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Chemical Engineering R&D Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Owens Corning

Process Engineer R & D

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field * 2+ years of experience in process development, manufacturing engineering, or industrial ...

Owens Corning

Process Engineer R & D

West Chicago, IL

$78K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field * 2+ years of experience in process development, manufacturing engineering, or industrial ...

Abbott

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$86K - $173K/yr

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

Abbott

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$86K - $173K/yr

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

Abbott & Company

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$86K - $173K/yr

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

Abbott

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$86K - $173K/yr

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

Sun Chemical

Process Safety Engineer II

Northlake, IL · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline 5+ years of ... we'd love to hear from you. BENEFITS We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards that ...

Sun Chemical

Process Safety Engineer II

Northlake, IL · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline 5+ years of ... we'd love to hear from you. BENEFITS We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards that ...

MonoSol

Process Modeler

Chicago, IL · On-site

... chemical engineering to accelerate how we scale products and evaluate process changes across R&D ... Work with the Engineering Technology Center to test and adopt your models into process R&D. Hybrid ...

Ecolab

Lead Chemical Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$107K - $161K/yr

Degree in chemical engineering (advanced degree preferred). * Ph.D. and 2+ years of related industrial experience, M.S. and 4+ years related industrial experience, or B.S. and 6+ years related ...

Daubert Chemical Co. Inc.

Buyer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Seek alternate source of suppliers and solicit samples as needed for evaluation by R&D ... Daubert Chemical Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. Powered by JazzHR ...

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Chemical Engineering R D information

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$52.5K

$100.7K

$153.5K

How much do chemical engineering r&d jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineering r&d in Chicago, IL is $100,657.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $147,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chemical engineering R&D?

A Chemical Engineering R&D (Research and Development) job involves designing, testing, and improving chemical processes, materials, and products. Engineers in this role work on developing new technologies, optimizing manufacturing processes, and ensuring sustainability and efficiency. They collaborate with scientists, engineers, and manufacturers to translate research into practical applications. This role often includes lab experiments, data analysis, and scaling up processes for industrial use.

What does a chemical engineering R&D do?

As a Chemical Engineering R&D professional, you’ll typically work on projects such as developing new chemical processes, optimizing existing manufacturing techniques, and evaluating novel materials or catalysts. Daily tasks may include conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, scaling up processes from bench to pilot plant, and documenting your findings in technical reports. Collaboration is common with cross-functional teams, including chemists, process engineers, and production staff, to move innovations from concept to implementation. This role often involves balancing independent research with team-based problem-solving, making it both intellectually rewarding and highly collaborative.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in chemical engineering R&D?

To thrive as a Chemical Engineering R&D professional, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, experimental design, data analysis, and a relevant degree such as a BS, MS, or PhD in chemical engineering or a related field. Experience with laboratory instrumentation, process simulation software (like Aspen Plus or ChemCAD), and safety certification (such as OSHA training) is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork and communication skills set candidates apart in this innovative environment. These competencies are essential for advancing new processes and products while ensuring safety and efficiency in R&D initiatives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineering R&D jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Chemical Engineering R&D jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Chemical Engineering R&D jobs in Chicago, IL? For Chemical Engineering R&D jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineering R&D jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineering R&D jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Chemical Engineering R D jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineering R&D job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,657 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Process Engineer R & D

Owens Corning

West Chicago, IL • On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Owens Corning rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The R&D Process Engineer (MPI) is a hands-on technical role responsible for developing, scaling, and industrializing new materials, formulations, and manufacturing processes for wood fiber and composite door products. This role sits at the critical interface between R&D and Operations, owning the transition from lab and pilot validation to full scale manufacturing, while ensuring process robustness, safety, quality, and cost effectiveness. Success in this role requires strong experimental discipline, plant level troubleshooting capability, and the ability to translate data into executable manufacturing solutions.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Process & Technology Development
  • Lead scale-up of new formulations, materials, and processes from lab and pilot equipment to full scale production lines
  • Translate R&D learnings into manufacturing ready process windows, control plans, and operating standards

Data Driven Problem Solving & Optimization
  • Lead structured root cause analysis using DOE, SPC, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies
  • Diagnose and resolve process instability, quality defects, yield loss, and throughput limitations
  • Design, execute, and document plant trials, including clear hypotheses, success criteria, and conclusions
  • Use statistical and process data to drive decisions-not assumptions

Manufacturing & Plant Interface
  • Provide direct technical support to manufacturing teams during trials, startups, and sustained production
  • Partner with Operations to implement process improvements, debottlenecking, and other process related initiatives
  • Ensure smooth transfer from development into operations, including training, documentation, and risk mitigation
  • Travel to manufacturing sites as needed to support trials and troubleshooting

Safety, Compliance & Sustainability
  • Ensure all development and manufacturing activities comply with Owens Corning safety standards and regulatory requirements
  • Embed Design for Safety and risk assessment into all new process development

Project Execution & Collaboration
  • Manage process development and capital projects from concept through implementation. Own end to end execution of process development and scale up projects, from concept through pilot validation and manufacturing implementation
  • Plan and execute plant trials and process changes, including coordination of resources, materials, equipment availability, and cross functional support
  • Track and manage project risks, assumptions, and dependencies, escalating issues early with clear data-based recommendations
  • Collaborate cross functionally with R&D, Design, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, and Sourcing
  • Communicate technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including leadership
  • Ensure projects transition smoothly from development into operations with clear documentation, training, and ownership handoff

JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field
  • 2+ years of experience in process development, manufacturing engineering, or industrial R&D
  • Demonstrated experience scaling processes from lab or pilot to production
  • Strong working knowledge of DOE, SPC, and structured problem-solving tools
  • Proven ability to work hands-on in manufacturing environments, not just in labs
  • Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills

Preferred Experience
  • Experience with wood fiber, composites, polymers, resins, adhesives, or press-based manufacturing
  • Familiarity with continuous or batch manufacturing processes
  • Experience supporting plant trials, startups, or technology transfers
  • Background in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma
  • Comfort working in ambiguity and early-stage development environments

The base salary range for this position is $78,000 to $100,000, with the potential for up to an additional 10+% if the applicant hired has additional related qualifications. We also offer a substantial benefits package including insurance (medical/dental/vision/life/disability/supplemental offerings), 401k (company contribution regardless of employee participation - plus match), paid time off that considers full professional tenure (vacation, personal floating and standard holidays), Employee Assistance Services, Stock Purchase Program - and more.
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About Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages™ - including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position - to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC). For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.
Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.

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About OWENS CORNING

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Owens Corning (OC) develops, manufactures and markets insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites. Global in scope and human in scale, the company's market-leading businesses use their deep expertise in materials, manufacturing and building science to develop products and systems that save energy and improve comfort in commercial and residential buildings. Through its glass reinforcements business, the company makes thousands of products lighter, stronger and more durable. Ultimately, Owens Corning people and products make the world a better place. Based in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning posted 2017 sales of $6.4 billion and employs 19,000 people in 37 countries. It has been a Fortune 500® company for 64 consecutive years. For more information, please visit www.owenscorning.com. A career at Owens Corning offers the ability to enhance your expertise and achieve your personal and professional aspirations. Through it all, we'll empower you with an environment that encourages open communication and big ideas, competitive pay for your performance, comprehensive benefits, and more opportunities to make your impact.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Toledo, OH, US

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