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Senior Scientist I, Engineering

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Research

Posted Jul 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Walk me through a process that failed to scale and what you learned from it.

What they are checking: Where real process understanding is built, and whether they will describe a failure.

Tell me about a time you took initiative on something nobody asked you to do.

What they are checking: The posting names demonstrating scientific initiative and creativity routinely.

This role is at North Chicago with laboratory and pilot plant work. How does that fit what you want?

What they are checking: The posting names hands-on lab and pilot performance, which not every senior scientist wants.

What would you do

How do you work with chemistry colleagues who want a route you think will not scale?

What they are checking: The commonest disagreement between process engineering and process chemistry.

About the work

Walk me through scaling a process from the laboratory to pilot and what surprised you.

What they are checking: The posting is about developing scalable processes through late-stage development and commercialization.

Which core principles do you actually reach for most: kinetics, transport phenomena, thermodynamics or modeling?

What they are checking: The posting names all four, and an honest answer says what kind of engineer they are.

Tell me about a modality you have worked on: small molecule API, antibody drug conjugate, peptide or natural product.

What they are checking: The posting names these specifically, and they demand different process engineering.

How do you design an experiment so it answers the question with the fewest runs?

What they are checking: The posting names experimental design, and material is expensive at this stage.

How do you build a process that is robust rather than merely reproducible in your hands?

What they are checking: The posting asks for robust processes, which is a higher bar than it sounds.

How do you document a process so manufacturing can run it without you?

What they are checking: Technology transfer, which is where development work either lands or does not.

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The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

Process engineers support API and natural products projects through all phases of late-stage development, commercialization, and product life cycle. This position is responsible for assessing key unit operations (e.g., reactions, crystallizations) for process robustness, scientific understanding, and potential scale-up risks from the lab to a manufacturing environment. Effective cross-functional interactions with other functions (e.g., technical, quality, regulatory) and on-site manufacturing personnel are key for successful job performance. Purpose: Develop scalable and robust engineering processes for key modalities (e.g., small molecule APIs, antibody drug conjugates, peptides, and natural products). Demonstrate technical expertise and strong communication skills in a multidisciplinary environment. Investigate, identify, develop, and optimize new methods and techniques. Develop productive collaborations and communications with other groups across scientific disciplines. Responsibilities • Leverage core chemical engineering principles (chemical kinetics, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, mathematical modeling) in experimental design, thought process in problem-solving, and data analysis. • Routinely demonstrate scientific initiative and creativity in research or development activities. • Maintain autonomous and productive performance in lab experimentation, pilot plant, and/or manufacturing support space, requiring only minimal direction from or interaction with supervisor. • Formulate conclusions and design follow-on experiments based on multidisciplinary data. • Pursue areas of investigation that are scientifically impactful to development or commercial programs. Effective investigation and troubleshooting of product failures and propose recommendations for remediation. • Author publications, presentations, technical reports, regulatory documents, and/or patents. • Demonstrate high proficiency across a wide range of relevant technologies. • Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, controlled drug and radioactive compounds, and GxP compliance. • Be a subject matter expert to other functions within the project team. Direct mentorship of other engineers on project teams. • BS, MS, or PhD in chemical engineering or a related field and 10+ (BS), 8+ (MS), or 0+ (PhD) years of relevant industrial experience. • Possess thorough theoretical and practical understanding of own scientific discipline. • Possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Key Leadership Competencies: • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functionally with partners outside of team. • Learns fast, understands key objectives, and can change course quickly where indicated. • Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo. • Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement. • Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation. • Demonstrates excellent technical and personal mentorship of others. ​Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​ • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​ • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​ • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​ Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. ​ AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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