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Entry Level Chemical Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Additional Skills & Qualifications * BS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, OR 2 years of analytical laboratory experience. * Experience in toxic chemical handling is preferred. * Entry-level ...

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Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field. * Entry-level candidates ...

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Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field. * Entry-level candidates ...

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Entry Level Chemical Engineering information

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$40K

$87.5K

$140K

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

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chemical engineering 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.

Is chemical engineering worth it in 2026?

Chemical engineering remains a valuable career in 2026 due to ongoing demand in industries such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and environmental technology. Entry-level chemical engineers with strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of process simulation tools are likely to find job opportunities, especially as sustainability and innovation drive industry growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Chemical Engineering vs Chemical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Chemical EngineeringChemical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or technical certification in chemical technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, process development, and analysis in labs or officesAssisting in plant operations, data collection, and equipment maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy, and research firmsManufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, and labs

Entry Level Chemical Engineering roles focus on designing processes and analyzing systems, requiring a bachelor's degree. Chemical Technicians support operations through hands-on tasks and data collection, typically with an associate degree. Both roles are vital in the chemical industry but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, often through a combination of base pay, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership or executive responsibilities.

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 should have a solid understanding of chemical processes, mathematics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB), laboratory equipment, and safety protocols is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out in this field. These competencies are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and innovative solutions to engineering challenges in various industries.

Can a chemical engineer make 200k a year?

Entry-level chemical engineers typically earn lower salaries, but experienced professionals in senior roles or specialized industries can reach or exceed $200,000 annually. Factors such as location, industry, certifications, and years of experience influence earning potential in chemical engineering.

What types of projects do entry-level chemical engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with senior engineers?

Entry-level chemical engineers are often involved in a variety of projects, such as process optimization, quality control, and troubleshooting production issues. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers, who provide mentorship and technical oversight. Collaboration is common, with entry-level engineers participating in team meetings, sharing data, and assisting with process design or improvement initiatives. This hands-on experience helps them develop practical skills and build a strong foundation for career advancement within the organization.

What do entry level chemical engineers do?

Entry level chemical engineers assist in designing, developing, and optimizing chemical processes and equipment. They often analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and support safety and environmental compliance while gaining practical experience in laboratory and plant settings.
More about Entry Level Chemical Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Chemical Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Chemical Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Chemical Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Chemical Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Chemical Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemical Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person 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 โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 hours 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 earthโ€™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.ย 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, letโ€™s talk.

This role is based out of our Honolulu office.ย 

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:ย 

  • 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 PLCโ€™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:ย Theย anticipatedย starting payย range for this position is based on the employeeโ€™s primary work location and mayย beย more or lessย dependingย upon skills, experience,ย and education.ย  These ranges may be modified in the future.ย ย 

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.ย 

Benefits and Other Compensation: ย 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.ย 

About Brown and Caldwell ย 

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 forย municipalities, private industry, and government agencies. We strive to be the company of choiceโ€”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, visitย www.brownandcaldwell.comย 

This position is subject to a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.ย ย 

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. ย ย 

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.