Assistant Process Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Process Engineer

Job Description

This Process Engineer role supports a highly technical manufacturing operation focused on precision materials processing and production-scale process development. You will maintain and optimize specialized manufacturing equipment, drive process improvements, resolve complex technical issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure outstanding product quality, yield, and operational efficiency. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge, mission-critical technologies within a stable, growth-oriented environment that values strong work-life balance and provides competitive benefits.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, operate, and optimize advanced manufacturing equipment used in precision material processing.
• Support production activities by monitoring process performance and identifying opportunities for improvement in quality, yield, and throughput.
• Investigate equipment and process-related issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Support long-term equipment and process reliability initiatives to enhance uptime and consistency.
• Work closely with manufacturing personnel, engineering teams, and technical specialists to address production challenges and improve throughput.
• Assist with equipment modifications, upgrades, installations, and qualification activities to support new or improved processes.
• Create and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures, and technical summaries.
• Share technical knowledge with team members and assist with onboarding, coaching, and training activities.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure timely communication, efficient execution, and alignment on production priorities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, yield, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Work with small, precision-built components and follow strict safety protocols when handling chemicals and process materials.
• Interpret and apply engineering drawings, process specifications, schematics, and other technical documentation to daily work.
• Use data analysis, reporting, or automation tools to monitor performance and drive process improvements.
• Participate in testing, troubleshooting, inspection, repair, or validation activities for electro-mechanical and high-precision systems.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and adherence to controlled procedures.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or another related technical discipline.
• Two or more years of engineering experience within a manufacturing, laboratory, semiconductor, electronics, or advanced technology environment.
• Experience supporting complex production equipment and technical manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with controlled production or cleanroom environments and adherence to detailed operational procedures.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and explain technical information.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams.
• Comfort managing multiple priorities and tasks in a fast-paced setting.
• Capability to work with small, precision-built components with high attention to detail.
• Ability to follow strict safety protocols when handling chemicals and process materials.
• Background or education in engineering or related technical majors, including physics and/or electrical disciplines.
• Experience in a cleanroom laboratory environment within semiconductors, material growth, infrared, thermal, and/or electro-optical sensors.
• Demonstrated flexibility with duties and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to read and work from wiring diagrams, assembly drawings, and operation sheets.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in advanced materials processing, thin-film technologies, semiconductor manufacturing, or related production methods.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, process specifications, schematics, and technical documentation in detail.
• Experience using data analysis, reporting, or automation tools to improve manufacturing performance.
• Familiarity with programming, scripting, or automated process-control environments.
• Hands-on experience with testing, troubleshooting, inspection, repair, or validation of electro-mechanical and high-precision systems.
• Experience in quality-driven industries requiring high levels of process control and product reliability.
• Exposure to process improvement and process engineering methodologies.
• Experience working with electrical, electronics, molecular, mechanical, or electro-optical technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, assertively, and professionally across teams.
• Comfort working in cross-functional teams and contributing to collaborative problem-solving.

Work Environment

You will work in a state-of-the-art facility that supports advanced materials processing, semiconductor-related operations, and precision manufacturing activities. The environment includes controlled production and cleanroom areas where adherence to strict procedures, cleanliness standards, and safety protocols is essential. You will interact closely with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and technical teams, using advanced equipment, electro-mechanical systems, and data-driven tools to support process development and high-reliability production. The organization emphasizes mission-critical, cutting-edge technologies while providing a stable setting, strong career growth opportunities, excellent work-life balance, and a competitive benefits package.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lemont, IL.

The pay range for this position is $42.30 - $55.28/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lemont,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.