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Chemical Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chemical Engineer supports Standard Nuclear's fuel manufacturing operations by improving, scaling, and troubleshooting chemical production processes, with an initial focus on sol-gel operations.

New

Chemical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chemical Engineer supports Standard Nuclear's fuel manufacturing operations by improving, scaling, and troubleshooting chemical production processes, with an initial focus on sol-gel operations.

New

We are seeking a Chemical Engineer who is passionate about developing new processes and scaling laboratory innovations into fullscale production. In this role, you'll apply your technical expertise ...

Chemical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$65K - $109K/yr

We are seeking a Chemical Engineer who is passionate about developing new processes and scaling laboratory innovations into full-scale production. In this role, you'll apply your technical expertise ...

Chemical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$65K - $109K/yr

We are seeking a Chemical Engineer who is passionate about developing new processes and scaling laboratory innovations into full-scale production. In this role, you'll apply your technical expertise ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chemical Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$34.7K

$75.9K

$121.5K

How much do chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineer in Oak Ridge, TN is $75,903.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,600.00 and $92,400.00 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 is a chemical engineer?

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 manufacturing chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and other products. They work in industries such as energy, materials, and environmental protection, often using tools like process simulation software and adhering to safety and environmental regulations.

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.

Is there a high demand for chemical engineers?

Chemical engineers are in high demand across industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and manufacturing due to ongoing innovation and the need for process optimization. Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, especially for those with strong technical skills and relevant certifications.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Chemical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Chemical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Chemical Engineer job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,903 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world.
The Chemical Engineer supports Standard Nuclear's fuel manufacturing operations by improving, scaling, and troubleshooting chemical production processes, with an initial focus on sol-gel operations. This role supports process performance, yield improvement, production reliability, and technical execution for manufacturing activities involving chemical processing, material formation, and downstream production steps.
This is a hands-on engineering role working closely with operations, fuel development, quality, characterization, EH&S, and radiological controls teams. The Chemical Engineer will help translate process knowledge into repeatable manufacturing practices, identify sources of variation or loss, and implement improvements that increase yield, throughput, product consistency, and operational safety.
The role requires strong chemical engineering fundamentals, practical manufacturing judgment, and comfort working in a regulated nuclear fuel fabrication environment where process control, documentation, and disciplined execution matter.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Chemical Process Engineering
  • Support day-to-day chemical manufacturing operations through process monitoring, troubleshooting, and technical problem-solving
  • Develop and improve process parameters, operating windows, and production methods to support repeatable output
  • Identify sources of yield loss, variability, rework, or process inefficiency and implement corrective actions
  • Partner with operations and technical teams to improve process stability, throughput, and product consistency
  • Support scale-up of chemical processes from development or pilot activity into more routine production

Yield Improvement & Process Optimization
  • Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, defects, and opportunities for yield improvement
  • Lead or support structured improvement efforts focused on reducing scrap, rework, process downtime, and material loss
  • Develop practical metrics for monitoring process health, yield, throughput, and operating performance
  • Use data analysis and engineering judgment to recommend process changes and verify effectiveness
  • Support root cause investigations related to process deviations, off-spec material, or production interruptions

Manufacturing Support & Technical Execution
  • Provide technical support to operators, technicians, and supervisors during production activities
  • Support development and revision of work instructions, operating procedures, batch records, and process documentation
  • Assist with equipment setup, process readiness, commissioning, and troubleshooting related to chemical processing operations
  • Coordinate with maintenance, facilities, and I&C teams on equipment issues affecting process performance
  • Help ensure production activities are properly planned, documented, and executed in accordance with approved procedures

Quality, Characterization & Data Integration
  • Work with quality and characterization teams to connect process conditions with product attributes and acceptance criteria
  • Support collection, organization, and interpretation of process and characterization data
  • Help define sampling, inspection, and data review needs that support manufacturing decisions
  • Ensure process improvements are supported by appropriate data, documentation, and technical rationale
  • Support corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts related to product consistency and quality performance

Safety, Radiological Controls & Compliance
  • Ensure chemical processing work is performed in accordance with site safety, radiological control, environmental, and quality requirements
  • Support hazard reviews, job planning, and procedure development for chemical processing operations
  • Partner with EH&S and radiological controls teams to ensure appropriate controls are in place for chemical and radiological work
  • Promote disciplined work practices, contamination control awareness, and strong procedural compliance
  • Support audit readiness, training, and documentation expectations for regulated manufacturing operations

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with operations, fuel development, quality, characterization, EH&S, radiological controls, maintenance, supply chain, and engineering teams
  • Communicate technical issues, process risks, and improvement opportunities clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Support production ramp-up by helping convert technical process knowledge into scalable manufacturing practices
  • Help build a culture of practical problem-solving, process discipline, and continuous improvement

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline
  • 3-7 years of experience in chemical processing, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, materials processing, or related industrial operations
  • Experience with sol-gel processing, precipitation, gelation, slurry processing, particle formation, ceramics, powders, or advanced materials manufacturing preferred
  • Strong understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals including mass balance, reaction kinetics, fluid handling, mixing, heat transfer, process control, and scale-up
  • Experience improving yield, reducing process variation, troubleshooting production issues, or supporting manufacturing scale-up
  • Ability to analyze production data, identify trends, and develop practical process improvements
  • Experience developing or improving operating procedures, work instructions, batch records, or controlled process documentation
  • Familiarity with regulated manufacturing, quality systems, safety reviews, and disciplined work control preferred
  • Hands-on mindset with comfort working in manufacturing, laboratory, and controlled environments
  • Experience in nuclear, chemical processing, ceramics, energy, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing environments is a plus

BENEFITS
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Disability and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
The position requires regular interaction with operations, engineering, fuel development, quality, characterization, EH&S, radiological controls, and manufacturing teams. Work may involve chemical processing equipment, laboratory activities, production areas, controlled areas, radiological environments, and use of required PPE. Adherence to site safety, quality, radiological, environmental, and operational procedures is expected. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.