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Chemistry Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PT Chemistry Instructor

Norwalk, CA · On-site

$97.54 - $145.02/hr

Science, Engineering, Mathematics Departments: Chemistry Opening Date: 06/29/2026 Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description Equity and Diversity The District is strongly committed to ...

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Chemistry Programming information

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$13

$21

$31

How much do chemistry programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemistry programming in California is $21.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid chemistry job?

The highest paid chemistry jobs are typically in executive roles such as Chief Scientific Officer or Director of R&D, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. Advanced positions in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or chemical manufacturing companies that require specialized skills and advanced degrees tend to offer the highest compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Chemistry Programming position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Chemistry Programming, you need a solid background in chemistry combined with advanced programming skills, often supported by a relevant degree in chemistry, computer science, or chemical engineering. Expertise in languages such as Python, MATLAB, or R, alongside familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and scientific data analysis software, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork abilities help set professionals apart in this interdisciplinary field. These skills are essential to accurately model chemical processes, analyze experimental data, and efficiently collaborate with both chemists and software developers.

What is a Chemistry Programming job?

A Chemistry Programming job involves using coding and computational tools to solve problems in chemistry. This can include writing scripts for data analysis, modeling chemical reactions, simulating molecular interactions, or developing software for laboratory automation. Professionals in this field often work with programming languages like Python, MATLAB, or C++, and use scientific libraries to process chemical data. Such roles are common in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and academia, where computational techniques enhance research and development.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Chemistry Programming professional?

As a Chemistry Programming professional, your daily tasks may include developing and maintaining software tools for computational chemistry, analyzing experimental data, automating laboratory workflows, and writing code to support simulation or modeling projects. You will frequently collaborate with chemists, laboratory staff, and other programmers to identify technical needs and implement computational solutions. Managing data integrity, troubleshooting software issues, and staying up-to-date with new scientific and programming advancements are also common aspects of the role. The work environment often blends laboratory and office settings, offering a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.

Do computational chemists make good money?

Computational chemists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and industry sector. In general, they can expect higher-than-average wages compared to many other scientific roles, especially with advanced skills in programming, modeling, and software tools. Salaries often increase with specialization in areas like drug discovery, materials science, or data analysis.

What is the best programming language for chemistry?

For chemistry programming roles, Python is widely regarded as the best language due to its extensive libraries like RDKit and Open Babel for cheminformatics, as well as its ease of use and versatility. Other useful languages include R for statistical analysis and MATLAB for numerical computations, depending on the specific job requirements and environment.

What remote jobs can I get with a chemistry degree?

Chemistry graduates can pursue remote roles such as scientific data analysts, research scientists, or technical writers, often requiring skills in laboratory software, data analysis tools, and scientific communication. These positions typically involve analyzing data, preparing reports, or developing educational content from a home environment. Certifications or knowledge of programming languages like Python or R can enhance remote job prospects in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Chemistry Programming jobs in California? For Chemistry Programming jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Chemistry Programming job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,686 per year, or $22 per hour.
Senior Computational Chemistry Engineer

Senior Computational Chemistry Engineer

Lam Research Corporation

Fremont, CA • On-site

$119K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Lam Research rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 486 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The group you'll be a part of
In the Semiverse® Solutions Team, we are dedicated to excellence in the virtual experimentation of Lam's etch and deposition processes. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry.
The impact you'll make
As a Senior Computational Chemistry Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology, harnessing atomic precision, materials science, and surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves identifying new and advanced processes and chemical formulations. Your expertise and knowledge will play a crucial role in our customers' success, making an impact on next generation semiconductor technologies.
What you'll do
  • Perform first-principles calculations and atomistic modeling to investigate reaction mechanisms, surface chemistry, plasma-surface interactions, and materials behavior
  • Generate high fidelity training datasets from quantum chemistry and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to support development of next-generation simulation capabilities
  • Utilize computational chemistry learning to support process engineering research & development, and process/chamber/feature simulations
  • Plan projects involving definition and selection of new concepts and approaches for simulation evaluation workflows
  • Compile and evaluate modeling data to provide guidance on chemistries and materials, as well as appropriate limits and variables for process specifications
  • Communicate chemistry and process insights clearly through presentations and technical discussions with stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science (or equivalent)
  • At least 3-5 years of industry experience, post Ph.D.
  • Experience using DFT software (e.g. Gaussian)
  • Experience with frontier molecular orbital analysis and full reaction pathway studies
  • Experience applying quantum chemistry fundamentals to solve challenges related to semiconductor processes and materials applications
  • Interest in advanced technology and an on-going desire to learn
  • Ability to work effectively and efficiently with diverse teams

Preferred qualifications
  • Experience with reactive molecular dynamics (e.g. ReaxFF)
  • Experience with MLIP architectures (e.g. MACE, SevenNet)
  • Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Ability to react to shifting priorities to meet business needs and deadlines
  • Collaboration/Matrix environment mindset

Our commitment
We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.
Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.
Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on-site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories - On-site Flex and Virtual Flex. 'On-site Flex' you'll work 3+ days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. 'Virtual Flex' you'll work 1-2 days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.
Salary
CA San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range for this position: $119,000.00 - $261,000.00.
The above salary range for this position is relevant to applicants that reside or work onsite in the California, San Francisco Bay Area only. Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role. Actual salary may vary from salary offered due to numerous factors including but not limited to unpaid time off, unpaid leave, company mandated shutdown, and other relevant factors.
Our Perks and Benefits
At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That's why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.

What Lam Research employees say

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About Lam Research

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lam Research designs and builds products for semiconductor manufacturing, including equipment for thin film deposition, plasma etch, photoresist strip, and wafer cleaning processes.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fremont, CA, US

Year founded

1980

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