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Chemical Engineer Student Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The selected college student will have a unique opportunity to apply the chemical engineering principles learned in the classroom to real-world challenges. By leveraging critical thinking skills, the ...

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Chemical Engineer Student information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$86.3K

$138.2K

How much do chemical engineer student jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineer student 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 does a chemical engineer student do?

A Chemical Engineer Student studies fundamental concepts in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to understand how to design, analyze, and optimize processes that convert raw materials into valuable products. Their coursework often includes laboratory work, simulations, and group projects, preparing them for real-world applications in industries like pharmaceuticals, energy, food, and materials. They may also participate in internships or research projects to gain hands-on experience and build their professional skills.

What types of projects or tasks can a chemical engineer student expect to work on during an internship or co-op?

As a Chemical Engineer Student, you can expect to be involved in a range of hands-on projects that support full-time engineers and production teams. Typical tasks may include assisting with laboratory experiments, process simulations, data analysis, and safety assessments. You might also help troubleshoot equipment or conduct research on new materials and processes. These experiences not only build your technical skills but also expose you to teamwork and communication within multidisciplinary engineering groups.

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

To thrive as a Chemical Engineer Student, you need a solid grasp of chemistry, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by coursework in chemical engineering fundamentals. Familiarity with simulation software such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB and basic laboratory techniques is often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills set students apart in collaborative and research environments. These abilities are essential for understanding complex processes, solving engineering problems, and succeeding in both academic projects and future professional roles.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineer Student vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectChemical Engineer StudentChemical Engineer
CredentialsEnrolled in chemical engineering program, pursuing degreeBachelor's degree in chemical engineering, possibly licensed or certified
Work EnvironmentClassroom, laboratory, internship settingsIndustrial plants, research labs, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageEducational phase, internships, co-op programsFull-time professional role in chemical processing, design, or research

The main difference between a Chemical Engineer Student and a Chemical Engineer is that the student is still in education, gaining foundational knowledge and practical experience through internships, while the Chemical Engineer is a licensed professional actively working in the industry, applying their skills to real-world projects.

What jobs do chemical engineer students get?

Chemical engineering students often find internships or entry-level positions such as process engineering intern, laboratory assistant, or research assistant. These roles typically involve applying engineering principles, working with chemical processes, and gaining practical experience in labs or manufacturing environments.

Where can a chemical engineer student work?

A chemical engineering student can work in industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy, or environmental consulting, often in internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions. These roles typically involve applying engineering principles, working with process simulation tools, and gaining practical experience in laboratory or plant environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineer Student jobs in California?

The most popular types of Chemical Engineer Student jobs in California are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Chemical Engineer Student job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% 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 13 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.