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Process Development Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Allergan

Principal Scientist I, Chemistry

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

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

Imbibe

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 ...

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How much do process development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development scientist in Chicago, IL is $39.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.23 and $47.60 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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Process Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Development Scientist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,909 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Food Scientist - Sauce Commercialization

Hunter the Head Hunter

Thornton, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Research & Development Scientist – Sauces & Dressings

Location: Greater Chicago Area – South Suburbs
Reports To: Director of R&D/Quality

Position Summary

A growing food manufacturer is seeking an experienced Research & Development Scientist to support the development, commercialization, and optimization of sauces, dressings, condiments, and other liquid or semi-liquid food products.

This is a hands-on product development position with involvement throughout the entire R&D lifecycle—from bench-top formulation and sensory evaluation through pilot trials, plant scale-up, commercialization, and ongoing product optimization.

The ideal candidate will have a strong food science foundation and previous experience developing sauces, salad dressings, condiments, marinades, dips, spreads, emulsions, or similar formulated food products.

Key Responsibilities
  • Independently formulate and develop new sauces, dressings, condiments, marinades, dips, spreads, and related products.
  • Conduct bench-top experimentation, prototype development, sensory evaluations, and formulation optimization.
  • Develop and optimize products with consideration for flavor, texture, viscosity, stability, appearance, ingredient functionality, and manufacturability.
  • Support projects throughout the full product development lifecycle, from initial formulation through plant trials, scale-up, commercialization, and production launch.
  • Translate bench-top formulations into repeatable, commercially viable manufacturing processes.
  • Partner closely with Operations and Quality during plant trials and production runs to troubleshoot formulation and processing challenges.
  • Collect and analyze experimental, sensory, and manufacturing data to guide product-development decisions.
  • Maintain accurate formulations, laboratory records, specifications, reports, and commercialization documentation.
  • Identify opportunities for ingredient optimization, product improvement, process improvement, and cost reduction.
  • Support packaging development, food safety, shelf-life, and commercialization initiatives as needed.
  • Manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously while meeting established timelines.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Minimum 5 years of food product development or R&D experience.
  • Previous formulation experience with sauces, dressings, condiments, marinades, dips, spreads, emulsions, or similar food products is strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and food formulation.
  • Demonstrated experience taking products from bench-top development through manufacturing scale-up and commercialization.
  • Experience conducting plant trials and troubleshooting products in a food manufacturing environment.
  • Strong analytical, sensory, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to effectively collaborate with R&D, Quality, Operations, Marketing, and other cross-functional teams.
  • Strong project-management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple development projects.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience with formulation or product-development software is a plus.
Preferred Product Development Experience

Candidates with R&D experience involving one or more of the following are especially encouraged to apply:

Sauces • Salad Dressings • Condiments • Marinades • Dips • Spreads • Emulsions • Gravies • Cooking Sauces • Pourable Sauces • Refrigerated or Shelf-Stable Formulated Foods