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Junior Process Engineer Jobs in Berwyn, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

The Senior Process Development Engineer is responsible for leading complex process research and ... People Development Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior engineers ...

Reporting to the Associate Principal Process Mechanical, this role provides advanced engineering expertise, mentors junior engineers, and ensures mechanical systems are designed in accordance with ...

Process Mechanical Stress Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Principal Process Mechanical, this role provides advanced engineering expertise, mentors junior engineers, and ensures mechanical systems are designed in accordance with ...

Process Mechanical Stress Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Principal Process Mechanical, this role provides advanced engineering expertise, mentors junior engineers, and ensures mechanical systems are designed in accordance with ...

Process Mechanical Stress Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Principal Process Mechanical, this role provides advanced engineering expertise, mentors junior engineers, and ensures mechanical systems are designed in accordance with ...

Process Mechanical Stress Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Principal Process Mechanical, this role provides advanced engineering expertise, mentors junior engineers, and ensures mechanical systems are designed in accordance with ...

Process Mechanical Stress Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Principal Process Mechanical, this role provides advanced engineering expertise, mentors junior engineers, and ensures mechanical systems are designed in accordance with ...

Reporting to the Associate Principal Process Mechanical, this role provides advanced engineering expertise, mentors junior engineers, and ensures mechanical systems are designed in accordance with ...

Junior Engineer

Niles, IL · On-site

$63K - $79K/yr

... plant's processes and equipment * A responsibility of the Junior Engineer is to assist with ... demonstrating equipment functions and features to machine operators * This role will observe and ...

... process integration, and project execution * Support construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities as needed * Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development ...

... process integration, and project execution * Support construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities as needed * Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development ...

... process integration, and project execution * Support construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities as needed * Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development ...

... process integration, and project execution * Support construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities as needed * Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development ...

... process integration, and project execution * Support construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities as needed * Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development ...

... process integration, and project execution * Support construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities as needed * Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development ...

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Showing results 1-20

Junior Process Engineer information

See Berwyn, IL salary details

$34K

$72.8K

$111K

How much do junior process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior process engineer in Berwyn, IL is $72,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,200.00 and $81,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior process engineer do?

A Junior Process Engineer assists in designing, implementing, and optimizing industrial processes within manufacturing or production environments. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to analyze workflows, troubleshoot problems, and contribute to process improvements to increase efficiency, safety, and product quality. Tasks may include collecting and analyzing data, preparing process documentation, and supporting project teams with technical input. This role often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced engineering positions, allowing individuals to gain hands-on experience and develop their technical skills.

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

To thrive as a Junior Process Engineer, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering along with solid analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or AutoCAD), data analysis tools, and basic knowledge of industry safety standards are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help junior engineers effectively collaborate and learn from senior colleagues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient process optimization, compliance, and professional growth within engineering teams.

What are the typical challenges faced by a junior process engineer during their first year on the job?

As a Junior Process Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to complex manufacturing processes, learning to use specialized software, and understanding industry-specific regulations. It often takes time to become proficient in troubleshooting process issues and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams like production, quality, and maintenance. With guidance from senior engineers and hands-on experience, you will gradually build confidence and technical expertise, which are key to advancing in this field.

What is the difference between Junior Process Engineer vs Process Technician?

AspectJunior Process EngineerProcess Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, process improvement projectsOperating, maintaining, troubleshooting manufacturing equipment
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical industriesProduction plants, manufacturing facilities

Junior Process Engineers focus on process design and optimization, often requiring an engineering degree, while Process Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance with technical diplomas. Both roles are vital in manufacturing settings, but they differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

Are junior process engineers in demand?

Junior process engineers are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, chemical, and energy sectors, where they help optimize production processes. The role often requires knowledge of process simulation tools and safety standards, and demand is driven by ongoing industry growth and technological advancements.

Is a junior process engineer a good career?

A junior process engineer is an entry-level role in manufacturing, engineering, or industrial settings, focusing on supporting process improvements and data analysis. It offers opportunities for skill development in areas like process optimization, technical tools, and certifications, making it a solid starting point for a career in engineering. Career growth typically involves gaining experience, additional training, and advancing to senior or specialized roles.

Is process engineering well paid?

Process engineering is generally well paid, with entry-level salaries often above average for engineering roles. Salaries increase with experience, certifications, and industry, and process engineers working in manufacturing, chemical, or energy sectors tend to earn higher wages.

