ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chemical Engineering Graduate Jobs in California

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChemical Engineering Graduate JobsChemical Engineering Graduate Jobs in California

Chemical Engineering Graduate information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$86.3K

$138.2K

How much do chemical engineering graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineering graduate 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 is a chemical engineering graduate?

Chemical engineering graduates are individuals who have completed a degree in chemical engineering, typically at the bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level. They are trained to apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to solve problems related to the production and use of chemicals, fuels, drugs, food, and other products. These graduates often work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, environmental protection, and materials manufacturing. Their education equips them with skills in process design, safety management, and problem-solving, making them valuable in both research and industrial settings.

What types of projects does a chemical engineering graduate typically work on in their first year at a company?

In their first year, chemical engineering graduates often engage in a mix of process optimization, data analysis, and hands-on support for plant operations or product development. They may assist senior engineers with troubleshooting production issues, running experiments, or implementing efficiency improvements. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as quality control, safety, and maintenance, is common, providing valuable exposure to different aspects of the business. This early experience helps new graduates build both technical skills and a strong professional network within the organization.

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

To thrive as a Chemical Engineering Graduate, you need a solid background in chemistry, mathematics, and process engineering, typically achieved through an accredited chemical engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen Plus or MATLAB) and safety certification (such as OSHA training) is often expected. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills set successful graduates apart in both laboratory and industrial environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for solving complex problems, ensuring safety, and contributing effectively to multidisciplinary teams in chemical industries.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineering Graduate vs Chemical Process Technician?

AspectChemical Engineering GraduateChemical Process Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate degree, technical training
Work EnvironmentDesign, research, and development labs; office settings; some plant workManufacturing plants; production floors; operational settings
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, chemical companies, R&D departmentsProcessing plants, manufacturing facilities, chemical production

In summary, a Chemical Engineering Graduate typically focuses on designing processes, research, and development, requiring a bachelor's degree. In contrast, a Chemical Process Technician works directly on plant operations, often with technical training or an associate degree, and handles day-to-day manufacturing tasks.

What jobs can I get with a master's in chemical engineering?

A master's in chemical engineering qualifies graduates for roles such as process engineer, chemical engineer, or project engineer in industries like pharmaceuticals, energy, or manufacturing. These positions often require knowledge of process design, safety protocols, and proficiency with simulation tools like Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB.

What jobs do chemical engineering graduates get?

Chemical engineering graduates often find employment as process engineers, chemical engineers, plant managers, or quality control engineers. They work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, manufacturing, and environmental services, utilizing skills in process design, safety protocols, and laboratory analysis.

Where can a chemical engineering graduate work?

Chemical engineering graduates can work in industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, environmental engineering, and materials manufacturing. They often find roles in process design, plant operations, research and development, and safety management, utilizing skills in chemistry, mathematics, and process simulation tools.

What are popular job titles related to Chemical Engineering Graduate jobs in California?

For Chemical Engineering Graduate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Engineering Graduate jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Engineering Graduate jobs in California are:

Chemical Engineering Graduate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineering Graduate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,341 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Summer 2027 Internship - Chemical Engineering

Los Angeles, CA

General Matter
See more jobs at General Matterexternal

$30 - $40/hr

Temporary, Internship

Posted 8 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

As a General Matter Chemical Engineering Intern, you will help design, instrument, and build out advanced laboratory capabilities that support the development of a new generation of enrichment technology. You will work alongside experienced engineers and scientists while contributing to hands-on technical work across laboratory systems, analytical methods, specialized equipment, and experimental operations. This is an opportunity to build practical skills across chemistry, engineering, and instrumentation while helping bring new laboratory capabilities from concept through operation.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with mass spectrometry analysis, including 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).
  • Support chemical process monitoring by applying analytical chemistry techniques to help ensure the quality and safety of nuclear fuel cycle materials.
  • Help develop and validate sample preparation, digestion, and separation techniques for nuclear material analysis.
  • Assist in interpreting mass spectrometry results and collaborating with process engineers and operations support to help optimize facility operations.
  • Maintain adherence to radiation protection, hazardous material handling, and chemical safety protocols.
  • Support senior scientists and engineers on projects aimed at improving fuel cycle efficiency and waste minimization.

Basic Qualifications

  • Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., ICP-MS, TIMS, SIMS) and exposure to analytical instrumentation.
  • Basic proficiency in wet chemistry techniques, including sample digestion, titration, and precipitation methods.
  • Collaborative team member who thrives in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments and is eager to learn.
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.

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 hourly pay range for this internship is $30-$40 per hour, depending on the candidate's current standing in school (i.e. sophomore, senior).

Interns will receive a monthly housing stipend, and are eligible for overtime pay. Please note that the stated hourly range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors.

Apply