Process Engineering Specialist
Stepan Company · Elwood, IL
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Process
- Base pay
- $103k–$160k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Certification
- Green Belt preferred
- Industry
- Chemicals
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level process role at Stepan Company (chemicals) in Elwood, IL.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required · Green Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Six Sigma, Green Belt, EHS / safety
- Base pay
- $103k–$160k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 9, 2026
Process Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $78k–$112k. This one lists $103k–$160k.
Median of the low and high ends of 20 live postings that list pay, out of 34 process 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 33 other live process postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- About 41% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 6+)
Typical $78k–$108k, from 19 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 6+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Lean 44%
- Root cause 41%
- ✓ Six Sigma 38%
- New product launch 26%
- FMEA 24%
- 5S 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Green Belt, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
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
Pick 2–3 people on the Process 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
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
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- The posting mentions a Green Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 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
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
2 other open roles at this site.
- Electrical Reliability Engineer · Reliability
- Maintenance Team Leader · Reliability · Supervisor
Full description from Stepan CompanyAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilites
- ◆Provide leadership in development and execution of Capital Projects from feasibility through construction and start-up.
- ◆Use of project management skills to effectively interact with outside customers.
- ◆Ability to recognize and initiate partnerships at a project level with management support.
- ◆Develop technical deliverables on key capital projects to ensure workable, cost-effective solutions are being developed that will meet the defined business and project objectives. These include:
- ◆Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
- ◆Material and Energy Balances (M&EBs)
- ◆Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
- ◆Functionality and Control Descriptions (F&CDs)
- ◆Scope Document Reports (SDRs)
- ◆Process
requirements
for new equipment and instruments
- ✓Deliver on complex situations or problems without guidance or supervision
- ✓Manage Process Engineering for major multi-year projects.
- ✓May participate in strategic planning related to field of expertise.
- ✓May participate in developing long-range staffing plans.
- ✓Develop measures that support key strategies and values.
- ✓Lead teams to identify opportunities for improvements in cost, capacity, environmental and safety.
- ✓Proactively participate and contribute to all safety programs to continually improve the safety culture of the Company.
Qualifications
- ✓10 years of experience is required.
- ✓Experience in Chemical and related industries.
- ✓Certified Six Sigma Green Belt is preferred.
Education
- ✓Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering
Pay Range: $103,000 - $160,000
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Job Description
Stepan is looking for a Process Engineering Specialist at our Elwood, IL location. This role will support innovation and business growth by providing technical expertise across products, processes, and technologies. The individual will help identify improvement opportunities, lead the resolution of complex technical challenges, and provide technical guidance and leadership across key initiatives.
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.