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Process Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This role serves as the owner-side Design Authority for process engineering on major biopharmaceutical capital programs. This role provides strategic leadership, technical governance, and oversight ...

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

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

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

Senior Design Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

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

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

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

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.

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

In this role you will lead and support design of wastewater treatment through evaluation of existing processes and facilities; treatment assessments; design of improvements, expansions, and new ...

In this role you will lead and support design of wastewater treatment through evaluation of existing processes and facilities; treatment assessments; design of improvements, expansions, and new ...

This role partners across multiple domains including Knowledge Management, Software Engineering, and Product Development, bringing strong legal process insight, user-centered design thinking, and ...

In this role you will lead and support design of wastewater treatment through evaluation of existing processes and facilities; treatment assessments; design of improvements, expansions, and new ...

PCBA Process Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Collaborate with Design Engineering on DFM/DFA reviews to improve manufacturability and testability. * Support Supply Chain with material evaluations, alternate components, and supplier process ...

In this role you will lead and support design of wastewater treatment through evaluation of existing processes and facilities; treatment assessments; design of improvements, expansions, and new ...

This role focuses on ensuring highquality, costeffective, and scalable PCBA production through process design, equipment optimization, defect reduction, and continuous improvement across SMT and ...

This role partners across multiple domains including Knowledge Management, Software Engineering, and Product Development, bringing strong legal process insight, user-centered design thinking, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$62.3K

$100K

$130.8K

How much do process design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,986 per year, or $48.1 per hour.
Director, Process Engineering

Director, Process Engineering

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 71 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 Director of Process Engineering will lead the process engineering effort for multiple strategic projects. This role serves as the owner-side Design Authority for process engineering on major biopharmaceutical capital programs. This role provides strategic leadership, technical governance, and oversight of all process engineering activities supporting large-scale manufacturing facility projects. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that process systems are designed, integrated, and implemented in alignment with corporate engineering standards, regulatory expectations, and operational requirements. The role provides technical oversight of A&E contractor engineering activities and ensures that core process engineering deliverables-including process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), cause and effect diagrams, process schematics, and operations philosophy documentation-meet the technical, safety, and operational standards required for pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. As part of the project leadership team, the Director ensures effective integration of process design with utilities, automation, commissioning, qualification, and operational readiness activities. The role also supports corporate capital governance stage-gate processes, process safety management, and technology transfer integration with PDS&T, when required. The incumbent will report to Director, Engineering in the Operations Transformation organization.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead a team of Subject matter experts to drive engineering schedules of selected A&E consultants
  • Ensure deliverables are reviewed, approved and issued for design or construction to ensure that the project procurement and construction activities proceed without any interruption
  • Serve as the owner's senior process engineering leader for major capital projects.
  • Provide leadership to the owner's process engineering team and coordinate with contractor engineering organizations.
  • Establish process engineering execution strategies and technical standards for the project.
  • Ensure alignment of process designs with manufacturing requirements, regulatory expectations, and corporate engineering standards.
  • Drive cross-functional integration between engineering, operations, quality, and PDS&T teams.
  • Act as the Process Engineering Design Authority, responsible for technical approval and governance of key process engineering deliverables.
  • Provide oversight and approval of critical engineering documents including Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Process schematics and system architecture, Cause and Effect diagrams, control narratives and operations philosophy documentation
  • Lead multidisciplinary design reviews to ensure completeness, operability, and compliance with project standards.
  • Ensure design consistency across engineering disciplines including process, mechanical, utilities, automation, and facility systems.
  • Support corporate capital project governance and stage-gate review processes.
  • Ensure process engineering deliverables are completed to required maturity levels at each project phase
  • Define and oversee process system architecture, system boundaries, and equipment integration.
  • Ensure process systems are effectively integrated with Utility systems, Automation and control systems, Facility infrastructure, Cleanroom and environmental systems
  • Provide technical oversight for development and verification of process fluid lists and line lists.
  • Ensure proper classification of process streams and evaluate material compatibility, corrosion risks, and contamination risks associated with process fluids.
  • Ensure alignment between process fluid characteristics and material selection for piping, valves, and equipment.
  • Provide governance and technical review for process piping design including Pipe sizing and hydraulic calculations, Pressure drop and flow rate analysis, Line classification and specifications
  • Ensure piping designs support process reliability, cleanability, maintainability, and sterility where applicable.
  • Ensure process systems meet corporate and regulatory process safety management (PSM) requirements including
  • Provide oversight for process safety analyses including Relief valve sizing calculations, Overpressure protection analysis, Process hazard analysis (PHA), HAZOP facilitation and resolution
  • Review safety-critical calculations and engineering analyses.
  • Lead development and approval of operations philosophy documentation defining system operation, control strategies, and operational boundaries.
  • Ensure process systems support safe startup, shutdown, maintenance, and cleaning activities.
  • Integrate operational considerations into design including human factors, accessibility, and maintainability.
  • Collaborate with operations and MSAT teams to ensure long-term operability of process systems.
  • Support systemization and turnover to CQV teams by providing technical support during system startup and operational readiness activities.
  • Lead resolution of process engineering issues identified during commissioning and qualification.
  • Monitor contractor performance, deliverables quality, and resource utilization.
  • Ensure efficient coordination between contractor teams and internal engineering resources.
  • Oversee engineering budgets and resource plans across the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure efficient utilization of both internal and contractor engineering resources.
  • Support development of capital cost estimates and engineering schedules.
  • Identify and mitigate risks that could impact project cost or timeline.
  • Contribute to and lead a high-performing project organization including program managers, engineering leads, construction managers, CQV leads, and project controls professionals.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Qualifications
  • BS, Engineering or equivalent technical degree; Master's degree in Engineering or MBA preferred
  • 10+ years of experience as a Senior Engineering / Projects / Operations Leader across multiple technologies.
  • Proven leadership experience in engineering of mega-capital projects ($500MM - $1B+)
  • Deep knowledge of engineering systems in all disciplines in biopharmaceutical industry
  • Proven inclusive management and leadership capabilities of large cross-functional teams and the ability to effectively interact and communicate with senior leadership and executives from strategic partners and authorities
  • Demonstrated experience managing Engineering contractors and global equipment vendors
  • Results-oriented leadership with outstanding negotiation skills and risk-based decision making is required
  • Ability to mentor and develop next generation of leaders
  • Travel within the US outside the US for reviews/workshops/visits to vendor facilities will be required

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

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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