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Entry Level Process Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Understanding of Process or Manufacturing Systems * Co-op Experience * Electrical or Process Knowledge * Technologies Used: * DCS, PLCs, Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, Schneider, Inductive, Aveva

Understanding of Process or Manufacturing Systems * Co-op Experience * Electrical or Process Knowledge * Technologies Used: * DCS, PLCs, Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, Schneider, Inductive, Aveva

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Entry Level Process Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$56K

$104.2K

$161.3K

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

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level process engineer in Washington, DC is $104,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $116,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry Level Process Engineer Do?

An entry-level process engineer studies the processes an organization uses for manufacturing. As an entry-level process engineer, you monitor and report on manufacturing process equipment, production methods, and chemical interactions. Your responsibilities include evaluating the safety of manufacturing processes, determining efficiency, and making recommendations on improvements across all areas of manufacturing. Your duties also include troubleshooting problems in the manufacturing process, developing and implementing changes, and ensuring company-wide safety. You collaborate with teams to devise solutions to production challenges and adhere to regulations and production standards.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Process Engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering and a solid understanding of process design and optimization fundamentals. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB) and knowledge of safety and quality standards are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in project environments. These skills ensure efficient process improvements, adherence to safety protocols, and successful collaboration within engineering teams.

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

Entry level process engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex technical systems, understanding industry-specific regulations, and learning to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. They may also need to quickly grasp company-specific processes and standards while balancing multiple projects under tight deadlines. Seeking mentorship, asking questions, and actively participating in team meetings can help new engineers overcome these hurdles and accelerate their professional growth.

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

AspectEntry Level Process EngineerProcess Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and optimize processes; often involved in project planningOperate and monitor manufacturing equipment; troubleshoot issues
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical industriesManufacturing plants, production facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in process optimizationCompared for hands-on operational roles

In summary, Entry Level Process Engineers focus on designing and improving processes with a bachelor's degree, while Process Technicians handle daily operations and troubleshooting with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Process Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,181 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Entry Level Engineer/Developer

Entry Level Engineer/Developer

RoviSys

Manassas, VA • On-site

$80K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview
As a RoviSys employee, you will use the latest technologies as we provide innovative solutions for our clients. You will design, implement, and configure automation systems, and/or write custom systems. We support our customers onsite and from our offices, located throughout North America. We use new and exciting technology to improve our clients' sustainability, profitability, efficiency and overall success!
Responsibilities
Entry Level Position: College Graduate - 2 years experience
RoviSys offers a broad opportunity to grow your career with any of the following duties:
  • Design and develop automation systems
  • Design and develop electrical control systems that will interface with process manufacturing equipment and sensors
  • Architect solutions using the appropriate technologies from database to AI to User Interface tools.
  • Provide our clients with real time, actionable information about their process
  • Develop quality code in accordance with established RoviSys and client standards
  • Work in team environment with engineers and designers from RoviSys, partners and clients
  • Grow into position leading a team of engineers and technicians to provide automation and information solutions.

Entry Level Position: College Graduate - 2 years experience
Below are the career paths we currently offer.
Systems:
  • Success Factors:
    • Understanding of Process or Manufacturing Systems
    • Co-op Experience
    • Electrical or Process Knowledge
  • Technologies Used:
    • DCS, PLCs, Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, Schneider, Inductive, Aveva
  • Duties:
    • Design and develop automation systems
    • Travel to client plants to assess and document existing systems and connected equipment
    • Use P&ID, Equipment Lists, I/O Lists and Process Descriptions to define control schemes for clients.
    • Network customer systems, Controllers, HMI PC's, Field mounted instruments and Process Skids to provide fully integrated control systems

Information Systems:
  • Success Factors:
    • Ability to understand Information System architectures
  • Technologies Used:
    • Relational Databases and Historians (MS SQL Server, Oracle, OSIsoft, etc.)
    • Python, VBA/VBscript/C# syntax, Linux shell scription (Bash,make), PowerShell scripting
  • Duties:
    • Design and implement industry software applications to aggregate manufacturing systems information and provide reports to support business decisions
    • Manually configure technical solutions and identify optimization opportunities by leveraging scripting and automation to increase process efficiency
    • Install and commission systems connected to the plant floor devices onsite and support operations personnel through effective use and maintenance of the deployed solutions
    • Scripting and light programming

Industrial IT:
  • Success Factors:
    • Passion for networking
    • Virtualization
    • Cybersecurity in a manufacturing or office setting
  • Technologies Used:
    • Virtualization, Networking
    • Cybersecurity, Windows, Wireless
  • Duties:
    • Map and Design Network Architectures
    • Configure and Test Infrastructure components
    • Install and Commission equipment at customer sites, per design
    • Communicate with customer and project team to define needs and design/implement solutions

Qualifications
  • Preferred: Degree in a Technical Field, related to Engineering, Controls, or Systems
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to multi-task and handle multiple concurrent projects
  • Passionate about problem solving and developing solutions
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills

Pertinent Experience:
  • Relevant Co-op experience
  • Manufacturing process knowledge

Compensation & Benefits Highlights
  • Competitive Base Salary: $80,000-$82,000, depending on experience
  • Performance Bonuses: Bonus structure designed to reward results
  • Travel Perks: Travel incentives + per-diem packages for field assignments
  • Full Benefits Package: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement Ready: 401(k) with company match
  • Time Off: Generous PTO which includes vacation, holidays, and unlimited personal time
  • Grow With Us: Ongoing training, certifications, and professional development support