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Chemical Engineer R&D Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Intuitive Machines LLC

Chemical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

D. in Chemical Engineering. * Aspen software experience. * Experience with dynamic chemical process simulation. * Programming knowledge in one or more of the following: MATLAB, Simulink, Python ...

SLB

Chemical Engineer

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

The Chemical Engineer is responsible for assisting in providing innovative and cost effective solutions requiring the development or sustaining of new or improved techniques, procedures or products.

Sinopec-Tech-Houston

Senior R and D Scientist

Katy, TX · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Strong foundation in chemical thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and reaction engineering ... D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline.

Sinopec Tech Houston

Senior R and D Scientist

Katy, TX

$90K - $115K/yr

Strong foundation in chemical thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and reaction engineering ... D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline.

Workover Solutions

Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

We are seeking an R & D Mechanical Engineer to investigate technical problems, develop practical solutions, and contribute to product or process improvements through focused, high-quality engineering ...

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All JobsChemical Engineer R&D JobsChemical Engineer R&D Jobs in Houston, TX

Chemical Engineer R D information

See Houston, TX salary details

$38.2K

$83.5K

$133.7K

How much do chemical engineer r&d jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineer r&d in Houston, TX is $83,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chemical engineer R&D do?

A Chemical Engineer in Research and Development (R&D) works on designing, developing, and improving processes and products that involve chemical transformations. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and scaling up processes from the laboratory to production. They collaborate with scientists and engineers from other disciplines to innovate new materials or improve existing ones, often with a focus on sustainability, safety, and efficiency. Chemical Engineers in R&D are essential in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, food, and materials science.

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

To thrive as a Chemical Engineer R&D, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and typically at least a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB), and safety regulations, along with certifications like Six Sigma, are often required. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication help distinguish top performers in research and development environments. These skills are crucial for developing innovative solutions, ensuring process efficiency, and facilitating collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams.

What are the typical challenges faced by chemical engineer R&D professionals during the development of new products or processes?

Chemical Engineer R&D professionals often encounter challenges such as scaling up laboratory results to pilot or production scale, ensuring safety and compliance with environmental regulations, and optimizing processes for cost-efficiency and sustainability. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including chemists, process engineers, and quality assurance specialists—is essential to address technical hurdles and integrate feedback throughout development. Managing tight project timelines while balancing innovation with practical feasibility is also a common aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineer R&D vs Chemical Process Engineer?

AspectChemical Engineer R&DChemical Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development centersManufacturing plants, production facilities
Industry UsageProduct development, innovationProcess optimization, plant operations
Primary FocusDeveloping new materials and processesScaling up processes, improving efficiency

While both roles require a chemical engineering background, Chemical Engineer R&D focuses on research and development of new products and processes in labs, whereas Chemical Process Engineers work on implementing, optimizing, and maintaining manufacturing processes in industrial settings.

What are popular job titles related to Chemical Engineer R&D jobs in Houston, TX?

For Chemical Engineer R&D jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineer R&D jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineer R&D jobs in Houston, TX are:

Chemical Engineer R D jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineer R&D job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,547 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Chemical Engineer

Houston, TX • On-site

Intuitive Machines LLC
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Intuitive Machines LLCexternal

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Intuitive Machines:

Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. Our mission is to further science and exploration, communications, and economic progress from the Earth to the Moon and beyond. With multiple NASA lunar missions in development and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting NASA, our customers, and the nation in paving the way to return humans to the surface of the Moon. Our world-class team includes experts in all aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety


About the Position: The Chemical Engineer - Modeling & Simulation role is under the JETS II contract at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the advanced environmental control and life support systems analysis group.
  • Simulate and evaluate performance of life support systems for future NASA vehicles and habitats including the Orion spacecraft and vehicles capable of lunar or Mars missions.
  • Correlate water and air process simulation models to test results.
  • Model physical and chemical processes and size equipment performing life support functions for long duration space flights.
  • Evaluate and refine requirements for life support equipment that will support future missions.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • B.S. in Chemical Engineering or related discipline
  • 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
  • Capable of developing simulation models of air and water purification processes at varying levels of fidelity ranging from detailed, first-principal models to more descriptive lumped-parameter models.
  • Excellent technical writing skills and the ability to use data to draw conclusions and support the conclusions when challenged.
  • Excellent team communication and presentation skills

Requisition Preferences:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
  • Aspen software experience.
  • Experience with dynamic chemical process simulation.
  • Programming knowledge in one or more of the following: MATLAB, Simulink, Python, FORTRAN, C, Visual Basic.
  • Experience with chemical processes associated with NASA life support systems.

  • Why Join Our Team?I
    • 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
    • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency ( Mnium 3 year) requirement for this position.
    • Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
    • Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.


US EEO Statement:

Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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