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Entry Level Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Mill Chemist

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Are you a chemical engineer or paper science professional ready to take your hands-on technical skills to the next level? As our Assistant Mill Chemist , you won't just sit behind a desk-you will be ...

Entry-Level Project Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$73K - $96K/yr

A bachelor of science in mechanical or chemical engineering, or a related technical degree Our ... As a Entry- Level Project Engineer, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the ...

Lab Technician

Conroe, TX · On-site

$14/hr

... engineering firms, municipalities, school districts, government agencies, industrial facilities ... Perform entry-level chemical analysis according to clearly prescribed procedures and laboratory ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Chemical Engineer information

See salary details

$40K

$87.5K

$140K

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

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chemical engineer in the United States is $87,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $106,500.00 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or nuclear engineering can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What Do Entry-Level Chemical Engineers 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.

How to get a chemical engineering job with no experience?

Entry-level chemical engineering positions often require relevant coursework, internships, or co-op experience. Gaining skills in process simulation software, safety protocols, and obtaining certifications like OSHA can improve your chances; applying to internships or rotational programs can also provide valuable experience and industry connections.

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.

Is AI replacing chemical engineers?

AI is not replacing chemical engineers but is increasingly used to assist with data analysis, process optimization, and simulation tasks. Chemical engineers still require expertise in designing, managing, and improving chemical processes, which involve complex decision-making and hands-on skills that AI cannot fully replicate. AI tools can enhance productivity but do not eliminate the need for human oversight and engineering judgment.

What do entry level chemical engineers do?

Entry level chemical engineers assist in designing, developing, and optimizing chemical processes and equipment. They often perform experiments, analyze data, and support safety and environmental compliance while gaining practical experience in manufacturing or research settings.

What are entry level chemical engineers?

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 cities are hiring for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Chemical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Chemical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,487 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Automation Engineer (entry-level)

Automation Engineer (entry-level)

Brown and Caldwell

Honolulu, HI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Brown and Caldwell (BC), a leading environmental engineering firm, is currently seeking an entry-level Automation Engineer who has a drive for exploring technology and software to join our growing team. In this role, responsibilities will include developing industrial automation solutions for industrial and municipal projects, including programming of graphical user interfaces and industrial logic controllers, working with contractors to support live control system startups, developing supporting electrical and instrumentation design documentation. The role requires the ability to integrate and apply BC's service offerings and talent to help our clients solve their most challenging and interesting issues.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an Engineer to leverage their skills, do challenging and meaningful work, and protect the earth's resources at the same time. This position offers the opportunity for significant professional growth and the potential to collaborate with both local and national teams. If you are looking for an opportunity to work in the potable water, wastewater, infrastructure and environmental arena on both the public and private side, with the potential to gain new knowledge, skills, and relationships in a collaborative, innovative and supportive environment, let's talk.
This role is based out of our Honolulu office.
Primary responsibilities include:
  • Develop automation programming configurations for municipal, industrial, and federal clients.
  • Develop written control strategies to guide the programming development to be configured in the control system.
  • Develop, modify, test, and startup Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems.
  • Develop configuration for industrial networks such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus/TCP.
  • Investigate and troubleshoot all aspects of industrial automation equipment for clients as needed.
  • Perform submittal reviews from contractors and system integrators to provide feedback on system configuration, construction approach, and alignment with client desires.
  • Prepare panel designs, wiring schematics, and network and control system architecture documentation.
  • Work and communicate effectively with other disciplines, task leaders, and project managers.
  • Produce effective and accurate written documents, reports, and technical memorandums.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or another relevant EAC/ABET accredited Engineering degree.
  • Able to maintain a primary local presence on Oahu, HI and at times required given the nature of the programming responsibilities travel away from the office in Honolulu throughout the state.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, and Outlook and able to utilize these tools to communicate effectively and professionally
  • Comfortable adapting to new or unfamiliar technology platforms and systems.
  • Able to multi-task, is self-motivated, and able to work independently with a willingness to learn.
  • Able to effectively communicate both verbally and in written format in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or another relevant EAC/ABET accredited Engineering degree.
  • Exposure to real-time industrial control systems technologies, such as PLC's and HMI systems.
  • Familiarity with software development and coding practices, languages, or graphical user interfaces.
  • Exposure to Ethernet based networks, including hardware configuration such as routers, switches, and firewalls.
  • Exposure to industrial automation systems design of panels, wiring schematics, and network and control system architecture designs.
  • Familiarity with relational databases such as Microsoft SQL.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Server configuration, services, or hardware.

Salary Range: The anticipated starting pay range for this position is based on the employee's primary work location and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education. These ranges may be modified in the future.
Location B: $79,000 - $108,000
You can view which BC location applies to you here. If you have any questions, please speak with your Recruiter.
Benefits and Other Compensation: We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee health, performance, and success which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off and parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, performance-based bonus eligibility, employee referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, pet insurance and long-term care insurance. Click here to see our full list of benefits.
About Brown and Caldwell
Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Brown and Caldwell is a full-service environmental engineering and construction services firm with 50 offices and over 2,100 professionals across North America and the Pacific. For more than 75 years, we have created leading-edge environmental solutions for municipalities, private industry, and government agencies. We strive to be the company of choice-to our clients, who benefit from our passion for delivering exceptional quality, and to our employees, present and future, who share our commitment to client service, collaboration, and innovation. Join us, and you will find a home where you can do your best work, reach new levels of expertise, and enjoy exceptional development opportunities. For more information, visit www.brownandcaldwell.com
This position is subject to a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.
Notice to Third Party Agencies: Brown and Caldwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with Brown and Caldwell, Brown and Caldwell reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.
Brown and Caldwell is proud to be an EEO/AAP Employer. Brown and Caldwell encourages protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Brown and Caldwell ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.