1

Downstream Process Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead Process Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

... downstream engineering disciplines, develop equipment specifications, compile scope of work ... Advance technical knowledge of refinery and chemical process unit operations and licensed ...

Lead Process Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

... downstream engineering disciplines, develop equipment specifications, compile scope of work ... process unit operations and licensed technologies • Advanced knowledge of applicable codes and ...

Lead Process Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

... downstream engineering disciplines, develop equipment specifications, compile scope of work ... Advance technical knowledge of refinery and chemical process unit operations and licensed ...

Manage stakeholders and user groups to determine downstream impacts of process, or system changes * Create and maintain key documentation such as process flows, playbooks, and RACIs, while keeping ...

Technical Product Manager

Chicago, IL · Remote

$88K - $121K/yr

The Technical Product Manager is responsible for ingesting consumer purchase data in many forms, parsing and processing it and turning it into structured data for downstream processes to utilize. The ...

Technical Product Manager

Chicago, IL · Remote

$88K - $121K/yr

The Technical Product Manager is responsible for ingesting consumer purchase data in many forms, parsing and processing it and turning it into structured data for downstream processes to utilize. The ...

Maintain discipline across the quote-to-cash process to ensure accurate downstream reporting and invoicing What you will do Revenue Growth & Sales Effectiveness * Support territory planning, pipeline ...

The role ensures processes are standardized, scalable, and aligned across engineering ... Ensures accurate BOM governance enabling downstream execition and WIP transparency * WIP visibility ...

Candidates must have a strong understanding of the complete customer order lifecycle and its upstream and downstream business processes, along with hands-on experience in the Oracle ecosystem ...

Showing results 41-60

Downstream Process information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in Chicago, IL is $25.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $28.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 near Chicago, IL are hiring for Downstream Process jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Downstream Process job openings:

Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,866 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Global Process Engineer (Aseptic)

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th 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

Purpose

The Global Process Support Engineer (Aseptic) will support the AbbVie Technical Operations Functions and the AbbVie Technical Centers worldwide. This position will be responsible for applying advanced scientific knowledge, engineering knowledge, mathematics, and ingenuity to complete complex assignments related to aseptic capital projects and aseptic process troubleshooting.  The selected candidate will contribute to the development of new principles and concepts and is expected to lead change from an engineering perspective.  Will also be responsible for solving operating issues and providing technical support to cross-functional teams within the Aseptic sites.

Responsibilities

  • Serves as organization spokesperson on advanced projects and/or programs related to aseptic operation including equipment selection. Presents results of projects both internally and externally.
  • Acts as advisor to management and operating sites on applications of new advanced processing equipment and participates in project planning, process update
  • Responsible for timely project completion.
  • May act as lead engineer, project leader, or project contributor.
  • Ensures quality and effectiveness of aseptic solutions as part of major projects through sound design, early risk assessments, and implementation strategies. Has full awareness of the potential consequences (defects and failure modes) of design changes to established processes.
  • Evaluates and integrate relevant engineering advances for improving or solving problems.
  • Understands the business implications of assigned products and processes and identify engineering solutions compatible with business needs.
  • Provides technical direction and feedback to others.
  • Responsible for compliance with applicable corporate and local policies and procedures.
Qualifications

MS or PHD in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or related field with 6 to 8 years of engineering experience in pharmaceutical aseptic process design, equipment selection and operation in one of the following areas:

            general aseptic processing;

            upstream and downstream biological processing;

            aseptic fill finishing

Good knowledge of:

            Aseptic fill finish technology and suppliers

            Broader compounding, built infrastructure (cleanroom design, services (water, HVAC.....)

            Knowledge of regulatory environment and requirements both in Europe and the US

            Methods of Microbial control and environmental monitoring

            Control and information systems used in secondary pharma and fill finish on particular

            Understands both equipment control and SCADA and MES levels.

            Secondary packaging

            Single use systems

            Cleaning and sanitisation methodologies.

            Knowledge about associated technology (Lyophilisation, Blow Fill Seal)

            Application of robotics

Understanding of:

            typical process analysis and troubleshooting tools.

            high containment processing

            change control requirements

            key literature beyond regulations (ISPE, AMSE, ISO, USP)

            project costing, lead times, control and management

            broader commercial environment in the Pharma industry.

Experience:

            Demonstrated excellence in breadth and depth of knowledge within the aseptic discipline and is recognized as a subject matter expert

            Experience active participating or leading FMEA, Risk Assessments and/or Investigations for aseptic pharmaceutical processes.

            Must demonstrate negotiation skills and ability to reconcile differences

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 thisposting 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 anduntil 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


What AbbVie employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


AbbVie logo

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