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Process Tech Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

fairlife

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

Chicago, IL

$107K - $138K/yr

This role is a hands-on technical authority who will be integral to process technology innovation as well as troubleshooting manufacturing issues, optimizing process capabilities and product quality ...

Entire Hire

IT Strategy Manager

Chicago, IL

$97K - $120K/yr

The company's Consulting workforce is involved in business consulting, process design work and the application of technologies to business. A career in Consulting is varied and stimulating because ...

University of Utah

PS Sterile Processing Tech

Campus, IL · On-site

$18.59 - $20.15/hr

Details Open Date 05/19/2026 Requisition Number PRN45126B Job Title PS Sterile Processing Tech ... Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals ...

University of Utah

PS Sterile Processing Tech

Campus, IL · On-site

$18.59 - $20.15/hr

Details Open Date 05/19/2026 Requisition Number PRN45126B Job Title PS Sterile Processing Tech ... Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals ...

University of Utah

PS Sterile Processing Tech

Campus, IL · On-site

$18.59 - $20.15/hr

Details Open Date 05/19/2026 Requisition Number PRN45126B Job Title PS Sterile Processing Tech ... Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals ...

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How much do process tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for process tech in Illinois is $23.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Process Technician, you need a solid understanding of process operations, mechanical aptitude, and typically a technical associate's degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with process control systems, safety protocols, and tools such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of manufacturing or production processes.

What is a Process Tech?

A Process Tech, short for Process Technician, is a professional who monitors and manages the equipment and systems used in manufacturing or industrial production environments. They ensure that processes run efficiently, safely, and within quality standards by troubleshooting issues, performing routine maintenance, and collecting data for process improvements. Process Technicians often work in industries such as chemical manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Their role is critical for minimizing downtime and maintaining product quality.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

For a Process Tech or similar manufacturing roles, earning $10,000 a month typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-paying industries such as petrochemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing. These roles often involve shift work, technical knowledge, and sometimes certifications, but high salaries without a degree are rare and usually depend on expertise and responsibility level.

What does a process technician do?

A process technician monitors and operates manufacturing equipment to ensure production runs smoothly and efficiently. They troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, and follow safety protocols, often using control systems and documentation to maintain quality standards. The role typically requires technical skills, attention to detail, and sometimes certifications in process technology or related fields.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

Process technicians may see some automation and AI integration reduce the number of manual roles in manufacturing and processing industries by 2030. Jobs that involve repetitive tasks are increasingly being replaced by machines, but process techs with skills in troubleshooting, maintenance, and operating advanced control systems will still be needed. Overall, roles heavily reliant on manual labor are most at risk of decline, while technical and supervisory positions are expected to evolve rather than disappear.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs for process technicians are uncommon, as most earn significantly less daily. However, experienced process engineers or specialists working in highly specialized industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or chemical manufacturing can sometimes earn around $2,000 per day through overtime, bonuses, or contract work. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience in the field.

What are some common challenges Process Technicians face when troubleshooting equipment issues, and how are these typically addressed?

Process Technicians often encounter challenges such as diagnosing equipment malfunctions, managing unexpected process deviations, and maintaining production efficiency while ensuring safety standards. These issues are typically addressed by following standardized troubleshooting procedures, collaborating closely with maintenance and engineering teams, and utilizing monitoring systems to quickly identify the root cause of problems. Continuous training and hands-on experience are essential for Process Technicians to effectively navigate these challenges and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Process Tech vs Chemical Operator?

AspectProcess TechChemical Operator
Required CertificationsOften requires technical certifications or associate degrees in process technology or related fieldsTypically requires chemical processing certifications or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, refineries, or chemical processing facilitiesChemical plants, refineries, or manufacturing environments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in chemical, oil & gas, and manufacturing industriesPrimarily found in chemical manufacturing and processing industries

Process Techs and Chemical Operators work closely in chemical processing environments, but Process Techs often have more technical training and focus on monitoring and maintaining equipment, while Chemical Operators handle the day-to-day operation of chemical processes. Both roles are essential in ensuring safe and efficient plant operations.

What are popular job titles related to Process Tech jobs in IL? For Process Tech jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Process Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Tech job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,729 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

fairlife

Chicago, IL

$107K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers.

