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Chemical Process Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a ... Process Optimization: Analyzing and enhancing treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical ...

GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team! This role follows a ... Process Optimization: Analyzing and enhancing treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical ...

GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a ... Process Optimization: Analyzing and enhancing treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical ...

GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a ... Process Optimization: Analyzing and enhancing treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical ...

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Design Engineer I to join our growing team Design Engineering team ... Complete the review process for each job through milestone drawing releases; * Participate in our ...

Engineer II Process

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$84K - $119K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering 3 - 7 years of experience working as a Process Engineer ... Writes Process Description and Process Design Basis * Devises new approaches to problems ...

As a Design Engineer, you will work full-time on-site in Sheboygan, contributing to the development ... Create detailed drawings and specifications for manufacturing processes * Conduct research to ...

As a Design Engineer, you will work full-time on-site in Sheboygan, Wisconsin contributing to the ... Create detailed drawings and specifications for manufacturing processes * Conduct research to ...

Design Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Design Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and ...

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Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The design then needs to be detailed and adapted to suit OPTO's comprehensive in-house and sourced manufacturing processes. The Design Engineer will provide detailed CAD data to allow the ...

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Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The design then needs to be detailed and adapted to suit OPTO's comprehensive in-house and sourced manufacturing processes. The Design Engineer will provide detailed CAD data to allow the ...

This position is centered on SolidWorks-based product design and core mechanical engineering ... Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, or assembly * Ability to ...

Engineer II Process

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$84K - $119K/yr

Zachry Group is seeking Process Engineer II candidates for our Downers Grove Engineering Design ... Other duties as assigned Qualifications • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering • 3 - 7 ...

Design Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Design Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing ...

Associate Process Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Analyze, calculate, and design new or revamped process equipment in refinery, chemical, and other ... Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering • Experience: Min Yr = 3+ • Licensure: E.I.T.

Showing results 21-40

Chemical Process Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$46.9K

$104.4K

$166.9K

How much do chemical process design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical process design engineer in Chicago, IL is $104,378.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chemical process design engineer do?

A Chemical Process Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in the manufacturing of chemicals and related products. They apply principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to create efficient and safe methods for large-scale chemical production. Their work often involves process simulation, equipment specification, safety analysis, and troubleshooting to ensure that industrial facilities operate smoothly and meet regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Chemical Process Design Engineer vs Chemical Process Engineer?

AspectChemical Process Design EngineerChemical Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering; often involved in design certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering; focuses on process optimization
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, project sites, engineering firmsManufacturing plants, production facilities, R&D labs
Employer & IndustryEngineering consultancies, chemical companies, EPC firmsChemical manufacturing, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals

The Chemical Process Design Engineer primarily focuses on designing and planning chemical processes, often working on project specifications and process flow diagrams. In contrast, the Chemical Process Engineer typically works on operating, optimizing, and troubleshooting existing processes within manufacturing environments. Both roles require a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, but their daily tasks and work settings differ significantly.

What are some common challenges chemical process design engineers face when working on new plant projects?

Chemical Process Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with existing systems, ensuring safety and compliance with strict regulatory standards, and optimizing processes for cost and energy efficiency. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineers—requires clear communication and effective project management. Additionally, adapting designs based on feedback from pilot studies or on-site observations can be both demanding and rewarding, as it directly impacts the project's success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical process design engineer?

To thrive as a Chemical Process Design Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, process simulation, and design, usually supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering. Expertise with technical tools such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, AutoCAD, and familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help differentiate top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient, and cost-effective chemical processes while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
What are popular job titles related to Chemical Process Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Chemical Process Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Chemical Process Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,378 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Director, Process Safety and Design

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
Reporting directly to the Vice President of Global Engineering, this role will have high visibility to the Operations executive leadership team as a key leader and globally recognized Subject Matter Expert - sharing your knowledge and expertise to ensure that we deliver best-in-class process design in the projects that we execute and throughout our global manufacturing network. In this role, you will be expected to bring new ideas, industry best practices and innovative solutions so that we are continuously ensuring our manufacturing facilities operate at the highest standards of engineering design and process safety.
Responsibilities:
  • You will be a trusted partner and establish process safety strategy for the global manufacturing network, providing Leadership with regular updates on the manufacturing sites and continuous improvement initiatives related to Process Safety Management (PSM).
  • Successfully engaging globally across all manufacturing sites, collaborating with site leadership to create defined timelines for the implementation of process safety recommendations and continuous improvement goals. You will have joint responsibility with Site Directors to ensure that timelines are achieved.
  • With your team of SMEs, you will be accountable to drive global network Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) efforts, capital project design reviews, process safety training and other process safety initiatives.
  • Design, develop, implement and monitor the process safety roadmap for the global network with an overarching focus to drive standardized processes, reduce risk, eliminate failure modes and ensure global compliance.
  • Leveraging your background in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related technical field, provide technical support to global network of sites on design and process safety related issues.
  • Drive continuous improvement process safety culture across the network. Be a visible leader for AbbVie's Zero. Believe it. Achieve it.(ZBA) philosophy.
  • Lead process safety reviews, during design and start-up for major capital projects across the global network. Provide technical input for Requests for Capital Expenditure (RCE) to ensure that significant safety and environmental aspects are properly integrated during the Front-End Planning design process for new product introduction, product-transfer between sites, and changes to existing processes and equipment. Lead the hazard screening process for Tech Transfers and New Product Introductions.
  • Develop network dashboard of process safety related KPIs to measure continuous improvement progress. Maintain currency with industry best practices, Best Available Technologies (BAT), and trends. Share this knowledge with peers and leadership.
  • With your team, support the process safety element of internal EHS audits to ensure compliance with applicable standards and policies, adoption of best practices to identify and manage risk, and conformance to company directives.
  • Experienced people leader with proven responsibility for talent selection, talent development and performance management.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree required in Chemical Engineering, or other technical field preferably in engineering or life sciences. Master's degree not required, but preferred.
  • Experience leading and coaching a diverse team to success, adapting your leadership style as needed to excel.
  • Ability to partner with, influence and guide decision making at global senior leadership level.
  • 15+ years' experience in the pharmaceutical and/or chemical industries in engineering or manufacturing support environment.
  • Demonstrated experience in process engineering, process design or a technical safety discipline.
  • 30% travel with this role due to the global nature of the position

Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013