technical projects aligned with commercial strategies.
• Complete technical reports, analyze data, and coordinate with customers and field teams as needed, ensuring experiments follow research best practices.
• Record test methods, SOPs, and training documentation effectively.
• Share insights and technical knowledge across teams to promote continuous improvement and voice of the customer.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Travel across North America for customer applications, with an estimated average travel of <20%.

About You

• Customer/Market Driven – Understand customer and market needs, actively seek feedback, and use insights to develop impactful solutions.
• Commercial Savvy – Combine technical expertise with understanding of external environment and customer business to make strategic decisions.
• Technical Solution Development – Develop and apply strong technical knowledge, collaborate with customers, and generate impactful solutions through creative and analytical thinking.
• Research and Process Effectiveness – Conduct high-quality research, leverage internal processes, and uphold professional standards.
• Collaboration and Influence – Work effectively across functions and geographies, influencing stakeholders and creating effective solutions.
• Function as an internal and external advisor, leveraging stakeholder understanding to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Results Focused – Take ownership of delivering high-quality, timely solutions and work proactively.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• BS or higher in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in technical service, applications development, product development, materials science, formulation, manufacturing, or process engineering.
• Experience/knowledge in carbohydrate chemistry, polymer science, starch industry, and application fields like building materials, adhesives, personal care, biosolutions, enzymes, etc.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry preferred.
• Key skills include product/materials formulation, analytical thinking, test method development, computational and engineering math, hands-on lab work, project planning, collaboration, communication, curiosity, statistical analysis, growth mindset, and proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Total Rewards

The annual pay range is $96,072.00 - $144,108.00, bonus eligible. Compensation will be based on experience, skills, and fit during interviews. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package including:

• Competitive pay
• Multiple healthcare plans
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Disability, life, AD&D, and voluntary insurance
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Floating days off
• Parental leave
• Employee resource groups
• Learning & development programs
• A fun culture with growth opportunities

Career Path & Culture

Primient is committed to an inclusive workplace that fosters development and career growth. We value diversity and believe different perspectives lead to better decisions and results. Employees have autonomy and accountability, with pathways for career advancement outside traditional norms.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

We embrace the power of difference and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and safe. Our goal is to unlock diverse perspectives and provide equal growth opportunities.

Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive workforce.