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Entry Level Chemical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking to build ... Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field * 0-2 years of engineering experience ...

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking to build ... Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field * 0-2 years of engineering experience ...

... Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or Mathematical Statistics ... PwC does not intend to hire experienced or entry level job seekers who will need, now or in the ...

... Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or Mathematical Statistics ... PwC does not intend to hire experienced or entry level job seekers who will need, now or in the ...

Participate in remedial activities at affected facilities, properties, or sites addressing chemical ... Collaborate with other scientific and engineering professionals within the practice. * Coordinate ...

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This entry-level position is responsible for supporting drug manufacturing processes, including ... Previous experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, food, or other regulated manufacturing ...

Participate in remedial activities at affected facilities, properties, or sites addressing chemical ... Collaborate with other scientific and engineering professionals within the practice. * Coordinate ...

Entry Level Chemical Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.2K

$90.1K

$144.2K

How much do entry level chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chemical engineer in Chicago, IL is $90,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $109,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level chemical engineer?

Entry level chemical engineers are recent graduates or those with limited work experience who apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers, assisting in designing processes, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring safety and quality standards are met. Entry level positions provide foundational experience and training, helping engineers develop the technical and teamwork skills needed for more advanced roles.

What does an entry level chemical engineer do?

Chemical engineers design and develop manufacturing processes for various chemicals. They work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, food processing, environmental health, health care, and design and construction. Entry-level chemical engineers often shadow veteran engineers while learning specific responsibilities of the job before taking on larger tasks. As an entry-level chemical engineer, you can expect to research new methods for manufacturing chemicals, create processes for handling them, estimate the cost of production, and draft and implement related safety procedures to ensure the well-being of employees who work with those chemicals. Entry-level chemical engineers may obtain their first jobs after completing a bachelor's degree, but many get higher degrees to pursue careers in research or academia.

What are some typical projects or tasks that an entry level chemical engineer might work on in their first year?

As an entry level chemical engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that support senior engineers and larger team goals. Typical tasks may include assisting with process design and optimization, conducting lab-scale experiments, analyzing data, and preparing technical reports. You may also help troubleshoot production issues or participate in safety and quality assessments. Collaboration is common, as you'll often work alongside other engineers, operators, and technical staff to implement solutions and improve processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level chemical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, problem-solving ability, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or ChemCAD), laboratory analysis tools, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and clear communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for designing safe and efficient processes, collaborating across teams, and ensuring project success in a technical environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Chemical Engineer vs Chemical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Chemical EngineerChemical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemical EngineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and process optimization in labs or officesAssisting in plant operations and process monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy, and research firmsManufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities

Entry Level Chemical Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on designing and improving chemical processes, while Chemical Technicians usually have technical certifications and assist in operational tasks. Both roles are essential in the chemical industry but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,124 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Engineer Supplier Quality

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Electronic Warfare and Targeting (EWT) Business Unit in Rolling Meadows, IL is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to join the Supplier Quality team, reporting to the Supplier Quality EWT BU Manager. This position is instrumental in driving the supply base to provide consistently high-quality parts to support our customers. This position is contingent upon anticipated award in the fall 2026.

What You Get to Do:

  • Represent Northrop Grumman to the supply chain with credibility, confidence and professionalism
  • Engage in Program activities to identify and quantify supplier performance as a proactive risk mitigation
  • Represent Supplier Performance Management (SPM) at various program reviews and review boards including but not limited to Configuration Control Board (CCB), Material Review Board (MRB), Program Management Reviews (PMR), Design/Peer Reviews, Manufacturing/Test Readiness Reviews and Corrective Action Board (CAB)
  • Perform Specification/Drawing Compliance Reviews, First Article Inspections and support Receiving Inspection on various categories of hardware such as PWBs, CCAs, cables and connectors, microelectronics, electro-mechanical systems, and mechanical components & assemblies
  • Collaborate with Program Quality to ensure appropriate quality requirements for programs are identified and flowed to suppliers
  • Analyze and interpret data to identify suppliers' process issues and develop solutions
  • Perform process and product audits along with capacity assessments to ensure the supplier's processes are robust and capable, as well as compliant to Military and Space requirements.
  • Initiate and manage SCARs (Supplier Corrective Action Reports) to address nonconforming material by working cross-functionally identify root cause and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented
  • Initiate and manage SDRs (Supplier Deviation Requests) to address nonconforming material by working cross-functionally with Global Supply Chain, Engineering, & Suppliers
  • Review and Approve FAIRs (First Article Inspection Reports) in accordance with AS9102 to ensure that Suppliers are able to ship product in a timely manner
  • Effectively perform supplier risk assessment activities designed to identify and quantify the probability and impact the supply chain may have in support of proposal & business development efforts
  • Execute and oversee supplier Manufacturing Readiness Assessments in accordance with the DoD MRL (Manufacturing Readiness Level) Desk book
  • Lead cross-functional teams in pursuit of supplier performance improvements aligned to department and organizational goals
  • Understand continuous process improvement (CI) and effectively develop and execute CI initiatives
  • Support the development of entry level engineers to ensure team effectiveness and promote knowledge transfer across the organization
  • Travel up to 25% of the time to suppliers, as required, to oversee quality investigations and complete design reviews

#MPR

Basic Qualifications for the Level 2:

  • 2 or more years of experience in Quality, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing or Engineering with a Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering, engineering mechanics, electrical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science engineering, or biomedical engineering
  • Experience in Root Cause/Corrective Action investigations
  • US Citizenship required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with ISO9001 and AS9100 Requirements
  • Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) & types of Engineering Drawings as described in ASME Y14.5 & Y14.24
  • Experience with Special Processing such as Chemical Conversions, Anodic Coatings, Brazing, etc. as specified in MIL Specs such as MIL-A-8625 and MIL-DTL-5541
  • Experience with J-STD-001, IPC-A-600, 610, 620 or MIL-STD-883
  • Experience with the DoD MRA (Manufacturing Readiness Assessment) Guidebook
  • Experience creating supplier management plans in support of NAR (Non-Advocate Review)/ICE (Independent Cost Evaluation) activities
  • Current active DoD Secret Clearance, or higher
Primary Level Salary Range: $79,600.00 - $119,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939