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Process Development Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Daifuku

Product Development Engineer

Hobart, IN

... process. Responsibilities Major Areas of Responsibility * Conceives, designs, develops, engineers ... Experience in the design and development of conveyor-related products: * Conveyor equipment ...

Daifuku

Product Development Engineer

Hobart, IN

... process. Responsibilities Major Areas of Responsibility * Conceives, designs, develops, engineers ... Experience in the design and development of conveyor-related products: * Conveyor equipment ...

Medical Murray

R&D Senior Engineer

Barrington, IL · On-site

$95K - $160K/yr

Title: R&D Senior Engineer Location: Lake Zurich Employment Type: Full-Time About Us Founded in ... Manufacturing & Process Development * Develop pilot and manufacturing processes, equipment, and ...

Aquestive Therapeutics

Process Engineer

Portage, IN

Supports development of required cleaning processes for equipment trains. * Prepares documentation ... Represents Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Product Development Teams. * Support ...

Aquestive Therapeutics

Process Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

Supports development of required cleaning processes for equipment trains. * Prepares documentation ... Represents Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Product Development Teams. * Support ...

Gotion, Inc.

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

$73K - $97K/yr

... development. Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides ... The Process Engineer will play a key role in supporting production ramp-up activities, driving ...

Danaher

Senior Engineer, Process Validation

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $130K/yr

At Aldevron, we deliver world-class CDMO services that accelerate the development of groundbreaking ... The Senior Engineer, Process Validation is responsible for leading & supporting internal and ...

Gotion, Inc.

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Manteno, IL

$73K - $97K/yr

The Process Engineer will play a key role in supporting production ramp-up activities, driving ... Strong understanding of manufacturing process development and optimization. * Experience with ...

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All JobsProcess Development Engineer JobsProcess Development Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Process Development Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$46.9K

$104.7K

$157.1K

How much do process development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for process development engineer in Chicago, IL is $104,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $122,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare expertise and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Development Engineer, you need a solid foundation in engineering principles, process optimization, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB), Six Sigma methodologies, and relevant industry certifications is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you excel in cross-functional projects and drive continuous improvement. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing efficient processes, ensuring product quality, and supporting organizational competitiveness.

What Is a Process Development Engineer?

A process development engineer designs and plans production systems to be cost-effective, safe, and meet quality requirements for their industry. These professionals often work as part of a quality assurance team or a production management department for industrial companies, such as manufacturing or mining businesses. As a process development engineer, your job duties include reviewing the company's current production processes and designing modifications to the current system or creating new systems to increase productivity. Once you have installed or implemented the system, you make sure to test and troubleshoot it to ensure they run properly.

What are some common challenges faced by Process Development Engineers when scaling up from laboratory to production environments?

One of the main challenges Process Development Engineers encounter is ensuring that processes which work efficiently at a laboratory scale can be reliably and safely replicated in full-scale manufacturing. Differences in equipment size, process dynamics, and raw material variability can lead to unforeseen issues such as inconsistent product quality or unexpected safety hazards. Effective communication and collaboration with both R&D and production teams are essential to troubleshoot problems and optimize process parameters. Engineers often need to adapt quickly, apply problem-solving skills, and implement robust validation protocols to ensure successful scale-up.

What does a process development engineer do?

A process development engineer designs, tests, and optimizes manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. They analyze production methods, develop new procedures, and often use tools like statistical analysis and process simulation to ensure scalable and reliable operations.

What is the difference between Process Development Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectProcess Development EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing manufacturing processes for new productsOverseeing and improving existing manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentR&D labs, pilot plants, early-stage productionProduction floors, plant operations
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, experience in process designBachelor's or higher in engineering, experience in manufacturing
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, electronics, chemicals, biotechAutomotive, consumer goods, electronics, industrial manufacturing

While both roles involve process optimization, Process Development Engineers focus on creating and refining new manufacturing processes, often in early development stages. Manufacturing Engineers typically work on maintaining and improving existing production processes to ensure efficiency and quality in ongoing operations.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most process development engineers earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, some senior or specialized engineers in high-demand industries or with extensive experience can earn over $200,000. Earning $500,000 typically requires executive-level roles, such as director or VP of engineering, or highly specialized positions with significant responsibilities and bonuses.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Certain specialized roles, managerial positions, or engineers with advanced certifications and leadership responsibilities can also reach or exceed this salary level.
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Process Development Engineer jobs near you
Tech 1, Product Development Engineering

Tech 1, Product Development Engineering

ALOIS LLC

Vernon Hills, IL • On-site

Contractor

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Client: Medical Device Manufacturing
Position: Product Development Engineering Tech
Duration: 10+ months Contract with possibility of extension
Location: Vernon Hills, IL 60061 

  • Primary focus of this position is to assist R&D and Manufacturing related testing, and associated test adjacent tasks. This would include receiving in, staging, labeling, tracking and prepping test product, trialing test methods to confirm and optimize test steps prior to validation.
  • Testing: Ability to perform testing by following test methods and test protocols from R&D engineers; collecting data and record test results; entering test data into Excel and Minitab, organizing and when needed presenting data and observations to peers and management in a reportable format. Sets up and tears down test equipment for testing per test protocols.
  • Test Equipment and Fixturing: Assist in maintaining test equipment, fixturing, and other lab equipment such as the vacuum system.
  • Training: May provide in-person training on test equipment, test methods, general lab policies and lab safety training to other personnel.

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum of a High School Diploma/GED.  Associates of Science degree in science, math or engineering preferred.
  • Experience working in a laboratory with knowledge of GMP, GDP and GLP, and an ability to operate lab equipment.
  • Experience with physical testing tools and equipment (hand tools, force and torque gauges, balances, digital and analog gauges, Zwick (or Zwick-like tensile/compression testers like an Instron) is preferred. Experience with laboratory test equipment is a plus. 

Education and/or Experience:

  • Minimum of a High School Diploma/GED.  Associates of Science degree in science, math or engineering preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum 0-3 years of industrial experience in R&D or process development, or Associates of Science degree in science, math or engineering. Preferred, 1-2 years related experience preferably in medical device or other regulated FDA/QSR and ISO environment.