Market Research Specialist for Data Center

Job Overview We are Lavergne, a North American leader in sustainable, post-consumer recycled (PCR) engineering plastics. Our product lines — VYPET (recycled PET-based compounds) and VYTEEN (PC, PC/ABS, and PC/ABS FR compounds) — serve demanding industrial and electronics applications. We are looking for a highly motivated and technically literate market research specialist to conduct deep, hands-on research into the data center hardware industry across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This is not a generic desk research role. We expect the right candidate to go beyond public databases — including making direct phone calls to engineers, procurement teams, and manufacturing contacts to gather first-hand intelligence. What You Will Research Your mission is to map the full supply chain of plastic components used in data center hardware, including: •Products and Components: Identify every plastic part used in data center hardware — server chassis bezels, fan shrouds, drive trays, blanking panels, cable management systems, PDU housings, airflow baffles, rack components, and more. •Material Specifications: Determine the exact engineering resin specifications in use (e.g., PET GF30, PC/ABS FR UL 94 V-0, PBT GF, PC, etc.), including flame retardancy ratings, glass fiber content, heat deflection temperatures, and other key properties. •OEM Manufacturers: Identify the companies designing and producing data center hardware in North America — including branded OEMs (Dell, HPE, Supermicro, Lenovo) and Taiwanese ODMs (Foxconn, Wistron, Quanta, Inventec, Wiwynn) with facilities in Mexico and the US. •Injection Molders: Identify the contract manufacturers and specialized injection molders supplying plastic components to these OEMs in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. •Key Contacts: Identify and, where possible, directly contact the right decision makers — Materials Engineers, Commodity Managers, Purchasing Managers, and Sustainability Directors — at both OEMs and molders. Ideal Candidate Profile We are looking for someone who combines technical chemistry knowledge with business development research skills. The ideal candidate has: •A background in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, or chemical engineering (degree or equivalent professional experience). •Demonstrated ability to read and interpret Technical Data Sheets (TDS), material specifications, and UL/ASTM standards. •Experience conducting primary research — including cold outreach, phone interviews, and direct conversations with engineers and procurement professionals. •Familiarity with the electronics manufacturing or plastics industry (data centers, servers, EMS companies, or injection molding is a strong plus). •Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal. Spanish is a significant advantage given the Mexico focus. •Ability to organize findings into a structured, professional deliverable (Excel database + written report). Deliverables By the end of this project, you will deliver: 1.A structured database (Excel/Google Sheets) containing: •All identified plastic components used in data center hardware. •Material specifications for each component (resin type, grade, filler, flame retardancy, standards). •OEM/ODM name, product line, and North American manufacturing location. •Injection molder name, location, and contact information. •Key contacts (name, title, email/phone where available). 2.A written summary report covering: •Market overview and key findings. •Top priority targets for Lavergne's sales team. •Recommended approach for each target (what product to pitch, who to call, what to say). 3Call notes / interview summaries from any direct outreach conducted.