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Chemical Engineering Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA

$89K - $115K/yr

... commissioning and startup activities. You'll also collaborate with clients throughout project ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Chemical Engineering preferred * 5-15 years of controls ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

... commissioning and startup activities. You'll also collaborate with clients throughout project ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Chemical Engineering preferred * 5-15 years of controls ...

Arcturus

Engineering Internship

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

... mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, chemistry ... Excited to work in a fast-moving startup environment where priorities can change quickly Preferred ...

nant

Engineering Manager | NantG Power

Culver City, CA · On-site

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or ... Experience leading R&D teams in highgrowth or startup environments. * Background in highvolume ...

Arbor Energy

Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

... startup environment. You'll drive strategy from clean-sheet concepts and advanced modeling through ... Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or related field * 7+ years of ...

Arbor Energy

Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$170K - $185K/yr

... startup environment. You'll drive strategy from clean-sheet concepts and advanced modeling through ... Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or related field * 7+ years of ...

Piper Maddox

Process Engineer

Calipatria, CA · On-site

Support commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and optimization of process equipment while ... Chemical engineering degree is a plus. Comfortable in an outdoor production environment and with ...

SwirlX, Inc.

Thermal Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Requirements * BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or a related thermal ... Startup experience, meaning comfort owning a problem end to end without a defined process Details

Amrize

Senior Process Engineer

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$105K - $137K/yr

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (Preferred) Experience: * Minimum of 5-7 years of ... Direct, hands-on experience with the specification, installation, and startup of process equipment ...

Oklo

Process Engineer - Fuel Recycling

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $160K/yr

Degree in chemical engineering or related field * 7+ years of experience in chemical engineering or ... A startup person: You aren't driven by titles or hierarchy, and prefer efficiency to excess process.

Oklo

Process Engineer - Fuel Recycling

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $160K/yr

Degree in chemical engineering or related field * 7+ years of experience in chemical engineering or ... A startup person: You aren't driven by titles or hierarchy, and prefer efficiency to excess process.

Amrize

Senior Process Engineer

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$105K - $137K/yr

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (Preferred) Experience: * Minimum of 5-7 years of ... Direct, hands-on experience with the specification, installation, and startup of process equipment ...

True Anomaly

Propulsion and Fluids Intern

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

... startup environment. You will gain exposure to the full test lifecycle from planning through ... chemical engineering, or related technical discipline. * Completed coursework in thermodynamics ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsChemical Engineering Startup JobsChemical Engineering Startup Jobs in California

Chemical Engineering Startup information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$86.3K

$138.2K

How much do chemical engineering startup jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineering startup 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 startup?

A chemical engineering startup is a new company founded to develop and commercialize innovative products, processes, or technologies in the field of chemical engineering. These startups often focus on areas such as sustainable materials, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, or advanced manufacturing solutions. They typically combine scientific research with engineering principles to address industry challenges or create new market opportunities. Success in this field often requires strong technical expertise, business acumen, and the ability to navigate regulatory requirements.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in a chemical engineering startup, and how can new hires prepare for them?

In a chemical engineering startup, employees often encounter challenges such as working with limited resources, rapidly shifting priorities, and the need to wear multiple hats beyond their core technical role. New hires should be prepared for a fast-paced, dynamic environment where adaptability and problem-solving are essential. Strong communication skills and a willingness to collaborate across disciplines—such as R&D, production, and business development—are highly valued. Being proactive in learning and seeking mentorship from more experienced colleagues can help you succeed and contribute meaningfully to the company's growth.

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

To excel in a Chemical Engineering Startup, you need a solid background in chemical process design, problem-solving, and project management, typically supported by a degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or CHEMCAD), laboratory instrumentation, and potentially certifications like EIT or PE is highly valuable. Strong entrepreneurial mindset, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for navigating the dynamic startup environment. These skills and qualifications are vital for rapidly developing innovative products, solving technical challenges, and successfully scaling early-stage ventures.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineering Startup vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectChemical Engineering StartupChemical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related field; startup experience beneficialBachelor's degree in chemical engineering; licensure optional
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, innovative, often small teams, flexible hoursIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, corporate offices; structured environment
Employer & Industry UsageStartups, R&D firms, small to medium manufacturing companiesLarge corporations, manufacturing plants, consulting firms

While both roles require a chemical engineering background, a Chemical Engineering Startup typically involves working in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment focused on developing new processes or products. In contrast, a Chemical Engineer often works within established companies on ongoing operations, process optimization, and safety compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineering Startup jobs in California?

The most popular types of Chemical Engineering Startup jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Chemical Engineering Startup jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chemical Engineering Startup job openings:

Chemical Engineering Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineering Startup 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.

Sr. Combustion Engineer (Syngas Oxyfuel)

Arbor Energy

El Segundo, CA

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

The Sr. Combustion Engineer (Syngas Oxyfuel) helps pioneer our rocket-derived, high-pressure combustion systems for carbon-negative power cycles, burning our biomass-produced syngas in a high efficiency combustor.  In this role, you'll take syngas oxy-combustion from lab-scale characterization to implementation running off of gasifier syngas within a year and carry what you learn into the development of fuel-flexible combustors at the heart of our commercial product. You will partner closely with test engineers, analysts, and designers to push boundaries-delivering breakthrough performance that powers a sustainable future. 

From conceptual design and modeling to hands-on testing and rapid iteration, you'll own the full hardware lifecycle.

This is an onsite opportunity in our El Segundo, CA office. 
Responsibilities
  • Develop the kinetics that the envelope demands: reduced H/CO/CO mechanisms, flame-speed, autoignition and blowout limits across composition; anchor models to hot-fire data
  • Plan, execute, and analyze high-pressure and temperature test campaigns, delivering actionable insights to accelerate progress
  • Own rapid hardware development cycles-from manufacturing and assembly through testing and iterative improvements
  • Leverage additive manufacturing and state-of-the-art simulation tools to accelerate innovation and reduce development timelines
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing
  • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
  • Comfort in high-pressure / real-fluid combustion (supercritical reactants, CO dilution) and/or a demonstrated track record of ramping into an unfamiliar regime fast
  • Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset comfortable driving progress
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Aerospace or Chemical engineering
  • Hands-on experience with hot-fire testing and high-pressure systems in rocket or gas turbine environments
  • Programming or scripting skills for data reduction and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
  • Background in startup environments or agile hardware development cycles
Benefits & Compensation
  • Pre-IPO stock options
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)
  • Basic life insurance fully covered
  • Health savings account (HSA) with matching
  • Flexible savings account (FSA)
  • Unlimited PTO 
  • 12+ company holidays, including Earth Day! 
  • 401(k)
  • Commuter benefits
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • And more!
Base Pay: $150,000 - $175,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

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