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Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois

National Starch and Chemical

Process Lead

Bedford Park, IL · On-site

$105K - $137K/yr

Process Lead About Ingredion: Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without ... Bachelor's degree in chemical or mechanical engineering or equivalent in education and experience.

BCforward

Lead Chemical Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$53/hr

Lead Chemical Engineer 01/23/2017 to 10/19/2017 Des Plaines, IL, USA, 60017 $53/HR ON W2 ... Size process piping and run hydraulics. Develop project specifications including all major ...

Eakas Corporation

Be Seen First

Paint Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Paint Engineering Coordinator supports for the design of paint jigs, robotic paint programs and ... Technical - Applies basic methodology of painting process; Knowledge of basic paint chemical and ...

Clean Harbors

Chemical Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.42 - $28.85/hr

... the facility. Entry level position that requires NO TRAVEL! We are looking for dedicated ... This is a unique opportunity to learn interesting Chemical Processes - company provided training!

New

Clean Harbors

Chemical Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $22.75/hr

... the facility. Entry level position that requires NO TRAVEL! We are looking for dedicated ... This is a unique opportunity to learn interesting Chemical Processes - company provided training!

New

Clean Harbors

Chemical Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $22.75/hr

... the facility. Entry level position that requires NO TRAVEL! We are looking for dedicated ... This is a unique opportunity to learn interesting Chemical Processes - company provided training!

New

Evonik

Summer Internship

Mapleton, IL

$21 - $27/hr

Process Engineering Intern: Contributed to the startup activities of a new chemical process, including updating procedures, redlining P&IDs, and creating Gantt charts to enhance process efficiency

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsChemical Process Engineer JobsEntry Level Chemical Process Engineer JobsEntry Level Chemical Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$44.1K

$98.2K

$157K

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chemical process engineer in Illinois is $98,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level chemical process engineer do?

An Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer assists in designing, developing, and optimizing processes used to manufacture chemicals, fuels, foods, and other products. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure that processes run efficiently, safely, and within environmental regulations. Common tasks include data collection, troubleshooting equipment, preparing reports, and supporting process improvement projects. This role is a great starting point for recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in the chemical engineering field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level chemical process engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer, you need a solid understanding of chemical engineering principles, process design, and safety protocols, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS, and knowledge of process control systems, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in team environments and troubleshoot complex processes. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and successful project outcomes in industrial settings.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level chemical process engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level chemical process engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced environment of manufacturing plants, learning to troubleshoot complex equipment, and understanding intricate process flows. Navigating safety protocols and regulatory requirements can also be demanding, especially when balancing hands-on tasks with documentation and reporting. Additionally, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including operators, maintenance staff, and senior engineers, requires strong communication and adaptability skills.

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

AspectEntry Level Chemical Process EngineerChemical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in chemistry or process technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and oversee chemical processes; often in labs or plant settingsAssist in operating and maintaining equipment; work on the plant floor
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, chemical companies, R&D facilitiesProcessing plants, manufacturing facilities, chemical production

Entry Level Chemical Process Engineers focus on designing and improving chemical processes, requiring a bachelor's degree, while Chemical Technicians support operations by maintaining equipment, typically with technical certifications. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,185 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Project E&I Engineer - Refinery

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Title: Project E&I Engineer - Refinery
Location: Lemont, IL
Hire Type: Long Term Open-Ended Contract (Multi-Year, No End Date)
Pay Rate: $50-75 per hour
Compensation & Benefits
As a contract employee of Sterling Engineering, you'll receive a full, competitive benefits package, including:
  • Three Medical Plan Options
  • Dental & Vision Coverage
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
Sterling Engineering is seeking a Project E&I Engineer to support capital improvement projects at a large, highly automated industrial manufacturing and refining facility. You'll gain hands-on experience leading technically challenging projects in a safety-driven, fast-paced environment with significant opportunities to expand your project management and refinery engineering expertise.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage assigned electrical and instrumentation capital projects from scope development through commissioning and startup
  • Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and execution plans
  • Monitor project budgets, cash flow forecasts, schedules, and overall project performance
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Process Engineering, Reliability, Construction, and Maintenance
  • Manage engineering contractors, material procurement, and project documentation throughout the project lifecycle
  • Review engineering designs to ensure quality, constructability, safety, and regulatory compliance
  • Lead project change management activities, including Management of Change (MOC) documentation
  • Facilitate Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs) to support safe equipment commissioning and startup
  • Provide technical support during construction, installation, startup, and project closeout
  • Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and meet operational objectives
Qualifications
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university
  • Must have at least 2 years of Electrical & Instrumentation engineering experience in a refining or chemical processing environment
  • Experience supporting capital projects in refining, chemical processing, power generation, or other heavy industrial environments
  • Needs a strong working knowledge of instrumentation engineering standards and best practices
  • Experience managing project scope, budgets, schedules, and contractor activities
  • Familiarity with Management of Change (MOC) processes and industrial safety practices
Why You'll Love This Opportunity
  • Work on impactful capital projects supporting one of the nation's critical industrial facilities
  • Gain experience managing projects from concept through startup and commissioning
  • Collaborate with experienced multidisciplinary engineering and operations teams
  • Build expertise in project management, refinery systems, and industrial process engineering
  • Diverse project work that offers technical challenges and professional growth
  • Safety-focused culture with established engineering processes and best practices
  • Excellent opportunity to expand your experience in large-scale industrial project execution.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.