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Entry Level Chemical Engineer Jobs in Washington

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Entry Level Chemical Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$45.3K

$99.1K

$158.6K

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chemical engineer in Washington is $99,087.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $120,600.00 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 Washington? The most popular types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,087 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Environmental Engineer - Water Services - (Fall 2026 Grads!)

CDM Smith

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


CDM Smith rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.


Job Description
CDM Smith is looking for an entry-level Environmental, Water Resources, or Civil Engineer to join our Water Services Group. This position presents an excellent opportunity for recent graduates to apply their engineering skills to innovative and sustainable water projects and to grow within a dynamic team. In this role, you will support the design and implementation of water and wastewater treatment facilities, sewer systems, pipelines, and associated infrastructure. Operating under direct supervision, you will ensure designs meet client specifications and comply with federal, state, and local regulatory standards. Responsibilities include conducting site assessments, adjusting design parameters as needed, and conducting water quality analyses and modeling. You will also contribute to technical report preparation, documentation, and collaborate on presentations for client meetings and industry conferences. New team members will also assist in creating documents and presentations using tools like ArcGIS, HEC-RAS, SWMM, CADD, Excel, and other software. Additionally, there may be opportunities to participate in fieldwork supporting our construction management activities, providing a comprehensive project lifecycle experience.
Skills & Abilities
Basic Knowledge of computer assisted design and drafting (CADD) 3D and 4D software and practices. Basic Knowledge of engineer principles of design. Knowledge of Microsoft business software (excel, word, etc.). Good verbal and written communication ability.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related discipline. 0 years. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ideal candidate will be graduating August or December 2026 with a Fall 2026 Start Date.- This position will be based in the Fairfax, Virginia Beach or Newport News office.
Amount of Travel Required
10% or less
EEO Statement
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Massachusetts Applicants
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.
Pay Range Min
USD $62,130.00
Pay Range Max
USD $102,502.00
Additional Pay Range Information
CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate's salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation
All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available
No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related discipline. 0 years. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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About CDM Smith

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CDM Smith is a distinguished name in the engineering and construction industry, providing insightful consulting, designing, and execution services. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, US, this full-service engineering and construction firm was founded in 1947 and has been contributing to the national and global infrastructure ever since. Serving across diverse sectors like transportation, environment, water, energy, and facilities, they have built a reputation for excellence. The company firmly stands on its mission of delivering lasting, superior solutions to the world's complex challenges, thereby ensuring their clients create a transformative impact.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

1947