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Chemical Operators Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ammobia

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$100K - $200K/yr

Experience working with technicians and operators to execute test plans * Demonstrated expertise in ... Expertise in chemical reactor modeling including working knowledge of reactor design equations

General Matter

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$96K - $106K/yr

We are designing, building, and operating the world's lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the ... About This Role We're looking for an early-career Chemical Engineer or Chemist who is excited to ...

General Matter

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$96K - $106K/yr

We are designing, building, and operating the world's lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the ... About This Role We're looking for an early-career Chemical Engineer or Chemist who is excited to ...

Ammobia

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Experience working with technicians and operators to execute test plans * Demonstrated expertise in ... Expertise in chemical reactor modeling including working knowledge of reactor design equations

Ammobia

Chemical R&D Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$100K - $200K/yr

Experience working with technicians and operators to execute test plans * Demonstrated expertise in ... Expertise in chemical reactor modeling including working knowledge of reactor design equations

Niktor LLC

Chemical Operations Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

Chemical Operations Technician Duration: 6+ Months Temp to Hire Location: Torrance, CA 90503 Pay ... Follows Operating Discipline principles, procedures, and practices to ensure safe and efficient ...

Ralliant

Chemical Technician

Hollister, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Summary We are seeking an entry-level Chemical Technician I to join our explosives manufacturing ... Key Responsibilities • Follow all safety procedures, standard operating processes, and regulatory ...

Apex

Senior Chemical Propulsion Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$142K - $192K/yr

Experience operating leak, burst, proof test facilities * Experience leading an hot-fire test ... Experience with chemical propulsion operations in space Why Join Apex? Apex believes in creating a ...

L3HHCM20

$73K - $136K/yr

Ensure that the proper tank chemistry is maintained and the tanks are operating within ... Daily surveillance of the chemical processes via borescope inspection, observation/oversight and ...

General Matter

Chemical Operations Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $195K/yr

Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to ... About This Role The Chemical Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all chemical ...

General Matter

Chemical Operations Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $195K/yr

Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to ... About This Role The Chemical Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all chemical ...

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How much do chemical operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical operators in California is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chemical Operators vs Chemical Technicians?

AspectChemical OperatorsChemical Technicians
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, manufacturing support settings
Job FocusOperating equipment, monitoring processesTesting, analyzing, and assisting in process development

While both Chemical Operators and Chemical Technicians work in chemical manufacturing environments, Chemical Operators primarily operate and monitor equipment on the production floor. Chemical Technicians focus more on testing, analysis, and supporting process improvements. The roles often overlap, but their main responsibilities and required credentials differ, making each position unique within the industry.

Are chemical operators in demand?

Chemical operators are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for skilled workers in manufacturing and processing plants. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of safety protocols, equipment operation, and sometimes certifications, with job growth driven by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

How much do chemical operators make in the US?

Chemical operators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, with experienced workers and those in specialized roles earning higher. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, certifications, and the complexity of the manufacturing environment.

What do you do as a chemical operator?

A chemical operator is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment used in manufacturing chemical products, ensuring safety and quality standards are met. They perform routine inspections, adjust processes as needed, and follow safety protocols, often working with control systems and wearing protective gear. Certification and knowledge of chemical handling are typically required for this role.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Chemical Operators jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chemical Operators job openings:

Chemical Operators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Operators job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,035 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Chemical R&D Engineer

Ammobia

San Francisco, CA

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

About Ammobia

Ammobia is pioneering the first fundamental breakthrough in ammonia production since 1909. Our modular Haber-Bosch 2.0 technology operates at low pressures and high single-pass conversions, delivering 2x lower capital costs; making ammonia affordable from any hydrogen source, across scale for any use case.

Backed by strategic investors including Shell Ventures, Air Liquide, Chevron, MOL, and by the US Department of Energy, we are building the essential infrastructure for fuel, fertilizer and the future of energy.

About the role

Ammobia is hiring an R&D Engineer to advance our materials and reaction platforms across lab, bench, and pilot scales. You will design, source, and synthesize new catalysts and sorbents; design and test reactor systems; and scale your innovations through to TRL 6 pilot systems.

You will be at the heart of Ammobia's R&D program, developing our next generation of reaction processes and proving them at commercially relevant scales and timeframes. You are comfortable wearing many hats, moving fast, and getting your hands dirty building and running systems.

What you will do

  • Conduct and manage tests on advanced reactor systems and materials characterization systems, including specifying/building custom reactor equipment

  • Transfer lab and bench scale R&D learnings and achievements to pilot demonstration, including developing operating procedures, designing test campaigns, leading lab- and pilot-scale system turnarounds, and analyzing data

  • Design and optimize active catalysts, gas sorbents, and formed composite materials, including via both internal development and external research programs

  • Develop analytical and computational models of gas-solid reaction processes, set target specifications, link ex-situ measurements to in-reactor performance, transfer reaction engineering knowledge to plant process engineering team

  • Work with a small team of scientists, engineers, and technicians

  • Develop intellectual property across materials, process, and reactor development

  • Perform all work in a safe manner and help promote lab safety culture

Requirements

  • Deep quantitative understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and heat/mass transport

  • Deep expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, gas sorption, and/or reaction engineering

  • Demonstrated expertise transferring R&D designs and learnings to pilot scales

  • Demonstrated expertise developing and owning test plans and data outputs reactor and chemical process systems

  • Hands on experience specifying, designing, and building custom research and pilot scale chemical equipment, including working knowledge of automation and control systems

  • Experience working with technicians and operators to execute test plans

  • Demonstrated expertise in data analysis of time series processes in Python and/or MATLAB; proficiency with agentic coding for scientific computing

  • Expertise in chemical reactor modeling including working knowledge of reactor design equations

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Demonstrated experience managing small teams

  • Prior startup experience and excitement about working at an early-stage start-up

  • 3+ years' experience in relevant industrial setting. Applicants without industrial experience will not be considered.

Nice-to-haves

  • MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering or similar

  • Experience managing technicians, interns, or junior engineers

  • Operational experience in pilot chemical plants

  • Proficiency in techno-economic modeling

  • Expertise in catalyst manufacturing and scale-up

  • Demonstrated experience designing and implementing automated control and data systems

$100,000 - $200,000 a year
Benefits include:

  • Competitive equity grants

  • 100% of premiums paid for healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance

  • 401k, fitness stipend

  • Regular team social events

  • Paid time off, including closure between Christmas and New Years

Who we are We are a small and passionate team of scientists and engineers. We value teamwork, accountability, open communication, and rapid iteration. We emphasize career growth, mutual feedback, and a fun and exciting working environment. Check out ammobia.co/careers for our full values statement and ammobia.co/team to learn more about us.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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