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Entry Level Chemical Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

The location in Hawesville, (Kentucky, United States), is seeking talent to fill the position of Chemical Entry Level Engineer . This job is full-time permanent. Process Engineer Domtar is seeking ...

The location in Hawesville, (Kentucky, United States), is seeking talent to fill the position of Chemical Entry Level Engineer . This job is full-time permanent. Process Engineer Domtar is seeking ...

... Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematical Statistics ... PwC does not intend to hire experienced or entry level job seekers who will need, now or in the ...

Entry Level Chemical Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$34.7K

$76K

$121.6K

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chemical engineer in Kentucky is $75,985.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,600.00 and $92,500.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in Kentucky? For Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,985 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Chemical Entry Level Engineer

Domtar

Hawesville, KY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Domtar rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Domtar is a leading producer of pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products. Through our focus on safety and sustainability, as well as our commitment to operational excellence and our network of facilities across Canada and the United States, Domtar delivers high-quality and cost-effective products to customers around the world.
Our workforce is comprised of 14,000 talented and hardworking individuals. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, a supportive working environment, rewarding career paths and plenty of opportunities for learning and growth.
The location in Hawesville, (Kentucky, United States), is seeking talent to fill the position of Chemical Entry Level Engineer. This job is full-time permanent.
Process Engineer
Domtar is seeking recent college graduates with a focus in Chemical or Paper Science Engineering interested in growth development and sophisticated project assignments to join our team!
As an Entry Level Engineer, you will be part of a team that shapes the future of innovation in the Pulp and Paper industry. Our Entry Level Engineers enter the workforce and immediately begin to impact the organization by helping us bring world-class innovation to market and design our next generation of amazing products that people touch every day.
You'll become fully integrated into our mill, working directly with executives and management with an assigned mentor to maximize your growth and development. During this time, our Entry Level Engineers will receive a comprehensive orientation to Domtar, full exposure to the mill, and work closely with operations and engineering in various functional units within the facility on project intake, scope, design, documentation, and rollouts. We have rotational programs set-up, providing entry level engineers the opportunity to rotate throughout the pulp, paper, and power sectors.
Career advancement exists in operations, maintenance, quality assurance, product development, wastewater treatment, environmental and safety operations. Join us, and build something better for yourself, for our customers and for the world.
Job Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
• Focus on improving the quality control of paper machines by proactively identifying potential problems, and quickly and efficiently troubleshooting issues.
• Analyze production costs, productivity issues, and provide quality control improvement solutions.
• Technical exposure to various production and support units within the electrical and mechanical teams supporting piping and instrumentation-based projects.
• Research and develop processes and guidelines for various functional operational units within the facility.
• Detailed documentation of findings in various systems.
• Decipher data, apply findings into project recommendations, and revise project plans/drawings/materials.
Required Experience/Qualifications:
• Must be recent graduate from an accredited degree program. Desired major include Chemical or Paper Science Engineering.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Technical writing, presentation, and critical thinking skills to quickly grasp the concepts and components of the pulp and paper industry and process application.
• CAD experience preferred but not required.
• Up to 10% travel to U.S. Mills based on project requirements.
Preferred Professional Experience/Qualifications:
• Interest in the pulp and paper industry and building a developmental career with unlimited learning opportunities.
• Ability to comply with and enforce company, safety and environmental policies and procedures.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Team player attitude, with the ability to work with diverse teams, multiple organizational levels and across business functions.
• Well-developed problem solving and analytical skills.
• High level of initiative and motivation.
• Resourceful, quick learner and dependable.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Resourceful, quick learner and dependable with demonstrated leadership skills.
You will be required to successfully complete a selection process that could include interviews, an employment background check, a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen, reference verifications, aptitude tests (for some positions), and a fitness-for-duty test (for some positions).
Domtar is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), marital status, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. We are also committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. If you are selected to interview, you will be contacted by a member of our Human Resources team.
To learn more about our company, consult the Domtar Company Web Site and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

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