Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Senior Engineer - Process Engineering in Chicago, IL. The work will be onsite. This is a full-time, permanent position. Total compensation includes a base salary up to $150,000 per year, eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus, and participation in a 401(k) and employee stock ownership program (KSOP). The KSOP includes both traditional and Roth 401(k) options, with total annual employer contributions exceeding 11% of eligible earnings—comprised of a 3% core contribution, up to a 3.5% match, and additional periodic variable contributions.
Position Overview We’re looking for a Senior Engineer - Process Engineering to support a wide range of engineering and facility optimization efforts. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping improvements across manufacturing systems and infrastructure. You'll partner closely with production, maintenance, quality, and facility teams to assess performance, recommend upgrades, and manage project implementations.
This position is part of the core process engineering team that owns and supports critical finishing and treatment operations, including electroplating, powder paint systems, wastewater and chemical treatment, and secondary finishing processes across the facility.
The role is focused on hands-on leadership of capital improvement projects and continuous improvement initiatives tied directly to these systems. You’ll lead high-impact work involving electroplating lines, surface preparation and finishing, powder coating, waste treatment infrastructure, vacuum systems, and related material handling and automation, partnering closely with Operations, Quality, Facilities, and Maintenance.
Schedule -
Standard hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Location: Onsite in Chicago, IL
Core Duties -
Lead engineering activities on manufacturing systems, such as surface finishing lines (phosphate/paint), electroplating, vacuum processes, wastewater treatment, material transport automation, and more.
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Spearhead new system designs and enhancements within production environments, typically at the company’s primary manufacturing site.
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Participate in field surveys, feasibility evaluations, functional specifications, layout design, equipment selection, pilot tests, and drafting of operational procedures.
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Take charge of detailed cost estimation, scheduling, procurement planning, design documentation, and coordination of construction and installation activities.
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Oversee full lifecycle execution of capital improvement projects—design through commissioning—and set up long-term maintenance protocols in collaboration with facility staff.
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Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and execute process validations, root cause analyses, and process control refinement.
Key Qualifications -
A minimum of 10 years in engineering roles related to operations, quality, maintenance, process development, or manufacturing.
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Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or similar technical discipline.
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Demonstrated leadership in independently managing engineering assignments in collaborative environments.
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Prior experience with large-scale capital projects exceeding $1 million.
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Strong command of technical documentation: calculations, P&IDs, specifications, functional logic, layouts, and automation systems.
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Proficiency with process automation, materials handling systems, and integration of mechanical and control components.
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Skilled in commissioning new production systems and conducting troubleshooting during startup phases.
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Fluent in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
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Working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management System principles.
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Familiarity with structured problem-solving methods such as DMAIC, RCA, 5-Why, A3, and 8D.
Preferred Attributes -
Experience with data analysis platforms (e.g., Minitab, R, SPSS).
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Understanding of engineering standards and codes such as ASME, IEEE, NFPA, ASTM, UL, OSHA, and local building codes.
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Prior involvement in implementing unit operations or support systems in a production setting.
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Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
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General understanding of project accounting and cost tracking.
Work Environment & Physical Demands -
Mostly office-based with regular time spent on the shop floor.
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Periodic standing, walking, light lifting, and pushing/pulling.
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Regular use of visual observation tools including reading instrumentation, color differentiation, and spatial layouts.
Employee Benefits -
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
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Flexible spending accounts and HSA options
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Life insurance with optional add-ons
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Wellness resources and family support programs
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Paid vacation, sick leave, company holidays, and parental leave
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401(k) plan with both traditional and Roth options
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Robust employee stock ownership plan, with contributions totaling over 11% of eligible earnings
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to influence real change in a forward-looking, employee-owned engineering environment. If you’re driven to solve complex challenges in a high-impact setting, we’d love to hear from you.