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Area 2 East Production Specialist

Stepan Company · Elwood, IL

Level
Specialist
Team
Production
Base pay
$86k–$133k
Degree
Required (or equivalent experience)
Experience asked
5+ years
Industry
Chemicals
Posted
Recently

The role in 30 seconds

A specialist production role at Stepan Company (chemicals) in Elwood, IL.

They ask for
5+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
Tools it names
ISO 9001, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), SAP, EHS / safety
Base pay
$86k–$133k
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Production Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $100k–$146k. This one lists $86k–$133k.

Median of the low and high ends of 34 live postings that list pay, out of 57 production engineer openings in Illinois, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 56 other live production postings in Illinois.

Base pay
About 11% below similar roles

Typical $99k–$146k, from 30 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Typical (5+ years)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • Lean 46%
  • ✓ Team leadership 33%
  • ✓ EHS / safety 28%
  • Root cause 26%
  • Six Sigma 25%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for ISO 9001, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverage

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Stepan Company

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Stepan Company in Elwood

3 other open roles at this site.

Full description from Stepan CompanyAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilites

  • ◆Provides work permits.
  • ◆Audits area maintenance and construction activities with the area EH&S Generalist.
  • ◆Develops and coordinates safety plans with EH&S prior to special activities.
  • ◆Supports behavior-based safety initiatives in the area by demonstrating safety expectations and participates in EHS investigations where applicable.
  • ◆Performs process or equipment troubleshooting alongside the Production Day Leader and hourly representative.
  • ◆Serves as a key production participant in maintenance area team meetings.
  • ◆Contributes to prioritization of daily and weekly maintenance activities.
  • ◆Plans, communicates, and executes equipment preparation for planned maintenance and capital project work with the production team.
  • ◆Works with the maintenance planner and team leader to coordinate emergency repair plans for process equipment.
  • ◆Provides backup support to the Production Day Leader as needed.
  • ◆Coordinates PSSR plans for turnarounds.
  • ◆Participates in area team meetings (Safety, Quality, etc.).
  • ◆Oversees, coordinates, and reports on training for new employee qualification testing.
  • ◆Oversees and coordinates work instruction development, improvements, and revalidation in cooperation with area Production Engineers.
  • ◆Oversees and coordinates training, skills development, and certifications for hourly area personnel.
  • ◆Supports PLAS and MOS systems and processes through implementation of meeting tactics, completion of follow-up actions, and coordination of improvements with engineering teams.
  • ◆Facilitates meetings to coordinate construction and other activities with plant personnel.
  • ◆Participates on capital project teams for scope development, evaluation of alternatives, and identification of cost savings opportunities.
  • ◆Develops, implements, and documents plans to reduce construction activity costs.
  • ◆Communicates with personnel, customers, and outside contractors.
  • ◆Participates in cross-functional collaboration across the organization.
  • ◆Investigates and tracks spending in SAP and CMMS.
  • ◆Implements maintenance prioritization processes.
  • ◆Coordinates and plans efforts between Operations, Maintenance, Projects, and PPIC.
  • ◆Participates in and maintains compliance-related activities, including internal and external audits for applicable standards and certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, EFfCI, FSSC 22000, Kosher, Halal, RSPO, ISCC+, and others.

Qualifications

  • ✓5 years chemical processing experience, operations, and supervision.
  • ✓Solid comprehension of chemical and unit operations.
  • ✓Ability to facilitate troubleshooting efforts and team meetings.
  • ✓Effective problem-solving skills and demonstrated planning skills.
  • ✓Talented in organizing information and multi-tasking.
  • ✓Available to respond to on-call emergencies and shutdowns.

Education

  • ✓High School diploma or equivalent required: Associate's or bachelor's degree preferred

Pay Range: $86,000 - $133,000

Show full description ↓

Job Description

The Production Specialist is responsible for facilitating planning and execution of production and construction/maintenance activities in the area and ensure efficient and effective project delivery according to established project goals. The candidate will own and facilitate the maintenance and development of work instructions in the area and operator development and training.

At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes

  • •Discretionary Bonus
  • •Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • •401K with Match
  • •Profit Sharing
  • •Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • •Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
  • •Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • •Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • •Paid Parental Leave
  • •Adoption Assistance
  • •Reactions – Recognition Program
  • •Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

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