Chemical Process Project Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Purpose

We are seeking a Project Delivery Engineer to lead the delivery of high-impact capital (CapEx) projects within our chemical processing department, which is a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives on end-to-end ownership of complex process and equipment investments, driving improvements in safety, capacity, reliability, and operational performance.

You will play a critical role in shaping and executing multi-disciplinary capital projects-from early concept and business case development through detailed design, construction, and startup-while influencing key stakeholders and delivering measurable business value.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver capital projects (CapEx) within the process area, managing the full lifecycle from concept, justification, and design through execution, commissioning, and handover.
• Own project scope, budget, schedule, and risk management, ensuring delivery against business and operational targets.
• Partner with operations to identify opportunities for capacity expansion, cost optimization, and process improvements, translating needs into scalable engineering solutions.
• Develop and manage technical deliverables (P&IDs, layouts, specifications, calculations, and engineering documentation) to support project execution.
• Drive vendor selection, contractor management, and equipment procurement, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timeline adherence.
• Lead installation, commissioning, and startup activities, ensuring seamless integration into live operations.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety requirements, and corporate governance processes, including capital approval frameworks.
• Champion Process Safety Management (PSM), leading activities such as Management of Change (MOC), HAZOP/PHA participation, and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, automation, quality, and SHE teams to ensure sustainable project outcomes.
• Track project performance and proactively resolve issues to ensure successful delivery.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering (or related field).
• 3-5+ years of proven experience delivering capital projects in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of process systems, utilities, and industrial equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage end-to-end project execution, including budget ownership and contractor coordination.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience managing mid-to-large scale CapEx projects.
• Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies (HAZOP, PHA).
• Experience with equipment installation, commissioning, and startup in an operating plant.
• Familiarity with regulated, high-hazard, or PSM-driven environments.
• Exposure to continuous improvement or capacity expansion initiatives.

Key Strengths for Success

• Ownership mindset with a track record of delivering complex capital projects.
• Strong technical leadership and decision-making capability.
• Ability to balance hands-on execution with strategic project planning.
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Skilled at managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

Why This Role

• Direct ownership of high-value capital investments that shape the future of the site.
• Opportunity to lead end-to-end project delivery, not just support execution.
• High visibility with cross-functional leadership and plant stakeholders.
• Ability to drive meaningful impact across safety, productivity, and cost efficiency.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant / industrial setting.
• Close collaboration with production, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Occasional travel depending on project scope.

Pay: The pay range for this position is $88,600 to $133,000. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible.

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

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