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Chemical Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Technician

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

RIE is hiring a full-time Chemical Technician at our plating and anodizing facility in Albuquerque ... You'll also work closely with the Engineering, EHS, and Quality teams to develop and implement ...

We have an exciting opportunity for a Chemical Engineer to join our Uranium Resources Group near Grants, New Mexico. This role bridges the gap between conceptual process design and physical plant ...

Engineer IV

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$89K - $155K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Chemical Engineer to join our Uranium Resources Group near Grants, New Mexico. This role bridges the gap between conceptual process design and physical plant ...

Chemical Technician I

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Collaborate with engineers, chemists, and production staff to troubleshoot and improve ... Familiarity with chemical handling, lab safety protocols, and hazardous materials management a plus

R&D Chem Tech

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

Associate or bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field * 1-3 years of laboratory experience (academic or industry) preferred * Familiarity with standard lab ...

EHS Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

$70K - $93K/yr

EHS Engineer RIE Coatings is seeking an experienced Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Engineer ... Oversee hazardous waste, wastewater, air emissions, and chemical management programs. * Conduct ...

New

EHS Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

EHS Engineer RIE Coatings is seeking an experienced Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Engineer ... Oversee hazardous waste, wastewater, air emissions, and chemical management programs. * Conduct ...

Job Summary Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Process Engineer with expertise in the development and implementation of chemical and physical processes stream related equipment, to support ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chemical Engineer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$37.6K

$82.3K

$131.7K

How much do chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineer in Rio Rancho, NM is $82,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $100,200.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Chemical Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Chemical Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Chemical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,290 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Cleared R&D Chemical Engineer - EMSAT Process Engineer, Onsite

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$102K - $199K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking an R&D Chemical Engineer to lead and own manufacturing processes at Sandia's explosive components facilities. Your primary role will consist of working in a flexible team environment to develop, improve, and monitor equipment and methods used for the manufacturing of explosive components with an initial emphasis on assembly operations. You will coordinate with other personnel to apply engineering concepts and best practices to the design, development, analysis, and testing of processes and equipment that meet design requirements on schedule and budget in support of key deliverables. Processes include, but are not limited to cleaning, laser welding, resistance welding, leak testing, powder pressing, encapsulation, soldering, glass-to-metal sealing, thin film deposition, mechanical/electrical measurements, and visual inspections. The role also includes ownership of the documentation necessary to manufacture components such as work instructions and operating procedures, as well as the analysis and disposition of non-conforming product and identifying and implementing opportunities for continuous improvement of yields, methods, and equipment.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
  • Plan, conceive, conduct, and manage process development for energetic components in a manufacturing environment
  • Direct systematic studies to characterize processes with the intent of determining the ideal process equipment, tools, and parameters that will meet design requirements with high yield and high quality
  • Manage and maintain manufacturing equipment and operational technology ensuring continuous, predictable operation
  • Analyze the performance of manufacturing processes using key performance indicators such as yield, variance, and tact time.
  • Use manufacturing process results and data to provide objective Design for Manufacturability advice to engineers from both the Design and Production Agencies
  • Create new understanding and capabilities by using the scientific method: hypothesis, test, and evaluation techniques; critical review; or similar engineering research and development methods
  • Use engineering principles to research, design, or develop tooling, instruments, machines, experiments, processes, systems, theories, and technologies
  • Lead and support formal problem-solving efforts as needed to address manufacturing anomalies and to maintain high-rigor, high-quality processes
  • Develop and maintain work instructions and operating procedures
  • Lead or participate in new process and equipment development and qualification
  • Assist with the operational startup of a new facility

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
Salary Range
$102,400 - $199,700
*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require
  • A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development
  • An active DOE Q clearance , or equivalent is required to start

Qualifications We Desire
The ideal R&D S&E Chemical engineer candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:
  • Graduate degree in Chemical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation)
  • Proven ability to work and communicate effectively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced/schedule driven environment

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:
  • Experience in a high-quality manufacturing environment applying rigorous processes
  • Experience in interfacing with and participating in Product Realization Teams
  • Experience with:
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze data and apply the analysis to decision making
  • Background in, or experience with, explosive technologies and engineering applications
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple tasks and projects

About Our Team
The Explosive Component Operations Science and Technology department (7457) produces energetic components that support deliverables for Sandia's nuclear deterrence mission. We also provide mission-enabling support to all of 7450, while innovating energetic component processes and production capabilities for the organization. We are responsible for production planning, product pre-acceptance, and component manufacturing. We oversee the construction and operations of the Energetics Manufacturing Science and Technology (EMSAT) facility.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.