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

The Process Engineer works closely with clients, process architects, utilities engineers ... pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or advanced therapy environments. * Demonstrated experience ...

Process Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

The Process Engineer works closely with clients, process architects, utilities engineers ... pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or advanced therapy environments. * Demonstrated experience ...

The Process Engineer works closely with clients, process architects, utilities engineers ... pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or advanced therapy environments. * Demonstrated experience ...

The Process Engineer works closely with clients, process architects, utilities engineers ... pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or advanced therapy environments. * Demonstrated experience ...

The Process Engineer works closely with clients, process architects, utilities engineers ... pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or advanced therapy environments. * Demonstrated experience ...

The Process Engineer works closely with clients, process architects, utilities engineers ... pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or advanced therapy environments. * Demonstrated experience ...

Senior Process Facilities Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Process Facilities Engineer to support an OTC cGMP Facility Relocation ... Experience with pharmaceutical, OTC, biotech, food, beverage, dairy, or other hygienic ...

Apply Early

Senior Engineer, Process Validation

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$100K - $130K/yr

... biotechnology? At Aldevron, one of Danaher's 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives-and we ... The Senior Engineer, Process Validation is responsible for leading & supporting internal and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Biotech Process Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51K

$94.8K

$146.8K

How much do biotech process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for biotech process engineer in Chicago, IL is $94,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,700.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior biotech process engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in bioprocessing, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with working in specialized areas, managing large-scale production, or holding executive-level responsibilities in the biotech industry.

What is process engineering in biotechnology?

Process engineering in biotechnology involves designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for biological products such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biofuels. Biotech process engineers work with equipment like bioreactors and use techniques such as fermentation and purification to ensure efficient, scalable, and compliant production. They often require knowledge of chemical engineering principles, laboratory skills, and familiarity with regulatory standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior biotech process engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in bioprocessing, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically requires a combination of technical expertise, management responsibilities, and industry demand.

What is the difference between Biotech Process Engineer vs Biotech Manufacturing Technician?

AspectBiotech Process EngineerBiotech Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in biotech, chemical engineering, or related field; often requires experience in process designAssociate's or bachelor's degree; focus on operational skills and equipment handling
Work EnvironmentDesigning, optimizing, and overseeing production processes in labs or manufacturing facilitiesOperating and maintaining equipment on the manufacturing floor
Job FocusProcess development, scale-up, troubleshooting, and process improvementExecuting production tasks, quality checks, and equipment setup

Biotech Process Engineers focus on designing and improving manufacturing processes, requiring technical and analytical skills. In contrast, Biotech Manufacturing Technicians handle day-to-day production operations. Both roles are essential in biotech manufacturing but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by Biotech Process Engineers during scale-up from laboratory to production?

Biotech Process Engineers often encounter challenges when scaling up processes from laboratory or pilot scale to full production. These challenges can include maintaining product consistency, ensuring process sterility, and adapting equipment to handle larger volumes without compromising yield or quality. Engineers must also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as quality assurance, validation, and manufacturing to implement changes efficiently and adhere to regulatory standards. Proactive problem-solving and strong communication skills are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful technology transfer.

What does a Biotech Process Engineer do?

A Biotech Process Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes processes used in the production of biological products such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biofuels. They work closely with scientists and manufacturing teams to scale up lab procedures to industrial levels while ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance. Their role often involves troubleshooting equipment, improving efficiency, and implementing new technologies within biotech manufacturing environments.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Biotech process engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or leadership roles in the industry. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, specialized skills in bioprocessing, and working in competitive biotech or pharmaceutical companies.

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

To thrive as a Biotech Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or biochemical engineering, process design, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with process control systems, bioprocess simulation software, and industry-standard quality systems such as cGMP is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in cross-functional environments. These skills ensure efficient, compliant, and innovative bioprocess operations, which are critical for product quality and organizational success.
What job categories do people searching Biotech Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Biotech Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Biotech Process Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 66% In-person, 17% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,792 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Sr. Process Engineer (SME)

Sr. Process Engineer (SME)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

North Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$100K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Title: Sr. Process Engineer SME โ€“ Biologics/API
Location: North Chicago IL.
Hire Type: Contract
Shift: 1st Standard business hours
Compensation:70-80/hr

Benefits:
As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Must Have Skill Set:
10+ years of process engineering experience in pharmaceutical, biologics, biotech, or API manufacturing environments
Strong GMP manufacturing process knowledge
Experience supporting capital projects and process improvements
Process engineering SME / technical leadership experience
Strong cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills
Bachelorโ€™s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related technical discipline

Overview:
We are seeking a Senior Process Engineer SME to provide technical process engineering leadership across biologics and pharmaceutical manufacturing projects. This individual will serve as the primary process subject matter expert, supporting engineering teams, project managers, manufacturing operations, and technical stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. The role is focused on providing technical guidance and manufacturing process expertise for capital projects, process improvements, facility expansions, equipment implementation, and operational readiness activities within GMP-regulated environments.
Job Duties:
Provide technical leadership and process engineering expertise across multiple manufacturing projects and initiatives
Serve as the primary process engineering SME supporting biologics and/or API manufacturing operations
Support process design reviews, equipment selection, and manufacturing strategy discussions
Collaborate cross-functionally with project management, operations, quality, validation, automation, and engineering teams
Review and support process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, equipment layouts, and utility integration plans
Support manufacturing process optimization, troubleshooting, and risk mitigation activities
Participate in commissioning, startup, and operational readiness activities as needed
Ensure compliance with GMP standards, process requirements, and manufacturing best practices
Provide technical guidance during process changes, facility expansions, and technology transfer activities
Support communication between technical teams and project execution stakeholders
Identify and help resolve process-related project risks and execution challenges
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelorโ€™s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related technical discipline
10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, biologics, biotech, or API manufacturing environments
Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and GMP operations
Experience supporting capital projects and manufacturing process improvement initiatives
Ability to provide technical leadership across engineering, operations, and project teams
Strong communication, stakeholder management, and technical leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting biologics manufacturing, including upstream/downstream processing, fermentation, or purification systems
Experience with large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing projects or facility expansions
Knowledge of commissioning, qualification, startup, and manufacturing readiness activities
Familiarity with process equipment, utilities, automation, and manufacturing systems integration
Previous experience acting as a process SME or technical lead on complex manufacturing projects
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national