1

R&D Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer R & D

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field * 2+ years of experience in process development, manufacturing engineering, or industrial ...

Process Engineer R & D

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field * 2+ years of experience in process development, manufacturing engineering, or industrial ...

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$86K - $173K/yr

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$86K - $173K/yr

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

New

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$86K - $173K/yr

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

Establish technical cost baselines and performance scorecards for R&D-driven corn processing ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Sciences, Technology, with a strong preference for degrees in ...

Molder - 2nd Shift

Neponset, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Prepares special orders for R & D and engineering. * Conducts training on equipment, processes and safety and upgrades training materials, as appropriate. * Complies with OSHA/MSHA requirements ...

Molder - 2nd Shift

Kewanee, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Prepares special orders for R & D and engineering. * Conducts training on equipment, processes and safety and upgrades training materials, as appropriate. * Complies with OSHA/MSHA requirements ...

Molder - 2nd Shift

Neponset, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Prepares special orders for R & D and engineering. * Conducts training on equipment, processes and safety and upgrades training materials, as appropriate. * Complies with OSHA/MSHA requirements ...

Directs R & D, new product development / introduction and sustaining engineering functions. * Responsible for providing accurate and timely analysis of actuals and forecast for ROI purposes and Capex ...

Engineering Manager

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$86K - $132K/yr

Directs R & D, new product development / introduction and sustaining engineering functions. * Responsible for providing accurate and timely analysis of actuals and forecast for ROI purposes and Capex ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer 4 location: Mossville, IL (Onsite) Duration: 6-month contract Core ... Unlike R&D-only roles, this position focuses on autonomy software that is actively moving to ...

Engineering Manager

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Directs R & D, new product development / introduction and sustaining engineering functions. * Responsible for providing accurate and timely analysis of actuals and forecast for ROI purposes and Capex ...

Engineering Manager

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Directs R & D, new product development / introduction and sustaining engineering functions. * Responsible for providing accurate and timely analysis of actuals and forecast for ROI purposes and Capex ...

Be Seen First

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Champaign, IL · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Three Mechanical Engineers and one VIE Engineer Dimensions of Position: * Manages, plans and ... Oversees product release from R & D which may include review of designs, development of options and ...

... R&D. You will translate the needs of scientists, engineers, digital leaders, and business stakeholders into clear product requirements, prioritized roadmaps, and coordinated delivery plans. Working ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

R D Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$19.4K

$93.6K

$146.3K

How much do r&d engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for r&d engineering in Illinois is $93,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $113,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an R&D engineer?

An R&D (Research and Development) Engineering job involves designing, testing, and improving products, processes, or technologies. Engineers in this role work on innovation by researching new materials, methods, or techniques to enhance performance and efficiency. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop prototypes. The goal is to bring cutting-edge solutions from concept to production while ensuring feasibility and compliance with industry standards.

What does an R&D engineer do?

A typical week in R&D Engineering involves a blend of hands-on experimentation, data analysis, team meetings, and documentation. You may spend part of your time designing experiments or prototypes, troubleshooting technical issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams (such as product development, manufacturing, or marketing), and presenting findings. In addition to technical tasks, you will likely participate in brainstorming sessions, literature reviews, and strategic planning. The pace can be dynamic and project timelines might shift based on new discoveries or business objectives, but the variety keeps the role engaging and intellectually stimulating.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an R&D engineer?

To thrive in R&D Engineering, you need a solid understanding of scientific principles, problem-solving abilities, and an engineering degree, often with specialization in a particular discipline like mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, data analysis tools, prototyping equipment, and project management systems is typically expected, and certifications like Six Sigma or PMP can be advantageous. Strong collaboration, creativity, and effective communication skills help R&D engineers excel when tackling complex problems in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential for driving innovation, ensuring technical feasibility, and efficiently bringing new products or processes from concept to reality.

Is R&D engineering a good career?

R&D engineering is a valuable career that involves developing new products and technologies, often requiring strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles. It offers opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, with roles typically requiring a bachelor's or higher degree in engineering or related fields. Job stability and growth depend on industry demand and individual expertise.

What job categories do people searching R&D Engineering jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for R&D Engineering jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various R&D Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $93,580 per year, or $45 per hour.

Process Engineer R & D

Owens Corning

West Chicago, IL • On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Owens Corning rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 105 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The R&D Process Engineer (MPI) is a hands-on technical role responsible for developing, scaling, and industrializing new materials, formulations, and manufacturing processes for wood fiber and composite door products. This role sits at the critical interface between R&D and Operations, owning the transition from lab and pilot validation to full scale manufacturing, while ensuring process robustness, safety, quality, and cost effectiveness. Success in this role requires strong experimental discipline, plant level troubleshooting capability, and the ability to translate data into executable manufacturing solutions.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Process & Technology Development
  • Lead scale-up of new formulations, materials, and processes from lab and pilot equipment to full scale production lines
  • Translate R&D learnings into manufacturing ready process windows, control plans, and operating standards

Data Driven Problem Solving & Optimization
  • Lead structured root cause analysis using DOE, SPC, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies
  • Diagnose and resolve process instability, quality defects, yield loss, and throughput limitations
  • Design, execute, and document plant trials, including clear hypotheses, success criteria, and conclusions
  • Use statistical and process data to drive decisions-not assumptions

Manufacturing & Plant Interface
  • Provide direct technical support to manufacturing teams during trials, startups, and sustained production
  • Partner with Operations to implement process improvements, debottlenecking, and other process related initiatives
  • Ensure smooth transfer from development into operations, including training, documentation, and risk mitigation
  • Travel to manufacturing sites as needed to support trials and troubleshooting

Safety, Compliance & Sustainability
  • Ensure all development and manufacturing activities comply with Owens Corning safety standards and regulatory requirements
  • Embed Design for Safety and risk assessment into all new process development

Project Execution & Collaboration
  • Manage process development and capital projects from concept through implementation. Own end to end execution of process development and scale up projects, from concept through pilot validation and manufacturing implementation
  • Plan and execute plant trials and process changes, including coordination of resources, materials, equipment availability, and cross functional support
  • Track and manage project risks, assumptions, and dependencies, escalating issues early with clear data-based recommendations
  • Collaborate cross functionally with R&D, Design, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, and Sourcing
  • Communicate technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including leadership
  • Ensure projects transition smoothly from development into operations with clear documentation, training, and ownership handoff

JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field
  • 2+ years of experience in process development, manufacturing engineering, or industrial R&D
  • Demonstrated experience scaling processes from lab or pilot to production
  • Strong working knowledge of DOE, SPC, and structured problem-solving tools
  • Proven ability to work hands-on in manufacturing environments, not just in labs
  • Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills

Preferred Experience
  • Experience with wood fiber, composites, polymers, resins, adhesives, or press-based manufacturing
  • Familiarity with continuous or batch manufacturing processes
  • Experience supporting plant trials, startups, or technology transfers
  • Background in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma
  • Comfort working in ambiguity and early-stage development environments

The base salary range for this position is $78,000 to $100,000, with the potential for up to an additional 10+% if the applicant hired has additional related qualifications. We also offer a substantial benefits package including insurance (medical/dental/vision/life/disability/supplemental offerings), 401k (company contribution regardless of employee participation - plus match), paid time off that considers full professional tenure (vacation, personal floating and standard holidays), Employee Assistance Services, Stock Purchase Program - and more.
#LI-JP1
#LI-ONSITE
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages™ - including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position - to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC). For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.
Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.

What Owens Corning employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


OWENS CORNING logo

About OWENS CORNING

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Owens Corning (OC) develops, manufactures and markets insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites. Global in scope and human in scale, the company's market-leading businesses use their deep expertise in materials, manufacturing and building science to develop products and systems that save energy and improve comfort in commercial and residential buildings. Through its glass reinforcements business, the company makes thousands of products lighter, stronger and more durable. Ultimately, Owens Corning people and products make the world a better place. Based in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning posted 2017 sales of $6.4 billion and employs 19,000 people in 37 countries. It has been a Fortune 500® company for 64 consecutive years. For more information, please visit www.owenscorning.com. A career at Owens Corning offers the ability to enhance your expertise and achieve your personal and professional aspirations. Through it all, we'll empower you with an environment that encourages open communication and big ideas, competitive pay for your performance, comprehensive benefits, and more opportunities to make your impact.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Toledo, OH, US

Social media