With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife's portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

job purpose:

The Sr. Dairy Processing Engineer will come in with deep technical expertise in fluid milk membrane separations (especially ultrafiltration), thermal processing (HTST/HHST/UHT), and end-to-end milk unit operations—from raw milk receiving through packaging. This role is a hands-on technical authority who will be integral to process technology innovation as well as troubleshooting manufacturing issues, optimizing process capabilities and product quality, supporting pilot-to-plant scale-up, and serving as a trusted partner to Operations, Manufacturing, and Quality.

responsibilities:

Manufacturing technical leadership, Operational Support and Troubleshooting

  • Serve as a go-to technical expert for fluid milk separation, standardization, homogenization, pasteurization systems (HTST/HHST/UHT), and packaging performance.
  • Diagnose and resolve process and product issues.
  • Partner with Operations/Manufacturing/Quality to drive safe, compliant, and reliable production and troubleshoot process deviations, and identify root causes for quality issues.

Process design, scale-up, and optimization

  • Define critical process parameters, key performance indicators, and control plans.
  • Design, coordinate, and execute pilot and commercial-scale plant trials.
  • Own process capability improvements and provide technical input to capital projects and equipment selection.
  • Provide subject-matter expertise on OEM platforms and engineering approaches.

Technical Advocacy

  • Proactively identify opportunities for process optimization that improve efficiency, sustainability, yield or product shelf-life.
  • Lead initiatives and manage stakeholders across Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.

Milk chemistry, physical chemistry, and product quality

  • Apply deep knowledge of milk composition and how processing impacts chemistry, physical properties, and functional performance of milk and its components.
  • Partner with Product Development and Operations on formulation/processing choices for fluid dairy products, including shakes and other forms (sensory, taste, texture, stability, shelf-life).

Analytics & data-driven decision making

  • Define plans and execute and interpret analytical testing results tied to processing and shelf-life: milk composition chemistry, rheology, chromatographic/volatile profiling and other relevant analytical methods.
  • Establish and improve SOPs, troubleshooting playbooks, and process data reviews

People leadership

  • Individual contributor to start. Will build and develop a team of 1–4 (e.g., process engineers, dairy scientists, technicians).
  • Build strong cross-functional relationships and communicate clearly from plant floor to leadership level.

skills/qualifications required:

  • MS in Dairy Science, Food Engineering, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field with a focus on dairy processing and/or thermal processing.
  • 5-10 years of progressive experience in fluid dairy processing spanning pilot through commercial manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated expertise in:
    • HTST/HHST and/or UHT processing of fluid milk (and/or cream) and practical plant troubleshooting.
    • End-to-end milk unit operations: raw receiving → clarification/separation → standardization → homogenization → pasteurization/aseptic processing → packaging.
    • Ultrafiltration of milk and/or dairy membrane separations (MF/UF/NF/RO familiarity as a plus).
  • Strong technical competence in dairy physical chemistry and processing impacts on proteins/fats/enzymes.
  • Proven ability to partner with Operations/Manufacturing/Quality in a high-accountability environment.
  • Experience with aseptic systems and packaging interactions (commercial aseptic operations strongly preferred).
  • Track record of leading cross-functional root-cause investigations (e.g., flavor defects, oxidation, shelf-life failures, stability issues).
  • Experience in capital projects preferred.
  • Familiarity with regulatory expectations and operator training frameworks for pasteurization systems preferred.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
  • Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
  • Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
  • Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
  • Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
  • 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
  • Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
  • Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
  • Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
  • Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
  • Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
  • Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Chicago, IL

reports to: Sr. Director, R&D

travel requirements: 40-50% travel to our plants

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt

*Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Base pay range:
$135,000—$165,000 USD

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email careers@fairlife.com.


For Recruitment Agencies
At fairlife, we manage the majority of our hiring internally through our dedicated Talent Acquisition team, which is actively engaged in direct candidate sourcing. Most of our roles are filled through applications submitted via our careers site or through direct outreach by our team.

As our recruitment is primarily handled in-house, we work only occasionally with external agencies, and only those on our existing, pre-approved vendor list. At this time, we are not reviewing or expanding that list.

Unsolicited resumes or submissions from external agencies not authorized by our Talent Acquisition team will be considered direct candidate applications. As such, fairlife will not assume responsibility for any placement fees associated with these submissions.