ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chemical Engineer R&D Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Solenis

Chemical Process Specialist

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$93K - $137K/yr

Serve as a central point connecting R&D, engineering, operations, and business teams * Identify and ... d love to learn more about you. At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people.

Solenis

Chemical Process Specialist

Wilmington, DE · On-site +1

$93K - $137K/yr

Serve as a central point connecting R&D, engineering, operations, and business teams * Identify and ... d love to learn more about you. At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people.

Solenis

Chemical Process Specialist

Wilmington, DE · On-site +1

$93K - $137K/yr

Serve as a central point connecting R&D, engineering, operations, and business teams * Identify and ... d love to learn more about you. At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people.

Solenis

Chemical Process Specialist

Wilmington, DE

$93K - $137K/yr

Serve as a central point connecting R&D, engineering, operations, and business teams * Identify and ... d love to learn more about you. At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people.

Air Liquide

Chemical Operator

Newport, DE · On-site

$25.75/hr

... design, engineering and construction of leading-edge processing facilities and related ... D. equivalent * Minimum of 1 year of Industrial Manufacturing experience * Proven experience with ...

Air Liquide

Chemical Operator

Newport, DE · On-site

$25.75/hr

... design, engineering and construction of leading-edge processing facilities and related ... D. equivalent * Minimum of 1 year of Industrial Manufacturing experience * Proven experience with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChemical Engineer R&D JobsChemical Engineer R&D Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Chemical Engineer R D information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$40.4K

$88.3K

$141.3K

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

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineer r&d in Philadelphia, PA is $88,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $107,500.00 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Chemical Engineer R&D jobs in Philadelphia, PA? For Chemical Engineer R&D jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineer R&D jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineer R&D jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
Chemical Engineer R D jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineer R&D job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,282 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Chemical Engineer (at Gelest)

Chemical Engineer (at Gelest)

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Morrisville, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Mitsubishi Chemical rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Company:
Gelest Inc.
Job Description:
Gelest, Inc., part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, is hiring a Chemical Process Engineer! We are seeking a motivated professional with industrial experience who is eager to grow their career while driving process innovation in the specialty chemicals industry.
The Chemical Process Engineer will be responsible for process design, process optimization, and technical support of manufacturing operations across the plant. This role focuses on developing, analyzing, and improving chemical processes; supporting operations and facilities; and contributing to capital and continuous improvement projects. The engineer will work closely with Operations, EHS and QA teams to ensure processes are safe, efficient, scalable, and compliant.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
  • Lead and support process design, scale-up, and optimization activities for silicone and silane manufacturing processes using sound chemical engineering principles.
  • Analyze and improve unit operations including heat exchange/heat transfer, distillation, filtration, and reaction systems to enhance efficiency, yield, quality, and reliability.
  • Provide day-to-day process engineering support to manufacturing operations, including troubleshooting process deviations, and conducting root cause analysis of process and equipment issues.
  • Interface with Operations, Engineering, Management, internal customers, and suppliers to ensure process improvements and projects are technically sound, cost-effective, and aligned with production goals.
  • Participate in and contribute to Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs), and Process Safety Reviews; support safe implementation of changes through Management of Change (MOC).
  • Collaborate with Automation and Controls teams to support and enhance DCS and PLC-based systems, and plant automation systems.
  • Support capital and expense projects by contributing process designs, reviewing technical documentation, assisting with commissioning and start-up, and validating process performance against design criteria.
  • Create and communicate detailed process documentation, including sequences of operations, operating procedures, and commissioning/start-up checklists.
  • Analyze process data and equipment performance to identify and recommend modifications that reduce costs, improve energy efficiency, and enhance product quality.
  • Prepare technical reports and experience summaries documenting design basis, operating results, lessons learned, and recommendations for leadership and stakeholders.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to identify continuous improvement opportunities and mentor junior engineers or technical staff as appropriate.
  • Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/ EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field required.
  • 5-7 years of experience with a heavy emphasis on process development and project management preferred.
  • Previous Lean/Six Sigma experience preferred.
  • Process Safety Management (PSM) experience preferred.
  • Validation/qualification process knowledge preferred.
  • Capable of performing complex chemical engineering calculations, basic understanding of process engineering, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to multitask and function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Must be able to work in a production chemical processing environment, including wearing appropriate PPE (at minimum safety shoes, glasses, gloves, and a hard hat. Respirators or other PPE as needed).
  • Must be able to perform hands-on processing duties, including sampling of chemicals and limited lifting requirements (up to 30 pounds).
  • Must be able to climb ladders and stairs as needed to obtain samples, observe processes, or perform similar tasks.
  • Must be capable of working in a non-climate-controlled environment.
  • This position is on-site and cannot be performed remotely.
  • Travel is generally not necessary but may be offered for training or other educational purposes.

Supplemental Company Information:
Gelest, located in Morrisville, PA-conveniently accessible from Interstate 95, Route 1, and the PA/NJ Turnpikes-offers a rewarding career with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Generous paid time off
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and optional supplemental plans for employees and their families
  • 401(k) with a competitive company match
  • Company-paid Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
  • Eligibility for an annual performance bonus
  • Company-provided uniforms, work boots, and PPE

The salary range for this position is $85,000-$120,000. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.

What Mitsubishi Chemical employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply