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Sr Process Engineer Jobs in Thornton, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Process design, scale-up, and optimization * Define critical process parameters, key performance ...

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 ... Process design, scale-up, and optimization * Define critical process parameters, key performance ...

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 ... Process design, scale-up, and optimization * Define critical process parameters, key performance ...

Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

The Process Engineer works closely with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to standardize manufacturing processes and implement Lean and Six Sigma best practices. Essential ...

Participate in identifying and resolving on-site process issues on the production line, under the guidance of senior engineers. Assist in tracking quality issues and maintaining documentation to help ...

The Process Engineer works closely with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to standardize manufacturing processes and implement Lean and Six Sigma best practices. Essential ...

Process Engineer

Alsip, IL · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

The Process Engineer at the Alsip Mini Mill will be responsible for optimizing production processes, improving product quality, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting continuous improvement ...

The Process Engineer at the Alsip Mini Mill will be responsible for optimizing production processes, improving product quality, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting continuous improvement ...

Your Role at KIK We are seeking a Process Engineer (Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with occasional weekend support during startups, shutdowns, and planned project work) to provide ...

Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Your Role at KIK We are seeking a Process Engineer (Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with occasional weekend support during startups, shutdowns, and planned project work) to provide ...

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, Minerals Processing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields. * 5+ years' experience in an ...

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, Minerals Processing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields. * 5+ years' experience in an ...

Prepares documentation for new processes and process improvements including Management of Change (MOCs), Risk Assessments, Batch Records, Engineering Studies (ES) and Standard Operating Procedures ...

Prepares documentation for new processes and process improvements including Management of Change (MOCs), Risk Assessments, Batch Records, Engineering Studies (ES) and Standard Operating Procedures ...

... engineering staff to implement plans and recommendations. Continuous Process Improvement · Recommends methods for improving worker efficiency and reducing waste of materials and utilities, such as ...

... engineering staff to implement plans and recommendations. Continuous Process Improvement · Recommends methods for improving worker efficiency and reducing waste of materials and utilities, such as ...

Principal Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Ecolab is looking for an experienced Principal Process Engineer with a strong background in industrial manufacturing at our Clearing, IL manufacturing facility. Clearing is the flagship manufacturing ...

Principal Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Ecolab is looking for an experienced Principal Process Engineer with a strong background in industrial manufacturing at our Clearing, IL manufacturing facility. Clearing is the flagship manufacturing ...

Showing results 21-40

Sr Process Engineer information

See Thornton, IL salary details

$69.3K

$111.9K

$157.5K

How much do sr process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr process engineer in Thornton, IL is $111,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,100.00 and $124,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Process Engineer?

To thrive as a Sr Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, often with a bachelor's or master's degree and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), Six Sigma or Lean certifications, and knowledge of safety and regulatory standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for optimizing processes, ensuring efficiency and safety, and driving continuous improvement in complex manufacturing environments.

What is a Sr Process Engineer?

Senior Process Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, optimizing, and overseeing the processes used in manufacturing or production environments. They analyze workflows, troubleshoot process issues, and implement improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure product quality. Sr Process Engineers often lead teams, manage projects, and work closely with other departments such as quality assurance, maintenance, and operations. Their expertise is crucial in industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and food processing. They typically hold a degree in engineering and have several years of experience in process engineering roles.

How does a Sr Process Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing efficiency?

Sr Process Engineers work closely with teams such as production, quality assurance, maintenance, and R&D to identify areas for process optimization. They often lead or participate in cross-functional meetings to gather data, analyze workflow bottlenecks, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and product quality. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as Sr Process Engineers must balance technical requirements with practical constraints while ensuring all stakeholders are aligned with proposed changes.

What is the difference between Sr Process Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectSr Process EngineerProcess Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering, 5+ years experience, certifications like Six SigmaBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, 1-3 years experience
ResponsibilitiesLead process improvements, optimize manufacturing processes, mentor junior staffAssist in process development, data collection, support process optimization
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, industrial facilities, cross-functional teamsManufacturing settings, engineering teams, project-based tasks

The main difference between a Sr Process Engineer and a Process Engineer lies in experience, responsibility level, and scope of work. The Sr Process Engineer typically leads projects, mentors others, and has more advanced qualifications, while the Process Engineer supports and executes process improvements under supervision.

What cities near Thornton, IL are hiring for Sr Process Engineer jobs? Cities near Thornton, IL with the most Sr Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Sr Process Engineer job openings in Thornton, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,866 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Senior Dairy Processing Engineer

fairlife

Chicago, IL • On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 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.