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Colloidal Silica Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ecolab

Principal Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Become Subject matter expert (SME) in Colloidal silica Manufacturing process to support continuous improvement in safety, quality and productivity work streams. Serve as back up support for escalated ...

Ecolab

Principal Process Engineer

Chicago, IL

$101K - $152K/yr

Become Subject matter expert (SME) in Colloidal silica Manufacturing process to support continuous improvement in safety, quality and productivity work streams. Serve as back up support for escalated ...

Worcester Polytech

Research Scientist

Worcester, MA

$67K/yr

... ash, colloidal silica admixtures, and permeability-reducing admixtures. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty investigators, graduate students, MassDOT Research and Materials ...

Ecolab

Lead Chemical Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$107K - $161K/yr

CTG RD&E proposes bringing in a new engineer dedicated to the application of colloidal silica in concrete admixture and refractory products. This Lead Chemical Engineer is very customer support ...

Ecolab

Lead Chemical Engineer

Naperville, IL

$107K - $161K/yr

CTG RD&E proposes bringing in a new engineer dedicated to the application of colloidal silica in concrete admixture and refractory products. This Lead Chemical Engineer is very customer support ...

Waters Corporation

Consulting Scientists

Milford, MA · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Conceive, invent, and develop novel polymeric and hybrid silica/polymer materials platforms for ... Develop advanced synthetic methodologies including sol-gel, colloidal, emulsion, controlled ...

Waters Corporation

Consulting Scientists

Milford, MA · Hybrid

Conceive, invent, and develop novel polymeric and hybrid silica/polymer materials platforms for ... Develop advanced synthetic methodologies including sol-gel, colloidal, emulsion, controlled ...

Waters Corporation

Consulting Scientists

Milford, MA · Hybrid

$100K - $137K/yr

Conceive, invent, and develop novel polymeric and hybrid silica/polymer materials platforms for ... Develop advanced synthetic methodologies including sol-gel, colloidal, emulsion, controlled ...

Bangs Labs, Inc.

R&D Scientist

Indianapolis, IN

... of polymer, silica and magnetic microspheres for diagnostic, research, and flow cytometry ... other colloidal systems are preferred. Special consideration will be given to candidates with ...

All JobsColloidal Silica Jobs

Colloidal Silica information

See salary details

$25

$44

$58

How much do colloidal silica jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for colloidal silica in the United States is $44.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.98 and $49.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is colloidal silica and what is it used for?

Colloidal silica is a stable dispersion of fine amorphous, nonporous, and typically spherical silica (silicon dioxide) particles in a liquid, usually water. It is widely used in a range of industries for purposes such as polishing semiconductors and optics, as a binder in investment casting, a fining agent in beverage production, and as a strengthening additive in concrete and coatings. Its unique properties, such as stability, high purity, and uniform particle size, make it valuable for applications requiring precision and clean chemical performance.

What are the typical responsibilities of a professional working with colloidal silica in an industrial or research setting?

Professionals working with colloidal silica are often responsible for tasks such as preparing and characterizing silica dispersions, optimizing formulations for coatings or polishing applications, and conducting quality control tests. They frequently collaborate with R&D teams to develop new products or improve existing ones and may also interact with production staff to scale up laboratory processes. Addressing challenges such as maintaining particle stability and consistency are common, and professionals must stay up-to-date with industry standards and safety procedures. This role offers opportunities for advancement into senior technical or managerial positions depending on experience and expertise.

What is colloidal silica also known as?

Colloidal silica is also known as hydrated silica or silica sol. It consists of fine particles of silica suspended in a liquid, commonly used in industrial and manufacturing processes. Understanding its properties is important for roles involving materials science or chemical handling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Colloidal Silica Production Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Colloidal Silica Production Specialist, you need a background in chemistry or chemical engineering, knowledge of materials science, and experience in manufacturing environments. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, process control systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the precise production and quality control of colloidal silica, which is essential for meeting industry standards and customer requirements.

How do you make colloidal silica?

Colloidal silica is produced by the controlled hydrolysis of silica alkoxides or sodium silicate solutions, followed by aging and stabilization to form fine silica particles suspended in water. Manufacturing requires precise pH control, temperature regulation, and thorough mixing, often performed in specialized chemical processing environments by trained technicians.

What does colloidal silica do?

Colloidal silica is used in various industries for its abrasive, polishing, and sealing properties. In jobs related to colloidal silica, workers may handle its application in manufacturing, electronics, or coatings, requiring knowledge of handling and safety procedures.

What is the difference between Colloidal Silica vs Chemical Technician?

AspectColloidal SilicaChemical Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in chemistry or related fieldAssociate's or bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, research facilitiesIndustrial plants, laboratories, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageUsed in materials, coatings, electronics, and polishingSupports chemical processes, quality control, and production

Colloidal Silica specialists focus on handling and applying silica suspensions in various industries, while Chemical Technicians assist in chemical processes, testing, and quality control. Both roles require chemistry knowledge and work in laboratory or industrial environments, but their specific functions differ significantly.

Is colloidal silica hazardous?

Colloidal silica used in jobs such as manufacturing or laboratory work can pose health hazards if inhaled or ingested, as it may cause respiratory issues or skin irritation. Proper safety measures, including personal protective equipment and adequate ventilation, are essential when handling colloidal silica to minimize exposure risks.
Infographic showing various Colloidal Silica job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $92,764 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Principal Process Engineer

Principal Process Engineer

Ecolab

Chicago, IL • On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Ecolab rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 196 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 90 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Ecolab is looking for an experienced Principal Process Engineer with a strong background in industrial manufacturing at our Clearing, IL manufacturing facility. Clearing is the flagship manufacturing plant for our Global Water division, leading efforts in quality, water sustainability, and production.
This is a great opportunity to demonstrate Process Engineering and leadership skills across a wide variety of unit ops. This highly visible role enables the right candidate to impact multi-level of the organization delivering long term value.
What You Will Do:
  • Lead process engineering efforts and provide Colloidal and Latex manufacturing guidance to operations team. This will include close collaboration with production management and operations personnel.
  • Become Subject matter expert (SME) in Colloidal silica Manufacturing process to support continuous improvement in safety, quality and productivity work streams. Serve as back up support for escalated process engineering troubleshooting effort.
  • Leverage technical knowledge to up skill operations personals with goal to create autonomous teams with ability to analyze process input and decide on appropriate trouble shooting steps.
  • Support and help lead efforts to strengthen a world-class PSM safety culture.
  • Lead Process engineering input to continuous improvement and capital projects focused on safety, product quality, and process efficiencies
  • Plant contact for new product introduction scale-up efforts
  • Support efforts to develop more robust SPC capabilities
  • Working knowledge of DCS and PLC basic principles. Facilitate implementation of process visualization software and integration with current control systems
  • Create and maintain documentation of SOPs and manufacturing procedures
  • Work with different quality and engineering functions to implement best practices across all manufacturing processes

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related Engineering discipline
  • Strong communicator and collaborator with experience working across multiple functions
  • 7 years of experience in chemical manufacturing environment.
  • Experience working in a PSM facility
  • Experience with MS Office suite
  • No immigration sponsorship is available for this position

Preferred Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in complex manufacturing environment
  • Experience with DCS or industrial process control experience including PLC and HMI programming
  • Successfully managed and participated in multifunctional project teams
  • Familiarity and expertise with resin, filtration technology or polymer manufacturing.

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range
The pay range for this position is $101,400.00 - $152,100.00. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.
Benefits
Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits.
If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.
Potential Customer Requirements Notice
To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:
- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.

What Ecolab employees say

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About Ecolab

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1923

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