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Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer Jobs in Virginia

As an Entry-Level Process Engineer, you would provide technical services in monitoring ... What you will need to succeed: • Required: BS Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical or ...

Process Support Engineer II

Manassas, VA · On-site

$86K - $119K/yr

Chemical Vapor Deposition, Atomic Layer Deposition, Plasma Reactive Ion Etch, Physical Vapor ... process engineering experiments * Troubleshoot complex problems; perform multiple root cause ...

Position: Senior Process Engineer Job Code: ENPCP4 + Staff Eng Location: Covington, VA The ... Required: Bachelor's degree or higher in science or engineering; chemical engineering preferred ...

Work with the Process Hazard Analysis team to provide potential by-product Characterizations and ... Employer will accept a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ...

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Adjust process parameters and operating conditions under the direction of engineering and technical ... Willingness to learn chemical processing operations and pilot plant systems. * Ability to follow ...

People • Customers • Trust We are seeking resumes for Chemical Engineering Co-ops (Multiple ... Responsible for providing process optimization and engineering support for the mill, which will ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$100.5K

$160.6K

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

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chemical process engineer in Virginia is $100,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 process engineers leverage AI tools to improve efficiency and safety, but human expertise remains essential for decision-making, troubleshooting, and designing complex systems. Developing skills in data analysis and AI applications can enhance a chemical engineer's role in modern industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, often with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles. Entry-level or typical engineering positions generally have lower salaries, but senior roles with extensive experience and expertise can reach or exceed this level.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level chemical process engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level chemical process engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced environment of manufacturing plants, learning to troubleshoot complex equipment, and understanding intricate process flows. Navigating safety protocols and regulatory requirements can also be demanding, especially when balancing hands-on tasks with documentation and reporting. Additionally, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including operators, maintenance staff, and senior engineers, requires strong communication and adaptability skills.

What does an Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer do?

An Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer assists in designing, developing, and optimizing processes used to manufacture chemicals, fuels, foods, and other products. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure that processes run efficiently, safely, and within environmental regulations. Common tasks include data collection, troubleshooting equipment, preparing reports, and supporting process improvement projects. This role is a great starting point for recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in the chemical engineering field.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level chemical process engineers do not earn that level of salary, senior chemical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles in large corporations can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. High compensation is often associated with managerial positions, specialized expertise, or working in high-demand industries such as petrochemicals or pharmaceuticals.

What is the difference between Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer vs Chemical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Chemical Process EngineerChemical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in chemistry or process technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and oversee chemical processes; often in labs or plant settingsAssist in operating and maintaining equipment; work on the plant floor
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, chemical companies, R&D facilitiesProcessing plants, manufacturing facilities, chemical production

Entry Level Chemical Process Engineers focus on designing and improving chemical processes, requiring a bachelor's degree, while Chemical Technicians support operations by maintaining equipment, typically with technical certifications. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

How to get a chemical engineering job with no experience?

Entry level chemical process engineers can improve their chances by earning relevant certifications, such as Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), gaining practical experience through internships or co-op programs, and developing skills in process simulation software like Aspen HYSYS or ChemCAD. Networking with industry professionals and highlighting transferable skills in resumes also help to secure entry-level positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer, you need a solid understanding of chemical engineering principles, process design, and safety protocols, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS, and knowledge of process control systems, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in team environments and troubleshoot complex processes. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and successful project outcomes in industrial settings.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,454 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

CHEMICAL ENGINEER - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Air Force Elements, U.S. Strategic Command

