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Chemical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Senior Chemical Engineer/Chemist

Reston, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer or Chemist to lead reverse engineering analysis on defense industrial programs. You will leverage deep subject matter expertise to evaluate intelligence and ...

Leidos

Senior Chemical Engineer/Chemist

Reston, VA

$131K - $237K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer or Chemist to lead reverse engineering analysis on defense industrial programs. You will leverage deep subject matter expertise to evaluate intelligence and ...

Leidos

Senior Chemical Engineer/Chemist

Reston, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer or Chemist to lead reverse engineering analysis on defense industrial programs. You will leverage deep subject matter expertise to evaluate intelligence and ...

Leidos

Senior Chemical Engineer/Chemist

Reston, VA

$131K - $237K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer or Chemist to lead reverse engineering analysis on defense industrial programs. You will leverage deep subject matter expertise to evaluate intelligence and ...

Arkema

Chemical Engineer Job

Chatham, VA · On-site

Chemical Engineering degree or similar Certifications / Trainings: * Six Sigma certification preferred (Green Belt or above) * Familiarity with PSM, OSHA and other safety or regulatory requirements

Arkema

Chemical Engineer Job

Chatham, VA · On-site

Chemical Engineering degree or similar Certifications / Trainings: * Six Sigma certification preferred (Green Belt or above) * Familiarity with PSM, OSHA and other safety or regulatory requirements

Arkema

Chemical Engineer Job

Chatham, VA

Chemical Engineering degree or similar Certifications / Trainings: * Six Sigma certification preferred (Green Belt or above) * Familiarity with PSM, OSHA and other safety or regulatory requirements

ERG

Senior Process Safety/Chemical Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site +1

$110K - $155K/yr

ERG is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer or Chemical Engineer to join our Risk Management Program (RMP) and Process Safety Management (PSM) compliance and enforcement team providing support to ...

ERG

Senior Process Safety/Chemical Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$110K - $155K/yr

ERG is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer or Chemical Engineer to join our Risk Management Program (RMP) and Process Safety Management (PSM) compliance and enforcement team providing support to ...

pca

Chemical Engineering Co-Op Fall 2026

Gladstone, VA · On-site

$30/hr

People • Customers • Trust We are seeking resumes for Chemical Engineering Co-ops (Multiple Openings for Fall 2026) at our Gladstone, VA. Paper Mill. Responsible for providing process ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsChemical Engineer JobsChemical Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Chemical Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$39.7K

$86.7K

$138.8K

How much do chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineer in Virginia is $86,736.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,900.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectChemical EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering; often licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE)Bachelor's degree in chemical, process, or industrial engineering; may also pursue PE licensure
Work EnvironmentFactories, laboratories, research facilities, and industrial plantsManufacturing plants, process design, and optimization settings
Industry UsageChemical, pharmaceuticals, energy, and materials industriesManufacturing, refining, and process industries

Both Chemical Engineers and Process Engineers work in industrial environments and often require similar educational backgrounds. Chemical Engineers typically focus on designing and developing chemical processes, while Process Engineers optimize and improve existing manufacturing processes. Their roles often overlap, but their primary responsibilities differ slightly based on project scope and focus.

What are chemical engineers?

Chemical engineers are professionals who apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods, and oversee facility operations. Chemical engineers work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, and environmental health and safety. Their work helps turn raw materials into useful products safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

What type of jobs do chemical engineers do?

Chemical engineers design, develop, and optimize processes for producing chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and materials. They work in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and environmental protection, often using tools like process simulation software and adhering to safety and environmental regulations.

What Is the Job of a Chemical Engineer?

Chemical Engineers design and develop manufacturing processes for various chemicals. They can work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, food processing, environmental health, health care, and design and construction. In this job, you can expect to research new methods for manufacturing chemicals, create these processes, estimate the cost of production, and draft and implement related safety procedures to ensure the well-being of employees who will work with those chemicals.

What are some common challenges chemical engineers face when working on process optimization projects?

Chemical engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing safety requirements with production efficiency, troubleshooting complex process issues, and adapting to new technologies or regulations. These projects typically require close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including operators, quality control, and maintenance staff, to implement changes without disrupting ongoing operations. Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and maintaining strong problem-solving skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges and drive continuous improvement.

What kind of work do chemical engineers do?

Chemical engineers design, develop, and optimize processes to produce chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and other products. They work in laboratories, manufacturing plants, and research facilities, applying principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to solve technical problems and improve efficiency.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chemical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemistry, mathematics, and process engineering, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), safety regulations, and laboratory analysis tools is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills help Chemical Engineers excel in collaborative and dynamic environments. These competencies are vital for designing efficient processes, ensuring safety, and driving innovation in chemical manufacturing and related industries.
More about Chemical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Chemical Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Chemical Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Chemical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chemical Engineer jobs in VA? For Chemical Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chemical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,736 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Senior Propellant Chemical Engineer

L3HHCM20

Culpeper, VA

$76K - $142K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Specialist, Materials & Process Engineering

Job Code: 38679

Job Location: Camden, AR OR Culpeper, VA

Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week 

Job Description:

The Missile Solutions Segment of L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Senior Propellant Chemical Engineer.  This forward-deployed propellant chemist role within the Propulsion Materials and Process Engineering team performs assignments requiring an application of advanced principles, theories and concepts in the propulsion field with an emphasis on propellant chemistry technology and manufacturing with a working knowledge of other related disciplines (thermal and structural), working directly with Propellant Operations. Experience in process control, lean manufacturing best practices, and manufacturing operations experience of items such as propellants, explosives and liners is desired.

Essential Functions:

  • Designs, develops and modifies processes and methods for the manufacture and utilization of various solid rocket propellants and energetics formulations.
  • Provides imaginative, thorough and practical solutions to a wide range of technical problems through the application of chemistry and/or chemical engineering disciplines and tools.
  • Participation in design processes including trade studies, supplier selection, concurrent design and development, materials characterization, data analysis, and drawing review.
  • Responsible for the preparation, execution and maintenance of materials and process specifications, and materials control plans (i.e. PMPP, corrosion control and contamination control plans).
  • Analyzes materials and material components to establish operating data, conducts experimental or laboratory tests and evaluates results. Selects materials for inclusion in products based on analysis of specifications and reliability.
  • Completes documentation and procedures for processing, testing and use of materials.
  • Drives corrective and preventive action to ensure continual improvement: Investigates and determines root causes of problems, develops and implements corrective and preventive actions, including leading failure investigations.
  • Ability to obtain a US Secret Security Clearance.

Qualifications:

  • Requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering and 4 years of prior related technical experience in energetic materials. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience. 

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering or related science discipline preferred.
  • Knowledge of chemical principles, thermodynamics, polymer chemistry, structure/property relationships, kinetics, and data analysis.
  • Experience with energetic materials, statistical analysis, programming and experimental set-up and data acquisition is a plus.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia is $76,500 - $142,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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