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Downstream Process Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Senior Chemist

Lansing, IL · On-site

$57K - $117K/yr

... downstream process needs for the dispersion. * Engage with raw material and equipment suppliers to stay current on industry advancements, new dispersion technologies, and emerging market trends.

Line Technician

Vandalia, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Champion a "stop and fix" mindset to prevent defects from continuing downstream. Process Improvement & ProblemSolving Identify and lead improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce ...

... and downstream processes. Key responsibilities: Process Engineer Technology Transfer: Lead technology transfer projects from bench, pilot, or external development organizations into the iPROOF ...

Gantry Tech

Bellwood, IL · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

Responsible for identifying, correcting, and communicating various up/downstream process issues that reduce process output or impact quality. * Manage the repair of all conveyor components and store ...

Associate Process Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Job Duties/Responsibilities: • Conduct field and technical evaluations of existing process units • Perform calculations, develop PFDs and P&IDs, provide design documentation for downstream ...

Associate Process Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Conduct field and technical evaluations of existing process units Perform calculations, develop PFDs and P&IDs, provide design documentation for downstream engineering disciplines, develop equipment ...

Showing results 21-40

Downstream Process information

What is a downstream process?

A Downstream Process refers to the series of steps involved in the purification and recovery of biological products, such as proteins, enzymes, or antibodies, after they have been produced by microorganisms or cells during fermentation or cell culture. It typically includes cell separation, product isolation, purification, and polishing to achieve the desired product quality and purity. Downstream processing is crucial for ensuring that biopharmaceutical products meet regulatory and safety standards before they reach the market.

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

To thrive as a Downstream Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or biochemical engineering, knowledge of purification techniques, and typically a relevant degree. Familiarity with process control systems, chromatography, filtration technologies, and GMP compliance, as well as certifications like Six Sigma, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex production challenges. These skills ensure efficient, high-quality product recovery and compliance with industry standards in biomanufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in downstream process roles?

Professionals in downstream process roles often encounter challenges such as optimizing purification steps to maximize yield and product purity while minimizing costs and processing time. They must also troubleshoot issues related to equipment performance, scalability, and regulatory compliance, especially when transitioning from lab-scale to large-scale production. Collaboration with upstream teams, quality assurance, and engineering is critical to address these challenges and ensure a smooth workflow. Staying current with technological advances and regulatory requirements also plays a significant role in day-to-day success.

What is the difference between Downstream Process vs Upstream Process?

AspectDownstream ProcessUpstream Process
PurposePurifies and isolates the target product from the mixtureProduces the initial product, such as cell culture or fermentation
ActivitiesFiltration, chromatography, centrifugation, purificationCell growth, fermentation, media preparation
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioprocessing facilitiesBioreactors, fermentation tanks, labs
Required SkillsBioprocessing techniques, chromatography, filtrationMicrobiology, cell culture, fermentation technology

Downstream Process focuses on purifying the product, while Upstream Process involves producing the raw material. Both are essential steps in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, often working sequentially to ensure high-quality product output.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Downstream Process jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Downstream Process job openings:

Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Extrusion Process Engineer

Tangent Technologies

Montgomery, IL • On-site

$87K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Job description

Description:

Perform daily work necessary to support Extrusion processes, associates and equipment. Tasks include but not limited to changeover, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, SOC’s, continuous improvement problem solving and training. Must be able to support operations in all facets.

Requirements:

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and maintain all policies of the company including but not limited to Quality, Health & Safety Requirements, and Continuous Improvement methodology.

• Must possess 3 plus years of extrusion processing experience.

• Understanding of molds/ tooling design and function

• Monitor SOC’s and process controls, adjust and document changes along with communication to Supervisor and Quality

• Monitor daily regrind to percentages, staging and establish reduction actions on generation

• Perform tooling set ups, changeovers, color changes, processing, downstream and start-ups.

• Develop audit system to monitor and address process/ tooling variances and develop countermeasures

• Ability to use problem solving tools with Team utilizing 5 Why, Fishbone and capture in A3 document

• Perform 1st article and in-process checks to validate sustained control

• Develop and maintain spare tooling, equipment upgrade matrix to track required work and tooling

• Perform annual and new-hires training to establish cross-functional team skills

• Participate, coordinate and perform preventative Maintenance on tooling.

• Maintain tooling, run and SOC records for line, mold and SKU’s.

• Ability to support and work different schedules to support 24-hour operation.

• Conduct problem solving when 2 consecutive RED hours occur relating to process/ tooling

• Perform PQP on processes as required along with developing of new process standard.

• Lead problem solving workshops and Kaizen events.

• Maintain allowable standards on purging lbs and techniques and look for ways to reduce material loss.

• Ability to troubleshoot equipment to resolution and share knowledge

• Ability to maintain all documentation and perform annual review for revisions/ validation

• Other duties as assigned


REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

· Tooling knowledge

· Mechanical aptitude

· Basic Computer skills

· Basic SPC and Quality knowledge

· Knowledge of inspection techniques and documentation


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Associates Degree or higher in Engineering or related field

· 3-5 years process extrusion processing experience


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Works in manufacturing environment.

· Exposed to moderate to high noise levels.

· Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. repetitively.