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Process Development Scientist Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

R&D Scientist - US

Oak Brook, IL · On-site +1

$90K - $100K/yr

Establish processing parameters and work with Plant Operations to optimize production runs. * Lead pre- and post-production reviews for new product launches. * Travel to Nature's Path manufacturing ...

... process development, process characterization/justification, transfer of technology to ... Generate new scientific proposals and lead those efforts. Anticipate and critically evaluate ...

Scientist, Product Development

Niles, IL · On-site

$82K - $100K/yr

Summary of PositionThe Scientist is a mid-level product developer. This individual is skilled in ... Batch and prepare formulas for processing at the bench and pilot plant scale, with an in-depth ...

Showing results 41-60

Process Development Scientist information

See Illinois salary details

$20

$37

$59

How much do process development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development scientist in Illinois is $37.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.50 and $44.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a process development scientist?

A Process Development Scientist is a professional who designs, develops, and optimizes processes for manufacturing products, typically in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or chemicals. Their work involves scaling up laboratory procedures to full production, improving efficiency, ensuring quality, and meeting regulatory standards. They collaborate with research, engineering, and manufacturing teams to implement new processes or refine existing ones. Process Development Scientists play a critical role in bringing new products from the research phase to commercial production while maintaining safety and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process development scientist?

To thrive as a Process Development Scientist, you need a background in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, supported by at least a bachelor’s (often master’s or PhD) degree and experience in laboratory research. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (such as HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry), process modeling software, and relevant regulatory standards is crucial. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help drive innovation and coordinate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the efficient development and scale-up of robust, safe, and cost-effective processes in pharmaceutical, biotech, or chemical manufacturing environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by process development scientists when scaling up from lab experiments to full production?

Process Development Scientists often encounter challenges when transitioning processes from the laboratory to large-scale production. These can include maintaining product quality and consistency, optimizing yields, and ensuring that processes are cost-effective at scale. Addressing equipment differences, process variability, and regulatory compliance are also common hurdles. Collaboration with engineers, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance professionals is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and achieve scalable, robust processes.

What does a process development scientist do?

A process development scientist designs, optimizes, and scales up manufacturing processes for products such as pharmaceuticals or chemicals. They analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure processes meet quality and regulatory standards, often using tools like statistical analysis and laboratory equipment. Their work supports efficient, reliable production and continuous process improvement.

What are popular job titles related to Process Development Scientist jobs in Illinois?

For Process Development Scientist jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Process Development Scientist jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Process Development Scientist jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Process Development Scientist jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Process Development Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Process Development Scientist job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,929 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Sr. Product Development Scientist - Sous Vide Protein

OSI Group

Aurora, IL • On-site

$50.31 - $75.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and manage new product development projects through product development and the commercialization process.

  • Identify opportunities to drive top line business growth via new and improved technologies, processes, or ingredients.

  • Provide technical guidance and solutions during cross functional team meetings bringing projects to commercialization.


OSI Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

276th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world's leading foodservice and retail food brands to provide concept-to-table solutions that delight consumers around the globe.
Join us and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm, and where you can learn and grow to your full potential. We're looking for individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and who enjoy working as a team to deliver unparalleled service and solutions to our customers.
Position Summary:
This role is responsible for supporting the organization's product development strategy by managing all phases of product development projects for key customer accounts. Key area of expertise in various food categories, including dairy, cheese, sauce, vegetable and/or meat, to provide ingredient, processing, and related technical knowledge to support innovative solutions to meet customer needs.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Job is an individual contributor.
  • Job is an individual contributor and has no direct reports.
  • Develop and manage new product development projects through product development and the commercialization process.
  • Identify opportunities to drive top line business growth via new and improved technologies, processes, or ingredients.
  • Partners with other cross functional departments (Sales, Manufacturing, Culinary, Engineering, Quality, Operation Excellence) to provide technical leadership as a member of Product Development Team.
  • Provides technical and scientific expertise to other R&D members, in the hands-on development of new products, quality improvement, ingredient substitution, line extensions and any applied technology.
  • Manage and perform product development in bench, pilot and plant operations levels meeting the product development needs of the projects.
  • Provide technical guidance and solutions during cross functional team meetings bringing projects to commercialization.
  • Pro-actively recommend new concepts or prototypes in line with latest product trends.
  • Provide reports to business teams regarding both tactical plans and achievements.
  • This role has the responsibility to understand and places in practice appropriate safety procedures. This responsibility is achieved through education, training, use of protective equipment (as applicable) and by following safety policies, regulations, standards, and laws.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Skills:
  • 5-10 years of experience in related field is preferred.
  • In developing and commercializing of food products. Hands-on experience in sous vide or dry sausage/meat processing is a plus.
  • Excellent proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite Products.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to influence business decisions.
  • Strong knowledge of ingredient and functionality, product formulas, processing and manufacturing.
  • Familiar with in USDA/FDA regulations and standards.
  • Experience with new product development processes and protocols.
  • Demonstrated creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work successfully independently and under limited supervision.
  • Hand on scientist that is able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent organization and time management skills.
  • Proficient in use of both on-line work systems and product development software tools.

Preferred Education:
  • BA/BS or equivalent is preferred.
  • In Food Science, Dairy Science, Meat Science or related fields.
  • Advanced degree is a plus.

Compensation/Benefits
The base salary for this position ranges from a low of $104,648 to a maximum of $156,972, with offers typically between the low and middle of the range, based on education, skills, experience and internal equity among other factors. The midpoint range for this role is $130,810. This role is also eligible to participate in the company annual discretionary bonus plan based on company and individual performance. As part of a complete total rewards package, OSI also offers comprehensive paid time off (sick, vacation, holidays and other programs), 401k with matching company contributions, a full suite of benefit offerings (medical, dental, vision, life, disability and other voluntary coverages) for you and your family and educational assistance with opportunities for professional development.
Work Environment:
  • Work can be performed within a manufacturing plant environment with noise, extreme temperatures, and significant movement of powered equipment, people and conveyor (may depend on the role).
  • Work conditions are typical of an R&D Center.
  • This role requires 30% domestic travel.
  • Position may require the physical agility of lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Position may require frequent and/or infrequent of bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, stretching/reaching, use hands or fingers, talk, hear, feel objects, tools, controls and standing/walking on concrete flooring.
  • Position may require the physical ability to stand/walk for Greater than 4 hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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