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Chemical Engineer Graduate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Chemical Engineer Graduate information

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$40K

$87.5K

$140K

How much do chemical engineer graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineer graduate in the United States is $87,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $106,500.00 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and profit sharing. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and work in high-demand industries or leadership positions.

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 jobs can chemical engineering graduates get?

Chemical engineering graduates can pursue roles such as process engineers, chemical engineers, plant managers, quality control engineers, and research and development scientists. These positions often require knowledge of process design, safety protocols, and proficiency with tools like process simulation software. Employment can be found in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, manufacturing, and environmental services.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior chemical engineers with extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-paying industries like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or specialty chemicals. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, professional certifications, and management responsibilities.

What kind of jobs can you get with a degree in chemical engineering?

A chemical engineering graduate can pursue roles such as process engineer, chemical plant operator, quality control engineer, or research and development scientist. These jobs typically involve designing, optimizing, and managing chemical processes, often requiring knowledge of safety protocols, process simulation tools, and laboratory techniques.

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.

What cities are hiring for Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs? Cities with the most Chemical Engineer Graduate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs? The most popular types of Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs are:
What states have the most Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs? States with the most job openings for Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineer Graduate jobs are:
Intern, R&D Graduate Year-Round - Polymers and Composites, Onsite

Intern, R&D Graduate Year-Round - Polymers and Composites, Onsite

Sandia Inc

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering Graduate Intern to join our team to support a range of projects related to our national security missions. Familiarity with retrosynthetic workflows and process flow diagrams is needed, with basic Python and chemical engineering knowledge is beneficial. The primary responsibility of this individual will be working closely with staff and technologists to support polymers investigations using a variety of polymeric and composite materials.
On any given day you may be called on to
  • Develop retrosynthetic planning workflows to support new material synthesis and process design.
  • Use hand-tools, mixers, spraying equipment, sanders or other common equipment as the job demands.
  • Work with engineers to build prototypes for in-house development testing.
  • Test materials and mechanical properties using standard chemical and mechanical analysis techniques.
  • Document laboratory work and procedures including safety documents.
  • Process data and communicate results to staff and customers.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here .
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
  • Earned bachelor's degree
  • Currently attending and enrolled full time in an accredited science, engineering, or math graduate program
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
  • Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
  • Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship
Qualifications We Desire
  • Pursuing a graduate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Polymers Science
  • Experience with chemical material handling including use of fume hoods and downdraft tables
  • Experience maintaining laboratory operations and infrastructure
  • Familiarity with retrosynthetic workflows and process flow diagrams is needed
  • Basic Python and chemical engineering knowledge is beneficial
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Polymers and Composites Department develops processes, builds prototypes, and deploys hardware in support of mission activities at Sandia National Laboratories and partners. We specialize in adhesives, encapsulants, foams, paints and coatings, plus carbon fiber and glass-reinforced composite materials. Our team is also responsible for retaining the technical competency for legacy materials used throughout Sandia. Our staff of scientists and engineers work closely with other departments to understand and improve materials found in a myriad of applications and environments. We routinely employ advanced manufacturing techniques to supplement traditional subtractive or machining practices. Our applications include components and widgets deployed in extreme thermal, mechanical or electrical environments. We rely on extensive historical knowledge and experiences to make decisions but push the boundary of possibilities through creative thinking, experimentation, and sound application of the scientific method.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.