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Entry Level Chemical Engineer Jobs in Goleta, CA

Entry Level Chemical Engineer information

See Goleta, CA salary details

$43.2K

$94.4K

$151.1K

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

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chemical engineer in Goleta, CA is $94,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $114,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA?

The most popular types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA are:

What cities near Goleta, CA are hiring for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Goleta, CA with the most Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings in Goleta, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,395 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Student Assistant - Cal/OSHA Enforcement (Santa Barbara, CA)

University Enterprises, Inc.

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$18.27 - $33.52/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description
The Cal/OSHA with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is seeking to hire for two (2) student assistants to assist the Enforcement Unit in the Goleta office location. This position's key responsibilities will include preparing compliance reports, documenting inspections, and adjusting and calibrating various technical/measuring field devices.
Requirements
Conditions of
Employment
This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.
Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (degree, license, or official transcript) or DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.
UEI does not allow students to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one account per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI student assistant position for a different UEI student assistant position should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week's notice.
UEI is not a multi-state employer. UEI only employs candidates who live and work in the state of California. If selected for the position you must reside in California and all work must be performed in the state of California throughout the course of employment.
Prerequisites
Must be a college student attending classes during the regular term (Fall, Spring and Winter, if applicable), at one of the accredited colleges or universities on our affiliation list. To view our current affiliation list please paste the following URL into your browser: http://www.calinterns.org/wp-content/uploads/Affiliation_List.pdf
Students must be enrolled in at least: six-semester units or nine quarter units for undergraduate students; four-semester units or six quarter units for graduate students.
Students declared major must match the major(s) listed in the job posting.
Majors/Fields of Study
Civil/Mechanical/Chemical/Industrial/Electrical Engineering or any other recognized Engineering Curriculum from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology(ABET) Accredited University. College Level Work in industrial hygiene, environmental health, engineering, chemistry, biology, physics, medicine, public health, or in a field directly related to occupational safety and health.
Work Schedule
Flexible workdays and work hours, Monday - Friday, between 8 AM - 5 PM. The final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.
Additional Work Schedule
Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 24 hours per workweek (Sunday - Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring, and summer).
Compensation
Undergraduate (Lower Division) or Entry Level range: $18.27/hr. - $24.62/hr.
Undergraduate (Upper Division) or Graduate range: $21.49/hr. - $33.52/hr.
Minimum Qualifications
  • For student assistants, proof of application for, or enrollment as a student in, an appropriate college or university program.
  • For graduate student assistants, registration as a graduate student in a college or university of recognized standing. (Persons appointed during the summer months must produce evidence of eligibility for such registration in the following enrollment period).
  • For student assistants (Engineering and Architectural Sciences), proof of application for, or enrollment in, a college curriculum preparing for upper division status in an engineering, architectural or landscape architectural curriculum leading to a bachelor's or advanced degree.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Rapid typing skills in both speed and accuracy. No less than 65 Words Per Minute.
  • Great Handwriting.
  • Rapid reading speed & comprehension.
  • Excellent listening skills.
  • Ability to control negative emotions.
  • Excellent speaking and communication skills, in both verbal, written and in-person.
  • Excellent Customer Service, especially in dealing with difficult, rude and challenging people during face to face interactions and over the phone.
  • Fast ability to adapt with little formal training provided.
  • Fantastic negotiation & diplomatic skills.
  • Teamwork skills and enjoys collaboration.
  • Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Completing Supplemental Violation Worksheets.
  • Completing Penalty Calculation Worksheets.
  • Completing Photo Mounting Sheets.
  • Interviewing Techniques, Interrogation and Skillful Questioning. Evidence gathering.
  • Writing a Narrative Accident Summary.
  • Navigating and Data Entry within the OSHA Information System (OIS).
  • Generating Citation Packets.
  • Completing Inspection Forms.
  • Putting Together Inspection Case Files.
  • Performing duties as the Duty Officer Of The Day.
  • Intaking Complaints from the Public via Telephone, Email and In-Person.
  • Intaking Accidents from the Public via Telephone, Email and In-Person.
  • Accompany Compliance Inspectors during On-Site Inspections.
  • Following Up with Employers on Complaint Letters.
  • Studying California Code of Regulations Title 8 (CCR T8) Regulations.

Physical Requirements
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office environment.
Application Instructions
Please complete all fields of the employment application. Include your educational history in the "Educational Experience" section and any employment history in the "Employment Experience" section of our application.
Apply by: 8/31/2026

University Enterprises logo

About University Enterprises

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the nation’s leading university system, the CSU has pushed the boundaries of higher education for 60 years. We remain committed to delivering quality education, while fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding for our students and valued faculty and staff.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sacramento, CA, US