What is a junior process engineer?

A junior process engineer is an entry-level professional responsible for assisting in the design, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing or industrial processes. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, use tools like process simulation software, and may need relevant technical certifications or a degree in engineering. Their role involves analyzing data, troubleshooting issues, and supporting continuous improvement efforts in production environments.

What cities near Berwyn, IL are hiring for Junior Process Engineer jobs?

Cities near Berwyn, IL with the most Junior Process Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Process Engineer job openings in Berwyn, IL 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 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,805 per year, or $35 per hour.

Principal Engineer, R&D - Process Technology

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description


As a Principal Engineer on the Process Technology group within R&D Central Processing, you will serve as a deep technical processing expert responsible for exploring and developing new process technologies, building our internal processing capabilities, and hands-on execution of complex, high-impact processing projects from concept through commercialization. You will own the technical delivery of assigned initiatives, partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders to translate processing concepts into manufacturable, Right-First-Time solutions. This role prioritizes technical rigor, executional excellence, and applied engineering expertise over portfolio strategy or people management.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging process technologies (equipment, automation, digital, etc) aligned to business needs.
  • Develop scale up strategies from prototyping, to pilot plant, and right the first time commercialization to drive optimal project execution.
  • Execute end-to-end technical delivery across assigned complex processing projects, including technical briefing, concept development, technical design, learning plans, pilot runs, capital design, and commercialization handover to Operations/Supply Chain.
  • Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, and Process Design Scopes, ensuring processing parameters meet defined quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance requirements.
  • Apply processing commercialization tools (CQV, FMEA, CPRA) to systematically identify and mitigate technical risks, drive design decisions, and ensure Right-First-Time launch readiness.
  • Partner with Platform R&D, GDI R&D, Packaging R&D, Quality, Operations, and external suppliers to define processing requirements and success criteria, resolve technical trade-offs, and maintain project timelines and milestones.
  • Lead and support pilot line trials and scale-up activities, translating learnings into robust commercial processing solutions.
  • Contribute to STAR and Tech Review Board processes, preparing and presenting technical content that clearly communicates design rationale, risk status, and commercialization readiness.
  • Maintain compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements throughout project execution.
  • Support cost optimization and value engineering efforts that improve margin, sustainability, and reinvestment priorities.
  • Serve as an informal technical mentor to junior processing engineers on the team, sharing applied expertise and supporting capability development.

Key Outputs & Deliverables
  • Deliver successful technical execution across concurrent complex processing projects within innovation and platform portfolios, meeting committed timelines, budgets, and technical performance targets.
  • Achieve and sustain >95% Right-First-Time (RTF) launches across assigned projects, ensuring processing solutions meet manufacturability, quality, regulatory, and supply chain readiness criteria at first commercial production.
  • Produce high-quality processing technical deliverables - including Manufacturing Procedure Specifications, Transformation Flowsheets, Process Design Scopes, FMEAs, and CQV documentation - that meet enterprise engineering standards.
  • Generate clear, data-driven technical recommendations and risk assessments that enable informed go/no-go decisions at governance milestones.
  • Contribute to team capability by sharing technical learnings, best practices, and processing expertise across the broader E2E projects organization.

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • BS/MS/PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Minimum 6 years of experience in R&D or Engineering roles within consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma, or a similar industry (5 years with a Master's or 4 years with a PhD) demonstrating increasing scope of responsibility.
  • Demonstrated experience in emulsions / shear processing, fermentation, extrusion, thermal processing & validation, aeration, drying, or powder mixing preferred.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience executing end-to-end processing development projects, including pilot trials and scale-up to industrial production.
  • Strong applied knowledge of processing commercialization tools including CQV, FMEA, CPRA, Process Design Scopes, and Transformation Flowsheets.
  • Solid project management skills, with experience maintaining detailed project plans, schedules, and risk logs on multi-stakeholder initiatives.
  • Proficiency with project tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or equivalent), advanced Excel skills; familiarity with ERP systems (SAP).
  • Strong technical communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex processing data into clear recommendations for cross-functional audiences.
  • Experience with pilot line setup, scale-up, and industrial production launches, including multi-site experience preferred.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Work Environment & Schedule
This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$104,200.00 - $130,200.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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