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Applied Engineering Technology Jobs in Chicago, IL

Neshent Technologies

Applied AI Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are looking for an Applied AI Architect with strong hands-on experience in AI/ML architecture ... Work closely with engineering and business teams to build and deploy AI models. * Design and ...

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Neshent Technologies

Applied AI Architect

Lisle, IL · On-site

We are looking for an Applied AI Architect with strong hands-on experience in AI/ML architecture ... Work closely with engineering and business teams to build and deploy AI models. * Design and ...

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Applied Engineering Technology information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$33

$55

How much do applied engineering technology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for applied engineering technology in Chicago, IL is $33.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.01 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is applied engineering technology?

Applied engineering technology is a field that focuses on the practical application of engineering principles and technical skills to solve real-world problems in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and product design. Professionals in this field use their knowledge of science, math, and technology to develop, test, and improve processes, systems, and equipment. Unlike traditional engineering, which may emphasize theory and design, applied engineering technology centers on implementation, operation, and maintenance. This makes graduates highly valuable for roles that bridge the gap between engineers and technicians.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an applied engineering technologist?

To thrive as an Applied Engineering Technologist, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in applied engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC programming, and quality control systems is often required, along with relevant certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that distinguish top performers. These competencies ensure efficient design, troubleshooting, and implementation of technical solutions in dynamic industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in applied engineering technology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Applied Engineering Technology often encounter the challenge of bridging the gap between theoretical engineering concepts and practical, real-world implementation. This can involve troubleshooting unexpected technical issues, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. To address these challenges, it's important to continually develop hands-on skills, stay updated on industry advancements, and maintain strong communication within multidisciplinary teams. Proactively seeking professional development opportunities and building problem-solving skills are also key to success in this field.

What is the difference between Applied Engineering Technology vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectApplied Engineering TechnologyMechanical Engineering
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Engineering TechnologyBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentPractical, hands-on roles in manufacturing, maintenance, and technical supportTheoretical and design-focused roles in design, research, and development
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, industrial firms, technical servicesDesign firms, aerospace, automotive, research institutions

Applied Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering share overlapping skills and work environments, but Applied Engineering Technology emphasizes practical application and technical support, while Mechanical Engineering focuses on design and theoretical analysis. Both roles are vital in industry, with the former often serving as a bridge between engineering concepts and real-world implementation.

Applied Engineering Technology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Engineering Technology job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,518 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Principal Engineer, R&D - Process Technology

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 440 rated food and drinks producers

Job description


As a Principal Engineer on the Process Technology group within R&D Central Processing, you will serve as a deep technical processing expert responsible for exploring and developing new process technologies, building our internal processing capabilities, and hands-on execution of complex, high-impact processing projects from concept through commercialization. You will own the technical delivery of assigned initiatives, partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders to translate processing concepts into manufacturable, Right-First-Time solutions. This role prioritizes technical rigor, executional excellence, and applied engineering expertise over portfolio strategy or people management.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging process technologies (equipment, automation, digital, etc) aligned to business needs.
  • Develop scale up strategies from prototyping, to pilot plant, and right the first time commercialization to drive optimal project execution.
  • Execute end-to-end technical delivery across assigned complex processing projects, including technical briefing, concept development, technical design, learning plans, pilot runs, capital design, and commercialization handover to Operations/Supply Chain.
  • Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, and Process Design Scopes, ensuring processing parameters meet defined quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance requirements.
  • Apply processing commercialization tools (CQV, FMEA, CPRA) to systematically identify and mitigate technical risks, drive design decisions, and ensure Right-First-Time launch readiness.
  • Partner with Platform R&D, GDI R&D, Packaging R&D, Quality, Operations, and external suppliers to define processing requirements and success criteria, resolve technical trade-offs, and maintain project timelines and milestones.
  • Lead and support pilot line trials and scale-up activities, translating learnings into robust commercial processing solutions.
  • Contribute to STAR and Tech Review Board processes, preparing and presenting technical content that clearly communicates design rationale, risk status, and commercialization readiness.
  • Maintain compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements throughout project execution.
  • Support cost optimization and value engineering efforts that improve margin, sustainability, and reinvestment priorities.
  • Serve as an informal technical mentor to junior processing engineers on the team, sharing applied expertise and supporting capability development.

Key Outputs & Deliverables
  • Deliver successful technical execution across concurrent complex processing projects within innovation and platform portfolios, meeting committed timelines, budgets, and technical performance targets.
  • Achieve and sustain >95% Right-First-Time (RTF) launches across assigned projects, ensuring processing solutions meet manufacturability, quality, regulatory, and supply chain readiness criteria at first commercial production.
  • Produce high-quality processing technical deliverables - including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, Process Design Scopes, FMEAs, and CQV documentation - that meet enterprise engineering standards.
  • Generate clear, data-driven technical recommendations and risk assessments that enable informed go/no-go decisions at governance milestones.
  • Contribute to team capability by sharing technical learnings, best practices, and processing expertise across the broader E2E projects organization.

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • BS/MS/PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Minimum 6 years of experience in R&D or Engineering roles within consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma, or a similar industry (5 years with a Master's or 4 years with a PhD) demonstrating increasing scope of responsibility.
  • Demonstrated experience in emulsions / shear processing, fermentation, extrusion, thermal processing & validation, aeration, drying, or powder mixing preferred.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience executing end-to-end processing development projects, including pilot trials and scale-up to industrial production.
  • Strong applied knowledge of processing commercialization tools including CQV, FMEA, CPRA, Process Design Scopes, and Transformation Flowsheets.
  • Solid project management skills, with experience maintaining detailed project plans, schedules, and risk logs on multi-stakeholder initiatives.
  • Proficiency with project tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or equivalent), advanced Excel skills; familiarity with ERP systems (SAP).
  • Strong technical communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex processing data into clear recommendations for cross-functional audiences.
  • Experience with pilot line setup, scale-up, and industrial production launches, including multi-site experience preferred.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Work Environment & Schedule
This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$104,200.00 - $130,200.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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