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Biochemical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MS with 5+ years of experience or PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related field * Proficient with scientific databases (e.g. SciFinder, PubMed ...

New

TSMS- Sr. Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

MS in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering or related discipline * Technical knowledge of cleaning equipment (CIP skids, Parts washers, etc.) and cleaning regimes (chemical, re ...

Showing results 41-60

Biochemical Engineer information

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$24

$29

$34

How much do biochemical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for biochemical engineer in Virginia is $29.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $31.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biochemical engineer?

Combining both engineering skills and a scientific background, a biochemical engineer studies the nature of chemical functions and uses research to develop or improve products. As a biochemical engineer, your job duties involve consulting with scientists to evaluate technology and products, using studies to recommend changes to processes or operations, and leading experiments to improve production while minimizing waste. You also design experimental activities within laboratories to ensure compliance with biohazard regulations and maintain databases of experiment-related information. The materials you work with may be organic or lab-made depending on your field of expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biochemical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biochemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering, biology, and mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in biochemical or chemical engineering. Familiarity with bioprocessing equipment, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and relevant safety certifications is important. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills set outstanding biochemical engineers apart. These competencies are essential for developing innovative solutions, ensuring process efficiency, and maintaining safety and compliance in biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries.

What are some typical challenges a biochemical engineer faces when scaling up processes from the lab to industrial production?

Biochemical Engineers often encounter challenges when transitioning processes from laboratory scale to full-scale manufacturing, including maintaining product consistency, optimizing yield, and controlling contamination risks. Variables such as mixing, temperature, and pH are easier to control in small batches, but become more complex at larger volumes. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including microbiologists, mechanical engineers, and quality assurance professionals—is essential to troubleshoot issues and ensure successful scale-up. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to evolving project needs.

What is the difference between Biochemical Engineer vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectBiochemical EngineerChemical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Biochemical, Chemical, or Biological EngineeringBachelor's in Chemical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentBiotech labs, pharmaceutical companies, research facilitiesChemical plants, manufacturing facilities, process industries
Industry UsageBiotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food processingPetrochemical, chemicals, energy production

Biochemical Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to biological systems, often working in biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Chemical Engineers have a broader scope, working on chemical processes across various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

Are biochemical engineers in demand?

Biochemical engineers are in demand due to growth in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental management. They often require strong knowledge of biology, chemistry, and process engineering, with employment opportunities available in research labs, manufacturing plants, and regulatory agencies.

Do biochemical engineers make a lot of money?

Biochemical engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, location, and industry. According to industry data, the median annual wage is above the national average for engineering roles, and salaries can increase with advanced skills, certifications, and managerial responsibilities.

What jobs do biochemical engineers do?

Biochemical engineers design and develop processes to produce pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other bioproducts using biological organisms and systems. They work in laboratories and manufacturing facilities, applying skills in process engineering, microbiology, and biochemistry to optimize production methods and ensure safety and efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Biochemical Engineer jobs in VA?

For Biochemical Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Biochemical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,972 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Chemical Engineer - Direct Hire Authority

US Department of the Air Force

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

$56K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to perform professional engineering/scientific work involving chemical processes to produce useful analytical products / systems.
Qualifications:Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Individual Occupational Requirements for all Professional Engineering Positions, 0800 and the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
To view the OPM Professional Engineering Positions, 0800 qualification standard, click on the following link:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

To view general information on qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and specialized experience click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification- standards/#url=GS-PROF
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
DR-0893-01 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05, or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is professional engineering experience assisting with engineering and scientific work involving chemical processes utilized by industries and/or scientific technologies to produce products and/or systems.
OR
EDUCATION: Successfully completed 1 full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.-OR -Successfully completed a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Less than the full amount of specialized experience required AND have some graduate level education with a major or subject area related to the position to be filled. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.
DR-0893-02 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade DR-01 (GS-11), or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is professional engineering experience performing engineering and scientific work involving chemical processes utilized by industries and/or scientific technologies to produce products and/or systems.
NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.
COMPETENCIES:
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Problem Solving, Communication, Technology Management, Teamwork and Leadership
IDEAL CANDIDATE - We are seeking a highly qualified candidate with the following skills and experience:
-Highly skilled and experienced professional with a strong background in chemical engineering/science.
-Proven ability to perform complex engineering/scientific work involving chemical processes, including the development of analytical products/systems. -Expertise in applying mass, momentum, and energy transfer principles alongside thermodynamics and chemical kinetics to optimize and innovate chemical/biochemical conversion processes.
-Ability to apply knowledge of petroleum, oil, and gas networks and/or systems and perform modeling to predict system behavior.
-Demonstrated ability to prepare, produce, and deliver timely, relevant, and technically accurate analytical products and recommendations to military customers.
-Experience in exploring, developing, evaluating, and/or operationalizing new methodologies, technologies, or tools to enhance organizational capabilities in petroleum processing and transshipment.
-Solid understanding of the functions and operations of oil and gas system processes and components.
-Ability to analyze information, extrapolate where data is missing, make correct inferences and conclusions, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives.
-Ability to operate and understand a process or fluid dynamics model.
-Knowledge of Department of War military command structure, missions, and programs, national security issues, trends, and topics of interest.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER