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Process Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

Process Experiments and Scale-Up Propose, design, prioritize, and safely execute laboratory, pilot-scale, and scale-up experiments. Apply fundamental engineering principles and scale-up laws to guide ...

Senior Design Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110 - $115/hr

Coordinate process, civil, structural, architectural, and MEPFP design integration. * Lead project design reviews and quality control efforts. * Drive schedule coordination and communication of ...

Senior Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102.99 - $169.23/hr

Process Experiments and Scale‑Up Propose, design, prioritize, and safely execute laboratory, pilot‑scale and scale‑up experiments. Apply fundamental engineering principles and scale‑up laws ...

Senior Process Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

About LJC LJC Design & Engineering is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm ... Senior Process Designers play a pivotal role in ensuring project success through technical ...

Ensures that process design reflects current business strategy and business/stakeholder requirements and supports the desired customer experience. Processes may be related to (but are not limited to ...

Process Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$74 - $138/hr

Ensures that process design reflects current business strategy and business/stakeholder requirements and supports the desired customer experience. Processes may be related to (but are not limited to ...

Ensures that process design reflects current business strategy and business/stakeholder requirements and supports the desired customer experience. Processes may be related to (but are not limited to ...

Engineer II Process

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$84K - $119K/yr

The Process Engineer II will be responsible for routine process engineering and design tasks for assigned projects based on specific and detailed instructions received from the assigned supervisor.

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

The Design Engineer I will design, review and entitle designs for commercial, government and ... Complete the review process for each job through milestone drawing releases; * Participate in our ...

Showing results 21-40

Process Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$62.3K

$100K

$130.8K

How much do process design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for process design in Chicago, IL is $99,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $113,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is process design?

Process design is the planning and structuring of the steps, workflows, and resources needed to transform inputs into finished products or services in the most efficient way possible. It involves analyzing existing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and creating detailed plans for new or optimized processes. Process designers work to ensure that operations are cost-effective, safe, and meet quality standards. This role is crucial in industries like manufacturing, engineering, and service delivery, where efficient processes can significantly impact productivity and profitability.

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

To thrive as a Process Design Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience in process optimization. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or AutoCAD) and industry certifications like Six Sigma are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective process designs that meet organizational and regulatory standards.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in process design roles, and how can they be addressed?

One of the most common challenges in Process Design roles is balancing efficiency improvements with operational feasibility and compliance requirements. Professionals often need to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as operations, quality assurance, and engineering, to ensure that proposed process changes are practical and align with industry standards. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and integrating new tools can present hurdles. Staying proactive through continuous learning, clear communication, and iterative feedback greatly helps in overcoming these challenges and achieving successful process improvements.

What is the difference between Process Design vs Process Improvement?

AspectProcess DesignProcess Improvement
FocusCreating or developing new processes from scratch or redesigning existing onesOptimizing and enhancing existing processes for better efficiency
SkillsProcess mapping, workflow analysis, creativity, project managementData analysis, problem-solving, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often in the planning or development phaseOperational, ongoing efforts within existing workflows
CertificationsProcess mapping, project management certificationsLean, Six Sigma, Kaizen certifications

While Process Design focuses on creating and structuring new processes, Process Improvement aims to refine and enhance current workflows. Both roles are essential for operational excellence but differ in scope and approach.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Process Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Process Design 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 $99,986 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Lead, R&D - E2E Complex Projects, Process

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

$141K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Kraft Heinz rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

217th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description


As the R&D Process Project Delivery Lead, you will own complex process development initiatives from early concept through scale-up, commercialization, and handover to operations. This role partners closely with Platform and Central R&D, Manufacturing, and cross-functional stakeholders to translate product concepts into robust, scalable processes to manufacture finished products. The ideal candidate combines strong product development and process engineering expertise with disciplined project leadership and has a proven track record of navigating technical risk, scale-up challenges, and cross-functional execution across the end-to-end development lifecycle.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Lead the full R&D lifecycle for process initiatives: ideation, feasibility, process design, modeling, validation, pilot trials, scale-up, and final handover to manufacturing and supply chain.
  • Translate consumer, product, and business requirements into fit-for-purpose manufacturing processes that meet performance, quality, cost, and timeline targets.
  • Serve as the technical integrator across process design and manufacturing capability.
  • Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations to assess process capability, equipment fit, line readiness, and scale-up risks.
  • Lead and coordinate pilot runs, first-time-right trials, and process validation activities to ensure smooth transition from R&D to full-scale production.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks related to process robustness, variability, raw materials, and system interactions.
  • Act as project owner and single point of accountability for assigned R&D programs.
  • Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and external partners to define requirements, milestones, timelines, and success criteria.
  • Build and maintain integrated project plans including technical deliverables, decision gates, budgets, and resource needs.
  • Lead governance reviews, provide clear status reporting, and proactively escalate risks, trade-offs, and decisions.
  • Lead technical reviews of processing parameters, yield, stability, and performance testing.
  • Ensure compliance with quality, regulatory, food safety (as applicable), and shelf-life requirements.
  • Support cost optimization, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives across new and existing products.
  • Lead supplier and partner engagement related to processing technologies and external trials.
  • Coordinate third-party testing, pilot activities, and sample approvals as needed.
  • Apply R&D best practices including critical point risk assessment, failure mode effect analysis, and commissioning / qualification / validation.
  • Author process design scopes, transformation flowsheets, and manufacturing procedure specifications.
  • Contribute to the development of R&D processes, tools, and standards.
  • Mentor junior scientists/engineers and strengthen technical project execution capability within the team.

People Management Responsibilities
  • Team (salaried): 6 direct reports

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Minimum 11 years of progressive experience in R&D product and process development within consumer goods, food and beverage, or similar industries, with increasing scope and accountability across scale-up, industrialization, and cross-functional leadership.
  • Demonstrated experience leading end-to-end product and process development programs, from concept through commercialization.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, scale-up, and industrialization.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and influence without authority.
  • Solid project leadership skills, including planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
  • Proficiency with project tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Excel); ERP experience (e.g., SAP) a plus.
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience leading complex, multi-site or global product launches.
  • Hands-on experience with pilot plants, process trials, and first commercial production runs.
  • Background in process optimization, yield improvement, or manufacturing continuous improvement.
  • Project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) preferred but not required.

Work Environment & Schedule
This position is considered a Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces
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:
$141,500.00 - $176,900.00
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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