Dahlgren, VA • On-site, Remote

$56K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to perform professional engineering/scientific work involving chemical processes to produce useful analytical products / systems.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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DR-0893-01:
  • Performs professional engineering/scientific work involving chemical processes to produce useful analytical products/ systems; and the use of mass, momentum, and energy transfers with thermodynamics and chemical kinetics for chemical/biochemical conversion processes in a developmental capacity.
  • With minimal guidance, either individually or as part of a multi-disciplinary team, develops representations, constructs mathematical models, and performs targeting and effects assessment analysis of components, nodes, networks and systems of interest using engineering principles and established methodologies and models. This will be in support of routine to moderately complex operational problems within the assigned area, and the analysis is oftentimes based on structured and unstructured data sources that can be conflicting or incomplete.
  • Prepares and/or presents supporting documentation to include responses to routine inquiries, reports, presentations, and/or other related documents to communicate and defend analytical approaches and findings.
  • Maintains awareness of emerging technologies and professional developments to stay current in the field and for application to work assignments.
  • With limited oversight from senior personnel, supports the improvement of existing or development of new analytic methods, models, techniques, and tools to improve analytical products through needs identification, requirement documentation, capability evaluation, and feedback generation.

DR-0893-02:
  • Performs professional engineering/scientific work involving chemical processes to produce useful analytical products/ systems; and the use of mass, momentum, and energy transfers with thermodynamics and chemical kinetics for chemical/ biochemical conversion processes.
  • Performs complex, accurate, and technically rigorous model-based analysis of adversary components, nodes, networks and/or systems based on multiple structured and unstructured intelligence datasets to produce targeting solutions in support of joint planning and operational requirements.
  • Develops representative network/system characterizations and mathematical models using appropriate methods to fill information shortfalls/ensure optimal depiction of real world.
  • Identifies critical elements/vulnerabilities, prioritizes targets for engagement to meet specific objectives, and provides qualitative and/or quantitative estimations of effectiveness of recommended engagement options.
  • Uses critical thinking and creative problem solving to adapt existing methods and tools and/or develop innovative approaches to improve ability to meet requirements/enhance operational utility.
  • Leads, mentors, and performs complex assignments within a team environment to improve capability of a technology area or address command initiatives.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • Recruitment incentives may/may not be authorized
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
  • Employee must maintain current certifications
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
  • Selectee may be required to serve a 3-year probationary period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • This position may require travel.
  • Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.
  • This position may require drug testing and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
  • Position is subject to polygraph testing.
  • Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.

Qualifications
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Individual Occupational Requirements for all Professional Engineering Positions, 0800 and the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
To view the OPM Professional Engineering Positions, 0800 qualification standard, click on the following link:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

To view general information on qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and specialized experience click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification- standards/#url=GS-PROF
NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
DR-0893-01 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05, or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is professional engineering experience assisting with engineering and scientific work involving chemical processes utilized by industries and/or scientific technologies to produce products and/or systems.
OR
EDUCATION: Successfully completed 1 full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.-OR -Successfully completed a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Less than the full amount of specialized experience required AND have some graduate level education with a major or subject area related to the position to be filled. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.
DR-0893-02 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade DR-01 (GS-11), or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is professional engineering experience performing engineering and scientific work involving chemical processes utilized by industries and/or scientific technologies to produce products and/or systems.
NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.
COMPETENCIES:
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Problem Solving, Communication, Technology Management, Teamwork and Leadership
IDEAL CANDIDATE - We are seeking a highly qualified candidate with the following skills and experience:
-Highly skilled and experienced professional with a strong background in chemical engineering/science.
-Proven ability to perform complex engineering/scientific work involving chemical processes, including the development of analytical products/systems. -Expertise in applying mass, momentum, and energy transfer principles alongside thermodynamics and chemical kinetics to optimize and innovate chemical/biochemical conversion processes.
-Ability to apply knowledge of petroleum, oil, and gas networks and/or systems and perform modeling to predict system behavior.
-Demonstrated ability to prepare, produce, and deliver timely, relevant, and technically accurate analytical products and recommendations to military customers.
-Experience in exploring, developing, evaluating, and/or operationalizing new methodologies, technologies, or tools to enhance organizational capabilities in petroleum processing and transshipment.
-Solid understanding of the functions and operations of oil and gas system processes and components.
-Ability to analyze information, extrapolate where data is missing, make correct inferences and conclusions, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives.
-Ability to operate and understand a process or fluid dynamics model.
-Knowledge of Department of War military command structure, missions, and programs, national security issues, trends, and topics of interest.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Additional information
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
This job announcement will be used to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.