ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Chemical Engineer Jobs in California

General Matter, Inc.

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$96K - $106K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and entry level candidates encouraged to apply). * Knowledge of mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., ICP ...

New

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 ... With engineering and manufacturing capability in Arizona and California, our associates work ...

Chipton Ross

Materials Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$38/hr

Degree in Material Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Physics or related technical discipline ... Experience working in a demanding team oriented environment POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES * Entry level ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Petroleum Engineer - Full Time

Bakersfield, CA · On-site +1

$118K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... entry-level Petroleum Engineers in the following potential locations * Houston, Texas * Midland ... Students completing the last year of their bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, Chemical ...

Carpenter Co.

Pouring Line Engineer

Riverside, CA

$69K/yr

This position is an entry level position that will receive extensive training on polyurethane slab ... S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Mechanical Engineering. * Six months to one year of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChemical Engineer JobsEntry Level Chemical Engineer JobsEntry Level Chemical Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Chemical Engineer information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$86.3K

$138.2K

How much do entry level chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chemical engineer 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 the difference between Entry Level Chemical Engineer vs Chemical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Chemical EngineerChemical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemical EngineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and process optimization in labs or officesAssisting in plant operations and process monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy, and research firmsManufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities

Entry Level Chemical Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on designing and improving chemical processes, while Chemical Technicians usually have technical certifications and assist in operational tasks. Both roles are essential in the chemical industry but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What does an entry level chemical engineer do?

Chemical engineers design and develop manufacturing processes for various chemicals. They work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, food processing, environmental health, health care, and design and construction. Entry-level chemical engineers often shadow veteran engineers while learning specific responsibilities of the job before taking on larger tasks. As an entry-level chemical engineer, you can expect to research new methods for manufacturing chemicals, create processes for handling them, estimate the cost of production, and draft and implement related safety procedures to ensure the well-being of employees who work with those chemicals. Entry-level chemical engineers may obtain their first jobs after completing a bachelor's degree, but many get higher degrees to pursue careers in research or academia.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level chemical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, problem-solving ability, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or ChemCAD), laboratory analysis tools, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and clear communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for designing safe and efficient processes, collaborating across teams, and ensuring project success in a technical environment.

What are some typical projects or tasks that an entry level chemical engineer might work on in their first year?

As an entry level chemical engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that support senior engineers and larger team goals. Typical tasks may include assisting with process design and optimization, conducting lab-scale experiments, analyzing data, and preparing technical reports. You may also help troubleshoot production issues or participate in safety and quality assessments. Collaboration is common, as you'll often work alongside other engineers, operators, and technical staff to implement solutions and improve processes.

What is an entry level chemical engineer?

Entry level chemical engineers are recent graduates or those with limited work experience who apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers, assisting in designing processes, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring safety and quality standards are met. Entry level positions provide foundational experience and training, helping engineers develop the technical and teamwork skills needed for more advanced roles.
More about Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs

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

The most popular types of Chemical Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,341 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

General Matter, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$96K - $106K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About the Company
General Matter enriches uranium.
We are designing, building, and operating the world's lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the US.
In the process, we are restoring America's ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing and critical industries our country relies on to remain competitive.
Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel that advanced reactors consume. Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way.
Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also the most affordable. We believe abundant nuclear energy will lead to a post-scarcity society.
We were incubated inside Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by over a dozen of the world's top venture capital firms.
Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.
We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency.
Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable.
About This Role
We're looking for an early-career Chemical Engineer or Chemist who is excited to get hands-on experience supporting the design, instrumentation, and build-out of an advanced laboratory.
In this role, you'll work alongside experienced engineers and scientists on critical projects, gaining exposure to advanced analytical methods, specialized laboratory equipment, and real-world technical problem solving. You'll have the opportunity to help shape a new laboratory capability from the ground up while building practical skills across chemistry, engineering, instrumentation, and laboratory operations.
This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands-on, eager to learn, and motivated by technically challenging work with meaningful impact.
Responsibilities
  • Mass Spectrometry Analysis: Conduct isotopic analysis and trace element detection using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS), and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).
  • Chemical Process Monitoring: Apply analytical chemistry techniques to ensure the quality and safety of nuclear fuel cycle materials.
  • Method Development: Assist in developing and validating sample preparation, digestion, and separation techniques for nuclear material analysis.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Interpret mass spectrometry results and collaborate with process engineers and operations support to optimize facility operations.
  • Laboratory Safety & Compliance: Maintain adherence to radiation protection, hazardous material handling, and chemical safety protocols.
  • Collaborative Research & Development: Work alongside senior scientists and engineers on projects aimed at improving fuel cycle efficiency and waste minimization.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and entry level candidates encouraged to apply).
  • Knowledge of mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., ICP-MS, TIMS, SIMS) and experience with analytical instrumentation.
  • Basic proficiency in wet chemistry techniques, including sample digestion, titration, and precipitation methods.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a highly regulated environment.
  • Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
  • Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information.
  • Experience in a fast-paced engineering environment or a highly technical role requiring a resourceful, entrepreneurial approach to complete tasks within tight timeframes or budget constraints.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer
General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Compensation and Benefits
The base salary range for this role is $96,000-$106,000 annually.
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Apply