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Processing Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

fairlife

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

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 ...

fairlife

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

Chicago, IL

$107K - $138K/yr

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 ...

fairlife

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

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 ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Process Engineer Location : Chicago, IL 60639 Shift/Schedule : Monday-Friday | 1st Shift | On-Site Pay : $85k-$100k Hire Type: Direct Hire Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is offered ...

avlon

Process Engineer

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Position Summary The Process Engineer is responsible for analyzing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and productivity throughout Avlon ...

Zachry Group

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 ... gas processing, chemical plant, food/beverage, corn wet milling, oilseed processing ...

Ingredion

Process Engineer

Bedford Park, IL

$84K - $112K/yr

OnsiteAs a Process Engineer, you will drive manufacturing excellence by optimizing processes, improving plant performance, and leading continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality ...

Zachry Group

Engineer IV Process

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

The Process Engineer IV will be responsible for routine process engineering and design tasks for ... gas processing, chemical plant, food/beverage, corn wet milling, oilseed processing ...

Ecoservices

Process Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

Serve as the primary process engineering resource embedded within the production operation provide day-to-day process engineering support to the Production Supervisor and operating team for ...

Ecoservices

Process Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

Serve as the primary process engineering resource embedded within the production operation provide day-to-day process engineering support to the Production Supervisor and operating team for ...

Zachry Group

Engineer IV Process

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

The Process Engineer IV will be responsible for routine process engineering and design tasks for ... gas processing, chemical plant, food/beverage, corn wet milling, oilseed processing ...

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All JobsProcessing Engineer JobsProcessing Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Processing Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.8K

$90.4K

$121.6K

How much do processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for processing engineer in Chicago, IL is $90,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $109,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a processing engineer?

A processing engineer provides development insight and support to technicians. As a processing engineer, you may work alone or in a team to identify problems and solve manufacturing or equipment issues. Processing engineers train staff on equipment use and improve procedures for manufacturing. Qualifications to become a processing engineer include a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field and experience in the manufacturing industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a processing engineer?

A Processing Engineer needs a solid background in chemical, mechanical, or process engineering, often requiring a relevant degree and experience in process design or optimization. Familiarity with process simulation software such as Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB, and knowledge of industrial standards and safety certifications like Six Sigma or OSHA are typical. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help Processing Engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective production processes in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges processing engineers face when optimizing manufacturing processes?

Processing Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing efficiency improvements with maintaining product quality, troubleshooting unexpected production issues, and adapting processes to new materials or technologies. They must work closely with cross-functional teams, including quality assurance and maintenance, to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions. Staying current with industry best practices and continuous improvement methodologies is essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Processing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectProcessing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing manufacturing processes and equipmentDesigning and improving manufacturing systems and workflows
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, process labsFactories, production facilities, plant floor
Common CertificationsSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Process Engineering certificationsSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Technology certifications
Industry UsageElectronics, chemical, semiconductor, automotiveAutomotive, aerospace, consumer goods, industrial equipment

Processing Engineers focus on refining and optimizing manufacturing processes and equipment, ensuring efficiency and quality. Manufacturing Engineers design and improve overall manufacturing systems and workflows to enhance production. While both roles work closely in manufacturing settings, Processing Engineers are more process-specific, whereas Manufacturing Engineers oversee broader system improvements.

Do processing engineers make a lot of money?

Processing engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. In general, they have above-average earning potential compared to many other engineering roles, especially with specialized skills in manufacturing processes, automation, and quality control.

How much does a processing engineer get paid?

Processing engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of processes managed, certifications held, and the size of the company or facility.
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Infographic showing various Processing Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,452 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

fairlife

Chicago, IL • On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 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 AgenciesAt 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.

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