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

W. R. Grace & Co.

Chemical Operator

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$30.28/hr

... engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services ... The Chemical Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of manufacturing ...

W. R. Grace & Co.

Chemical Operator

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$30.28/hr

... engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services ... The Chemical Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of manufacturing ...

Scientific Search

Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field * Experience with powder and ... Expertise with excipients, processing aids, and production troubleshooting How To Apply We'd love ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

This role combines hands-on coding, code review, and system design with R&D. Ideal candidates have ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, physics or a directly related field * High ...

suncast

Process Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's degree in plastics technology or chemical engineering with course work in injection ... Ability to read and interpret CAD 2-D and 3-D drawings. * Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic ...

suncast

Process Engineer

Batavia, IL

$75K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's degree in plastics technology or chemical engineering with course work in injection ... Ability to read and interpret CAD 2-D and 3-D drawings. * Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic ...

Suncast

Process Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's degree in plastics technology or chemical engineering with course work in injection ... Ability to read and interpret CAD 2-D and 3-D drawings. * Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic ...

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All JobsChemical Engineering R&D JobsChemical Engineering R&D Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 Jul 15, 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 job?

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 types of projects and daily tasks can I expect in a Chemical Engineering R&D role?

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 the Chemical Engineering R&D position, and why are they important?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,657 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
Chemical Operator

Chemical Operator

W. R. Grace & Co.

East Chicago, IN • On-site

$30.28/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Hourly Wage: $30.28 
Other Compensation:  Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses 
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Job Description

Grace is seeking a Chemical Operator to join our team!

The Chemical Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of manufacturing equipment and processes. This role involves monitoring and adjusting equipment and ensuring product quality. The Chemical Operator will work closely with team members to meet production goals and maintain a safe work environment.  

All employees at the GRACE East Chicago plant have environmental, health and safety (EHS) roles and responsibilities and are accountable for achieving compliance with our EHS Policy. The Operator will be required to work a rotating shift schedule, and work overtime and holidays as production demands dictate. Employee must successfully complete all applicable Operator Assessments and plant training requirements.

This position will work a rotating work schedule. 

1st Shift 7:00AM - 3:00PM

2nd Shift 3:00PM - 11:00PM

3rd Shift 11:00PM - 7:00AM

Responsibilities

Employees are responsible for, but not limited to:

  • Knowing the equipment and process operation to handle, store, and transport chemical material.
  • Operate, monitor, and control continuous and batch processes.
  • Manual and auto operation of the process, using field controls and PLC's, and troubleshoot the process.
  • Provide routine minor maintenance to process equipment and instrumentation.
  • Sample and analyze plant material.
  • Maintain quality standards and take corrective action as needed.
  • Respond to emergency situations, including emergency shutdown.
  • Complete plant data sheets, environmental reports, inventory sheets, forklift inspection reports, etc. as requested.
  • Package drums/totes and load tank wagons and box trucks.
  • Housekeeping.
Physical Requirements and Environment
  • Ability to work in a high hazard environment, including adverse weather conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and noisy surroundings.
  • Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb stairs and ladders over 100 ft.
  • Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator
Required Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 1-3 years manufacturing experience, preferably in the chemical industry
Preferred Qualifications
  • Additional technical training or Associates Degree preferred
  • Current or recent forklift certification
  • Experience working a rotating work schedule
  • Experience working in a position that requires strong reading, math and technical skills, and the ability to qualify on various processes and equipment in a dynamic and complex chemical manufacturing environment
  • Basic computer skills 
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Grace Wellness Program
  • Flexible Workplace
  • Retirement Plans
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company Donation Match Program
  • U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com) 

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.

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