Process operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work to meet that need, they’re facing new, more complex challenges every day. Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and a vision for sustainable growth. Every day, we’re helping communities improve, reuse, and protect our world’s most precious resource.

Join our team to deliver transformational projects that will benefit future generations. Grow with us, H2O+U.

"Your Opportunity

Stantec is seeking a process or mechanical engineer, or engineer-in-training focused on industrial wastewater treatment and process mechanical design to join our Industrial Water team. This is an environment where your abilities will strengthen and grow through a diverse range of planning, design, and construction projects working under the guidance and supervision of senior engineers, practice leaders, and industry recognized experts. You will have the opportunity to work with global leaders in the water and wastewater field to evaluate, select, specify, and engineer systems or products for projects and perform a variety of tasks which may include calculations, report preparation, specifications, design drawings, and field work. This role is a dynamic position well suited to an individual who is passionate about teamwork and collaboration and working with multi-disciplinary teams across multiple offices.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Supports the project team in development of design documentation, plans, and reports for relevant project design elements.

• Executes assignments requiring an intermediate knowledge of engineering fundamentals and the application of these fundamentals to the production of engineering work.

• Assists in the development of a design through sketches, electronic models, diagrams, and other visual formats using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

• Work with a design team who utilizes technologies in development of three-dimensional models of process mechanical systems.

• Prepares and revises documentation in various project phases including facility layouts, diagrams, details and assisting with P&ID development.

• Executes a variety of engineering tasks including data gathering and data preparation for reports and studies, establishment of testing procedures, investigatory studies, engineering design calculations, and layout of facilities.

• Coordinates with other disciplines to ensure compatibility with the design intent.

• Assists in the review of shop drawings and submittals, responding to requests for information, preparing site observation reports, and performing other contract administration tasks.

• Assists with the development of job specific discipline specifications.

• Assists in the evaluation and selection of process mechanical systems and materials.

• Attends project coordination meetings with internal team members and/or external consultants.

• Participates in value engineering and basic cost estimating.

• Implements sustainable design principles evaluated against the Triple Bottom Line.

• Visits job sites to expand field experience, broaden background, and continue the development of practical engineering skills, so as directed by those in supervision.

Adheres to policies and standards set forth in Stantec's Quality System documents

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Basic knowledge of process mechanical systems, hydraulics, means and methods, materials, and industry standards.

• Basic understanding of all phases of engineering document production and the relationship between drawings and specifications.

• Technical experience and school coursework regarding industrial wastewater treatment processes a plus:

• Conventional water treatment processes including flocculation and sedimentation, media filtration, and disinfection.

• Groundwater treatment processes

• Wastewater treatment primary, secondary, and biosolids processes

• Residual’s handling processes

• Advanced water treatment processes including low- and high-pressure membrane filtration, high rate settling, ballasted flocculation, sorption, taste and odor control, disinfection, and oxidation.

• Industrial water & wastewater treatment

• Water chemistry and process modeling for applications such as water stabilization, corrosion control, and disinfection byproducts formation

• Chemical storage and feed and pumping systems

• Recognize when technical challenges are developing and initiate appropriate corrective actions using sound professional judgment, creativity, and innovation.

• Ability to check own work for accuracy and completeness and manage time to meet project budget and schedule.

• Ability to participate and collaborate in a project team setting and to engage in creative and critical thought.

• Ability to interpret sketches, drawings, and other similar material.

• Takes initiative on tasks and in coordinating with other members of the design team.

• Developing ability to effectively discuss project issues with clients and reviewing agencies.

• Good oral and written communication skills

• Full understanding of Microsoft Office Suite. AutoCAD and Plant 3D experience a plus.

• Has successfully obtained EIT or has ability to obtain an EIT in your home state.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical or Chemical engineering from an ABET accredited institution. Other engineering disciplines shall be considered based on work experience.

• One to Three years of experience in process or mechanical engineering for industrial clients.

• You can expect a typical office environment working with computers and working at a desk for long periods of time. Hybrid working arrangement may be available. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.

Pay Range:

• Locations in MN, OH, VT, & Various CA, ME, NY, VA Areas-$79,600.00 - $115,400.00 Annually

• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ, VA Areas-$87,600.00 - $126,900.00 Annually

• Locations in NYC & CA (Bay Area) & NJ (RP)-$100,300.00 - $145,400.00 Annually

Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.

Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).

Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.

The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements

Primary Location: United States | VA | Richmond
Other Locations: United States | IL | Chicago
Organization: BC-2243 Water-US Delivery
Employee Status: Regular
Management Level: Individual contributor
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: No
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 15/09/2026 09:09:44
Req ID: 1007749

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.