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

A Brief Overview The Chemical Sampler is responsible for collecting samples of incoming raw ... Pull raw material requested by R&D. * Support internal and external audits, observe safety ...

A Brief Overview The Chemical Sampler is responsible for collecting samples of incoming raw ... Pull raw material requested by R&D. * Support internal and external audits, observe safety ...

Showing results 21-40

Chemical Engineering R D information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$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 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:
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.

Postdoctoral Appointee - Hydrometallurgical Process Engineering and Chemical Separations

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct research in chemical process engineering, separations, and process intensification for recovery of critical materials from primary and secondary feedstocks. Responsibilities may include designing, constructing, and operating new experimental systems; supporting bench- and pilot-scale testing of hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching, solvent (liquid-liquid) extraction, and adsorption; evaluating process performance and operability; developing test plans and standard operating procedures; assisting with data analysis and technical documentation; and contributing to publications, reports, and sponsor deliverables.
The successful candidate will work closely with staff researchers and technical teams and will be expected to contribute to a safe, collaborative, and results-oriented research environment. The work will emphasize process engineering, experimental systems, and data-driven evaluation of process performance, with opportunities to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and external partners across national laboratory, university, and industrial settings.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, assemble, operate, and troubleshoot bench- and pilot-scale chemical process equipment
  • Plan and execute experiments related to separation processes, fluid handling, and process intensification
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to assess process performance, stability, and scale-up considerations
  • Support development of process documentation, including test plans, operating procedures, and technical reports
  • Contribute to integration of instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems for experimental platforms
  • Work with aqueous and organic chemical systems and support characterization of process streams
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including chemists, engineers, data scientists, and external project partners
  • Present results in internal reviews, sponsor meetings, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications
  • Maintain a strong commitment to safe work practices and compliance with laboratory requirements
  • Contributes to the development of white papers and proposals seeking support from existing and new research sponsors

Position Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a closely related discipline completed in the past 5 years or soon-to-be completed
  • Knowledge and experience in experimental research involving chemical or process systems
  • Familiarity with process instrumentation, sensors, controls, or data acquisition systems
  • Experience with one or more programming or analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar platforms
  • Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Record of publications, presentations, or other technical outputs commensurate with career stage
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
  • Experience with inorganic chemical separation processes such as solvent extraction, adsorption, ion exchange, or related unit operations preferred but not required
  • Knowledge and experience in aqueous lanthanide/rare earth chemistry preferred but not required
  • Experience with rotating mechanical equipment preferred but not required

Job Family
Postdoctoral
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.