ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chemical Engineering Graduate Jobs in California

True Anomaly

Propulsion and Fluids Intern

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Junior or Senior undergraduate student, or graduate student in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering. * Coursework or project experience in propulsion systems, rocket engines, or fluid ...

Oxy

R&D/Technology Engineer - New Grad

Brawley, CA · On-site

Graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related Engineering field * Graduation date between December 2025 - August 2026 * Must maintain minimum cumulative 3.0 ...

Oxy

R&D/Technology Engineer - New Grad

Brawley, CA · On-site

Graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related Engineering field * Graduation date between December 2025 - August 2026 * Must maintain minimum cumulative 3.0 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 21, 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.

Senior Associate, Manufacturing Engineer (Chemical Processing)

L3 Harris

Los Angeles, CA

$73K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

L3Harris rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

L3Harris

Based on 229 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,873 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
J ob Title: Senior Associate, Manufacturing Engineering (Chemical Processing)
Job Code: 41857
Job Location: Canoga Park, CA
Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off
Job Description:
We are seeking a Chemical Processing Manufacturing Engineer to join our facility in Canoga Park, CA (Los Angeles area). Utilizing professional judgment and use/application of basic principle, theories, and concepts, the Chemical Processing Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for understanding and providing oversight of the Pre-Clean, Fine Clean, and Plating operations.
Essential Functions:
  • Ensure that the proper tank chemistry is maintained and the tanks are operating within specification to properly clean and plate hardware.
  • Maintain and create Electronic Process Instructions (EPI) for mechanics to follow who will process hardware to specification requirements.
  • Daily surveillance of the chemical processes via borescope inspection, observation/oversight and auditing of activities.
  • Implement continuous process improvements as needed to improve efficiency or support new product needs.
  • Develops detailed process planning (EPI) for fabrication and inspection in compliance to contractual requirements. Applies engineering and quality procedures to support hardware and/or software requirements to assure that delivered products and/or services conform to contractual and company requirements. Develops fabrication and verification processes that ensure quality requirements are met at a minimum cost and minimum time to product.
  • Keeps accurate records for the Chemical Processing department. Maintains the chemistry in Pre-Clean, Fine Clean, and Plating tanks. Perform weekly sampling of tank solutions and submit samples to the lab for testing. Maintains accurate air quality documentation as required by company and state requirements.
  • Provides shop floor fabrication and verification support. Provides directions and training to technicians and inspectors to define pertinent processes.
  • Initiates cause and corrective action investigations in support of programs. Investigates problems which arise in the shops during the fabrication assembly or test of products and recommends solutions.
  • Works concurrently with design engineering and conducts reviews to ensure producibility of hardware. Works with Integrated Product Team members to develop cost estimates and program schedules.
  • Implement statistical process control techniques to manage Clean and Plating tank chemistry, identify problems early and develop process improvements.
  • Assists in developing and implementing facility/equipment plans and tooling fabrication.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related manufacturing engineering experience. Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related manufacturing engineering experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 6 years of prior related manufacturing engineering experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:
  • Knowledge of Clean Processing and/or Electroplating
  • Capable of creating/modifying electronic process instructions (EPI)
  • A good working knowledge of process specifications and quality requirements
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Excellent problem solving and communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • Experience of electronic systems used internally (Delmia, Windchill, ADMS, etc.)

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in the State of California is $73,000 - $136,000. 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.
#LI-AT4
L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish . For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish .

Working at L3Harris

About L3Harris, in their own words

From L3Harris

In a fast moving and increasingly complex world, L3Harris is anticipating and rapidly responding to challenges with agile technology – creating a safer and more secure future.

What L3Harris employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply