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Chemical Process Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

As a Chemical Process Engineer , you will support and develop electroplating and wet chemical processes used in the manufacturing of Solestial's solar cells and modules. This role will be responsible ...

The candidate will work collaboratively with the process engineering team, the quality team, and ... Chemical Processing: Operating wet benches, spin tools, and automated equipment to clean wafers or ...

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Chemical Process Engineer information

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$45.1K

$100.5K

$160.6K

How much do chemical process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical process engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $100,451.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chemical process engineer do?

A Chemical Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in the production of chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, food, and other products. They work to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in manufacturing plants by analyzing chemical reactions, equipment, and workflows. Chemical Process Engineers often collaborate with other engineers and technicians to troubleshoot problems and implement new technologies in production systems.

What is the difference between Chemical Process Engineer vs Chemical Production Technician?

AspectChemical Process EngineerChemical Production Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in chemical technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and oversee chemical processes in labs or plantsOperate and maintain equipment on the production floor
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectorsChemical manufacturing plants and processing facilities

The Chemical Process Engineer focuses on designing and improving chemical processes, requiring a degree in engineering. In contrast, the Chemical Production Technician handles daily operations and equipment maintenance, often with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in chemical industries but differ in responsibilities, education, and work scope.

What is a chemical process engineer?

A chemical process engineer’s responsibilities cover designing and developing processes for transforming raw materials into marketable products. You can hold a chemical process engineer job in an industry that processes natural gases, paper, pharmaceuticals, plastic, food, and other products. You will analyze procedures, communicate effectively with team members, apply math, science, and engineering concepts, and conduct experiments and report the results. Many types of chemical engineering careers exist in chemical production and manufacturing, mineral processing, oil exploration, sustainable engineering, and alternative energy fields. However, you can find chemical engineers with diverse duties in jobs in nearly every industry that creates a product.

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

To thrive as a Chemical Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, process design, and safety regulations, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), knowledge of P&ID development, and relevant certifications like Six Sigma are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this role. These skills ensure that processes are efficient, safe, and cost-effective, supporting both operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

What are some typical challenges a chemical process engineer faces when optimizing plant operations?

Chemical Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing production efficiency with safety and environmental regulations, troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, and integrating new technologies into existing systems. They must collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including operators, maintenance staff, and quality control, to implement process improvements. Staying adaptable and proactive in problem-solving is key to overcoming these challenges while maintaining smooth and cost-effective operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ? The most popular types of Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What job categories do people searching Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Chemical Process Engineer jobs? Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Chemical Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Chemical Process Engineer job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,605 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar technologies optimized for the harsh conditions of space. Our innovative, low-cost, and scalable solar arrays are engineered for next-generation satellites, spacecraft, and orbital infrastructure. We are driven by a mission to power the space economy and unlock limitless opportunities in orbit and beyond.
 

As a Chemical Process Engineer, you will support and develop electroplating and wet chemical processes used in the manufacturing of Solestial's solar cells and modules. This role will be responsible for maintaining existing copper plating operations while leading the development, scale-up, and deployment of new nickel and gold plating processes.

You will work closely with Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering, Process Engineering, and Product Development teams to improve process capability, yield, throughput, and reliability. This role will also support wastewater treatment systems and help ensure safe, compliant operation of chemical processes across multiple manufacturing areas.

This is a hands-on engineering role that combines process development, manufacturing support, troubleshooting, and scale-up of new technologies.

Your Mission
  • Support and optimize electroplating processes used in solar cell manufacturing.

  • Develop, characterize, and scale new nickel and gold plating processes for production.

  • Support existing copper plating operations and continuous process improvement efforts.

  • Design and execute experiments to improve process performance, yield, and reliability.

  • Monitor critical process parameters and implement process controls to ensure consistent results.

  • Analyze process data and present findings to technical and manufacturing teams.

  • Troubleshoot process excursions, yield issues, and equipment-related challenges.

  • Partner with Manufacturing and Equipment Engineering teams to improve throughput and operational efficiency.

  • Support installation, qualification, and ramp-up of new plating equipment and process lines.

  • Develop and maintain process documentation, operating procedures, work instructions, and training materials.

  • Support operation and continuous improvement of wastewater treatment systems associated with manufacturing operations.

  • Train operators and manufacturing personnel on process requirements and best practices.

  • Follow safety requirements and contribute to a safe, organized, and compliant manufacturing environment.

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical field.

  • Experience working with electrochemical, electroplating, wet chemistry, semiconductor, photovoltaic, or related manufacturing processes.

  • Strong understanding of process development, process control, and manufacturing scale-up.

  • Experience troubleshooting complex process and equipment issues.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Experience analyzing process data and communicating technical findings.

  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

  • Ability to work safely around chemicals and manufacturing equipment.

What Gives You an Edge
  • Experience with copper, nickel, gold, or other metal plating processes.

  • Experience supporting semiconductor, photovoltaic, PCB, advanced packaging, or electronics manufacturing.

  • Experience with wastewater treatment systems or industrial chemical waste handling.

  • Experience with statistical process control (SPC), design of experiments (DOE), and yield improvement methodologies.

  • Experience transferring processes from development into manufacturing environments.

  • Experience working in cleanroom or high-reliability manufacturing environments.

Our Benefits
  • Competitive compensation - we want you to grow with us
  • Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
  • 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year's end
  • 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
  • Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
  • Your work will literally go to space!
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