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

Ecolab

Process Safety Engineer

Joliet, IL · On-site

$107K - $161K/yr

The Process Safety Engineer provides technical services and guidance to support Process Safety ... Mentor associates at manufacturing sites to coach and develop PHA skills across the region * Build ...

Ecolab

Process Safety Engineer

Joliet, IL · On-site

$107K - $161K/yr

The Process Safety Engineer provides technical services and guidance to support Process Safety ... Mentor associates at manufacturing sites to coach and develop PHA skills across the region * Build ...

Nutrien

Engineer, Process Safety

Deerfield, IL · On-site

Job Title: Engineer, Process Safety Requisition ID: 32204 Location: Deerfield, IL, USA, 60015 ... Associate Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider of crop inputs and services, and our ...

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All JobsAssociate Process Engineer JobsAssociate Process Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Process Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$42.8K

$85.1K

$136K

How much do associate process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate process engineer in Chicago, IL is $85,127.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $97,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or mechanical engineering, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen Plus or HYSYS), data analysis tools, and knowledge of industry standards is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot process issues. These skills ensure efficient process optimization, safety, and continuous improvement in manufacturing or production environments.

What jobs pay 70k a year with an associate's degree?

An Associate Process Engineer can earn around $70,000 annually, especially with experience and relevant skills in process optimization, quality control, and manufacturing environments. Other roles such as industrial technician, manufacturing supervisor, or quality engineer also offer similar salaries for those with an associate's degree and technical training.

What does an Associate Process Engineer do?

An Associate Process Engineer assists in designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes within industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or food production. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to improve efficiency, ensure product quality, and maintain safety standards. Their responsibilities often include data collection, process analysis, and supporting the implementation of new technologies or equipment. This entry-level role provides hands-on experience and is a stepping stone to more advanced engineering positions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, and software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require specialized knowledge, advanced degrees, and sometimes certifications like PE or PMP, along with working in high-demand industries or managerial capacities.

What is an associate process engineer?

An associate process engineer is an entry-level or junior engineer responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing or industrial processes. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, utilize process simulation tools, and may require knowledge of quality control and safety standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership roles or executive responsibilities.

How does an Associate Process Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

As an Associate Process Engineer, you'll work closely with cross-functional teams such as production, quality assurance, maintenance, and safety. Your role often involves gathering input from operators, coordinating with quality teams to resolve issues, and collaborating with senior engineers on process improvements. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, as you'll be expected to provide technical support, participate in meetings, and help implement solutions that align with overall operational goals. This collaborative environment not only enhances your technical skills but also helps you build strong professional relationships across the organization.

What is the difference between Associate Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectAssociate Process EngineerProcess Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's degree in engineering; often more experience or certifications required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting process development and optimization in manufacturing or chemical plantsMore independent roles, overseeing process improvements and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, chemical, and pharmaceutical industriesUsed across similar industries, often with more responsibility

The main difference between an Associate Process Engineer and a Process Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. The Associate role is typically entry-level, focusing on supporting process tasks, while the Process Engineer has more independence and oversees process improvements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Process Engineer usually has more experience or certifications. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right position for their career stage and goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Associate Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Process Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Process Engineer job openings:
Associate Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Process Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,127 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Process Safety Engineer

Process Safety Engineer

Ecolab

Joliet, IL • On-site

$107K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Ecolab rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 196 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 90 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Join the Ecolab manufacturing operation as our Process Safety Engineer (PHA facilitator). The Process Safety Engineer provides technical services and guidance to support Process Safety improvement activities within USA and Canada. Position involves supporting design, operation, evaluation, and improvement of chemical processes, plants through facilitation of Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs). Provide recommendations for appropriate practical improvements and support close out of recommendations. This role may be called upon for regional process safety support participating in internal compliance audits.
What You Will Do:
  • Primary responsibility will be to provide Process Hazard Analysis studies support which includes:
    • Prepare, facilitate, and scribe PHA studies through a variety of methodologies (What-If, Checklist, HAZOP, HAZID, etc.) and Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) and including facility siting, human factors.
    • Understand and comply with internal policies, standards and recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices relating to PHAs.
    • Ensure PHA scenarios, consequences, safeguards, and recommendations are complete and correctly identified and captured in the PHA software (PHAPro)
    • Write and review technical reports.
    • Read and interpret process documentation, piping and instrumentation drawings (P&ID), mechanical drawings, process flow diagrams, block flow diagrams, electrical line diagram, hazardous area classification drawings.
    • Ability to conduct PHAs and/or training in person as well as virtual
    • Provide training to meet the needs of personal at sites to participate and execute PHAs
    • Mentor associates at manufacturing sites to coach and develop PHA skills across the region
    • Build and maintain oversight of regional PHA calendar / status of PHAs and KPIs for the region
    • Provide quality assurance of recommendation close out

Position Details:
  • Up to 40% travel required
  • Will be based at one of our U.S. manufacturing site locations, Joliet, IL, Fresno, TX, or Garyville, LA are preferred

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelors degree in an engineering field (chemical, electrical, mechanical, safety) or related
  • 5 years' experience in a chemical manufacturing environment
  • 3 years' experience in PHA facilitation in batch chemical industry in process safety, production, engineering or notified body
  • Excellent English verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, facilitation skills, and client service
  • No immigration sponsorship is available for this role

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 10 years experience in a chemical manufacturing environment
  • Self-motivated, independent, organized, able work effectively under direction of senior engineers, handle multiple work assignments and projects and seek professional growth and development
  • Experience and expertise in reactive chemistry hazard management
  • Experience developing and evaluating/auditing PSM management systems
  • Experience with Quantitative Risk Assessment, fault tree/event tree analysis, fire, explosion and toxic gas release modeling
  • Experience and expertise in dust hazard management, evaluating processes for dust hazard fire and explosion risks (DHA)

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range:
The base salary range for this position is $107,600 - 161,500. This position is eligible for annual bonus pay based on performance, per plan terms. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.
Benefits
Ecolab provides the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, auto insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, identity theft protection, short-term and long-term disability, 401k, pension plans, retirement health care benefits, short-term incentives, vacation (12 days), holidays, parental leave, employee stock purchase plans (Full-Time Associates), discount on day care services and caregiver services, adoption assistance, group legal services, employee assistance program, employee discount program, and education assistance program, on-Site childcare and fitness facilities may be available at select Ecolab locations. Click here for additional benefits information. If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.
Potential Customer Requirements Notice
To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:
- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.
- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is requested by the applicant and approved by Ecolab.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.

What Ecolab employees say

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About Ecolab

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1923

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