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Combustion Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

A Finkl & Sons Co

COMBUSTION TECHNICIAN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

The Combustion Technician works closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to maximize uptime, energy efficiency, and product quality. *This is a second shift position* Key ...

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Combustion Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$85.5K

$126.9K

How much do combustion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for combustion engineer in Illinois is $85,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,200.00 and $87,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a combustion engineer?

A combustion engineer is skilled in the process of harnessing the energy created by heating up fuel. Job duties include installing combustion systems and testing the equipment once it is operational. A combustion engineer may also have to troubleshoot issues with equipment that is not working correctly. This technology can be found in many heating systems, including in a building or a car. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.

What does a combustion engineer do?

A Combustion Engineer specializes in the design, operation, and optimization of systems that burn fuel to produce energy, such as boilers, furnaces, and engines. They analyze combustion processes to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure safety. Their work often involves troubleshooting equipment, developing new combustion technologies, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Combustion Engineers play a critical role in industries like power generation, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a combustion engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Combustion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, with expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion principles, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as ANSYS Fluent or CHEMKIN), emissions testing equipment, and relevant industry certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional professionals apart in this field. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant combustion system design and operation.

What is the difference between Combustion Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectCombustion EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in combustion or thermodynamicsEngineering degree, mechanical or related certifications
Work EnvironmentPower plants, industrial facilities, research labsManufacturing, design firms, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageEnergy, power generation, petrochemicalManufacturing, automotive, aerospace

Combustion Engineers focus on designing and optimizing combustion processes, often working in energy and industrial sectors. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on machinery, systems, and product design across various industries. While both roles require engineering degrees, combustion engineers specialize in combustion systems, whereas mechanical engineers work on mechanical components and systems.

What are some common challenges combustion engineers face when optimizing industrial combustion systems?

Combustion Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing efficiency, emissions control, and system safety when optimizing industrial combustion systems. Addressing varying fuel qualities, maintaining equipment reliability, and complying with strict environmental regulations can be demanding. Effective collaboration with process engineers, maintenance teams, and environmental specialists is essential to troubleshoot issues and implement improvements. Staying updated with advancements in combustion technology and control systems also helps in overcoming these challenges and ensuring optimal plant performance.
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Combustion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combustion Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 78% Full Time, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,481 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

COMBUSTION TECHNICIAN

A Finkl & Sons Co

Chicago, IL • On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Position Summary

The Combustion Technician is responsible for overseeing the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all combustion systems within the plant, including melt shop furnaces, forging furnaces, heat treatment furnaces, and auxiliary heating equipment. Position relies heavily on electrical trouble shooting skills. Maintenance/Supervision experience is a plus. This role ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations, drives optimization of fuel usage, and provides technical expertise in combustion system maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades. The Combustion Technician works closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to maximize uptime, energy efficiency, and product quality.

*This is a second shift position*

Key Responsibilities

  • Leadership & Oversight.
    • Develop and enforce safe operating procedures for all combustion systems.
    • Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) on combustion, burners, fuel systems, and emissions controls.
  • Operations & Optimization
    • Monitor and optimize combustion efficiency in melt shop, forging, and heat treatment operations.
    • Implement fuel usage reduction initiatives and energy savings programs.
    • Ensure consistent heating profiles and uniformity to meet metallurgical specifications.
  • Maintenance & Reliability
    • Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance for combustion systems (burners, controls, gas trains, refractory).
    • Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for combustion-related downtime.
    • Coordinate with Maintenance and Engineering on repairs, retrofits, and system upgrades.
  • Compliance & Safety
    • Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local environmental regulations.
    • Manage combustion system,audits, and inspections.
    • Lead hazard analysis and risk assessments related to combustion operations.
  • Continuous Improvement
    • Identify opportunities for new technologies or process improvements in combustion systems.
    • Partner with engineering to design and implement upgrades or new installations.
    • Develop KPIs for combustion performance (fuel efficiency, uptime, emissions).

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field (preferred) OR equivalent technical experience.
  • 5+ years of experience with industrial combustion systems, preferably in steel or heavy manufacturing required.
  • Strong knowledge of natural gas, burners, combustion controls, and emissions monitoring.
  • Experience with industrial furnaces (forging furnaces, heat treat systems).
  • Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
  • Familiarity with NFPA 86, OSHA standards, and EPA environmental regulations.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability in high-pressure environments.

Competencies

  • Technical Expertise – Deep knowledge of combustion principles and industrial furnace operations.
  • Leadership – Ability to mentor and lead a cross-functional technical team.
  • Safety Focus – Commitment to hazard recognition and compliance.
  • Analytical Skills – Data-driven approach to optimization and troubleshooting.
  • Communication – Clear and concise communication across operations, maintenance, and leadership levels.

Working Conditions

  • Steel manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, noise, heavy equipment, and molten metal operations.
  • Requires use of PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, flame-resistant clothing, hearing protection).
  • Rotational presence across shifts may be required for troubleshooting or project execution.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with Company Match & Profit Sharing
  • Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
  • 10 Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Overtime Opportunities
  • Career Advancement & On-the-Job Training

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