Entry Level Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Process / Project Engineer supports small capital projects and production-based plant needs within a chemical process manufacturing environment. This role focuses on process engineering, project support, and equipment-related improvements, contributing directly to product quality, efficiency, and overall plant performance. The engineer collaborates with internal teams and external vendors to specify, manage, and execute a wide range of projects involving process equipment and industrial systems.

Responsibilities

• Support small capital projects and production-based plant needs within a chemical process manufacturing environment.
• Assist in planning and executing projects such as pump replacements, pipe insulation upgrades, conduit installation for equipment, industrial piping changes, and scrubber replacements.
• Help develop project specifications, working closely with vendors and internal stakeholders to define requirements and ensure successful execution.
• Review process documentation and deliverables, including process flow diagrams, P&IDs, process data sheets, equipment specifications, AutoCAD drawings, cause and effect diagrams, standard operating procedures, preventative maintenance schedules, HAZOP documentation, and maintenance manuals.
• Learn to analyze process flows on an ongoing basis to improve quality, reduce costs, and increase throughput, and develop clear action plans to address opportunities.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and action plans effectively to all levels of the organization.
• Apply statistical methods and perform product and process analysis to drive cost reduction, quality enhancement, and improved operational efficiency.
• Assist with installation, modification, upgrade, and maintenance of process equipment, ensuring proper operation and reliability.
• Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure product quality, consistency, and efficiency, and identify areas for improvement.
• Implement changes to processes and equipment to support continuous improvement in production rates, efficiencies, yields, costs, and changeovers.
• Maintain reliable and safe process systems in alignment with process safety management principles.
• Provide operational and technical support to team members and leadership, helping troubleshoot issues and optimize equipment performance.
• Contribute to the design and improvement of manufacturing processes, leveraging process engineering and chemical engineering principles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project management activities and, where applicable, contribute to team leadership efforts.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 0–1 years of experience working as an engineer within a process-heavy manufacturing environment.
• Foundational knowledge of process engineering within a chemical process manufacturing setting.
• Ability to work with process equipment and manufacturing systems in an industrial environment.
• Experience or familiarity with project management in an engineering or manufacturing context.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing process data to identify areas for improvement and implement changes.
• AutoCAD software experience for reviewing and working with engineering drawings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Visio, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with all levels of the organization.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build strong working relationships.
• Awareness of process safety management principles and commitment to maintaining safe process systems.

• Experience in project management and team leadership is preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies is highly preferred.
• Experience designing manufacturing processes is preferred.
• Experience supporting capital projects within a chemical process manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with reviewing and interpreting P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and other engineering documentation.
• Exposure to HAZOP studies and preventative maintenance planning is beneficial.
• Interest in long-term growth and advancement within a large, global manufacturing organization.
• Ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, and throughput.

This role operates in a manufacturing environment within a chemical process facility. The engineer works around process equipment such as pumps, piping systems, scrubbers, and related industrial infrastructure. The environment involves collaboration with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams, as well as interaction with external vendors. Work is primarily on-site, supporting day-to-day plant operations and capital projects. Typical tools and technologies include process documentation systems, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office applications. The organization offers opportunities for growth and advancement within a large global network of sites, along with paid holidays and vacation time during the contract period.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waverly, TN.

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Waverly,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.