ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chemical Engineer Graduate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Matter

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$96K - $106K/yr

This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands-on, eager to learn, and ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and ...

General Matter

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$96K - $106K/yr

This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands-on, eager to learn, and ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and ...

L3HHCM20

$73K - $136K/yr

Senior Associate, Manufacturing Engineering (Chemical Processing) Job Code: 41857 Job Location ... Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related manufacturing engineering ...

Oxy

R&D/Technology Engineer - New Grad

Brawley, CA

Graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related Engineering field * Graduation date between December 2025 - August 2026 * Must maintain minimum cumulative 3.0 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChemical Engineer Graduate JobsChemical Engineer Graduate Jobs in California

Chemical Engineer Graduate information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$86.3K

$138.2K

How much do chemical engineer graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineer graduate in California is $86,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $105,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the qualifications to get a job as a chemical engineer graduate?

The qualifications that you need to get an entry-level engineering job as a graduate of a chemical engineer program include a relevant degree and demonstrable research, lab, or analysis skills. You can gain experience during your undergraduate studies by taking part in an internship program or assisting in academic research at your university. You can obtain a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, though some schools offer a five-year program that leads to a master’s degree in chemical engineering.

What does a chemical engineer graduate do?

A Chemical Engineer Graduate typically assists in designing, developing, and optimizing processes for producing chemicals, fuels, food, pharmaceuticals, and other products. They apply principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and math to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals. Graduates often work under the supervision of senior engineers and may be involved in research, process development, safety analysis, or quality control. Over time, they gain experience and may take on more complex projects or leadership roles.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a chemical engineer graduate expect during their first year on the job?

As a Chemical Engineer Graduate, you can anticipate working on a variety of projects that may include process optimization, safety assessments, and assisting with the design or scale-up of chemical processes. Typically, you'll support senior engineers by collecting and analyzing data, running simulations, and preparing technical reports. Collaboration is key, and you'll often work closely with multidisciplinary teams including mechanical engineers, quality assurance staff, and plant operators. This early exposure helps you build foundational skills and gain insights into different areas of the chemical engineering field.

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

To thrive as a Chemical Engineer Graduate, you need a solid understanding of chemical engineering principles, process design, and analytical problem-solving, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB, and knowledge of safety and quality regulations, are often required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating on projects and conveying technical information. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative solutions in diverse engineering environments.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineer Graduate vs Chemical Technician?

AspectChemical Engineer GraduateChemical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in chemical technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize chemical processes, often in labs or plant settingsAssist in process operations, sampling, and quality control in manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticalsManufacturing plants, laboratories, production facilities

The main difference between a Chemical Engineer Graduate and a Chemical Technician lies in their education, responsibilities, and work scope. Chemical Engineer Graduates focus on designing and improving chemical processes, requiring a bachelor's degree, while Chemical Technicians support these processes through hands-on tasks with an associate degree. Both roles are essential in the chemical industry but serve different functions based on their training and responsibilities.

More about Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs

What are popular job titles related to Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs in California?

For Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chemical Engineer Graduate job openings:

Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineer Graduate job openings in California 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 $86,341 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

General Matter

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$96K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

About the Company
General Matter enriches uranium.
We are designing, building, and operating the world's lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the US.
In the process, we are restoring America's ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing and critical industries our country relies on to remain competitive.
Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel that advanced reactors consume. Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way.
Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also the most affordable. We believe abundant nuclear energy will lead to a post-scarcity society.
We were incubated inside Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by over a dozen of the world's top venture capital firms.
Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.
We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency.
Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable.
About This Role
We're looking for an early-career Chemical Engineer or Chemist who is excited to get hands-on experience supporting the design, instrumentation, and build-out of an advanced laboratory.
In this role, you'll work alongside experienced engineers and scientists on critical projects, gaining exposure to advanced analytical methods, specialized laboratory equipment, and real-world technical problem solving. You'll have the opportunity to help shape a new laboratory capability from the ground up while building practical skills across chemistry, engineering, instrumentation, and laboratory operations.
This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands-on, eager to learn, and motivated by technically challenging work with meaningful impact.
Responsibilities
  • Mass Spectrometry Analysis: Conduct isotopic analysis and trace element detection using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS), and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).
  • Chemical Process Monitoring: Apply analytical chemistry techniques to ensure the quality and safety of nuclear fuel cycle materials.
  • Method Development: Assist in developing and validating sample preparation, digestion, and separation techniques for nuclear material analysis.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Interpret mass spectrometry results and collaborate with process engineers and operations support to optimize facility operations.
  • Laboratory Safety & Compliance: Maintain adherence to radiation protection, hazardous material handling, and chemical safety protocols.
  • Collaborative Research & Development: Work alongside senior scientists and engineers on projects aimed at improving fuel cycle efficiency and waste minimization.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and recent graduates encouraged to apply).
  • Knowledge of mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., ICP-MS, TIMS, SIMS) and experience with analytical instrumentation.
  • Basic proficiency in wet chemistry techniques, including sample digestion, titration, and precipitation methods.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a highly regulated environment.
  • Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
  • Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information.
  • Experience in a fast-paced engineering environment or a highly technical role requiring a resourceful, entrepreneurial approach to complete tasks within tight timeframes or budget constraints.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer
General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Compensation and Benefits
The base salary range for this role is $96,000-$106,000 annually.
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Apply