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Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer Jobs in California

General Matter

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$96K - $106K/yr

This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands-on, eager to learn, and ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and ...

Doist

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$96 - $106/hr

This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands‑on, eager to learn, and ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and ...

New

L3HHCM20

$73K - $136K/yr

Senior Associate, Manufacturing Engineering (Chemical Processing) Job Code: 41857 Job Location ... Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related manufacturing engineering ...

Chemical Guys

Manufacturing Engineer

Fontana, CA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Chemical Guys (CG) is more than a brand. It's a lifestyle with a worldwide following driven by ... When we started, we decided to wipe the slate clean and begin fresh with the simple idea to make ...

Chemical Guys

Manufacturing Engineer

Fontana, CA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Chemical Guys (CG) is more than a brand. It's a lifestyle with a worldwide following driven by ... When we started, we decided to wipe the slate clean and begin fresh with the simple idea to make ...

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All JobsFresh Graduate Chemical Engineer JobsFresh Graduate Chemical Engineer Jobs in California

Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$86.3K

$138.2K

How much do fresh graduate chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for fresh graduate chemical engineer in California is $86,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $105,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fresh graduate chemical engineer?

A Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer job is an entry-level position designed for recent graduates with a degree in chemical engineering. These roles typically involve assisting in research, process design, quality control, or production in industries like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing. Fresh graduates may work under the supervision of experienced engineers, gaining hands-on experience in chemical processes, safety regulations, and engineering principles. The job aims to develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and industry-specific knowledge. It serves as a foundation for career growth in various chemical engineering fields.

What does a fresh graduate chemical engineer do?

As a fresh graduate chemical engineer, you can expect to work on tasks such as assisting with process optimization, supporting troubleshooting efforts in production, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical documentation under the supervision of experienced engineers. Often, you'll be part of a collaborative team where you'll learn from mentors while gradually taking on more responsibility. You might also participate in safety audits, pilot plant trials, and cross-departmental meetings to gain broader exposure. These experiences are designed to build your technical competencies and help integrate you smoothly into professional engineering settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fresh graduate chemical engineer?

To thrive as a Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, process design, and safety protocols, typically obtained through an accredited engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software like Aspen HYSYS, AutoCAD, and adherence to safety standards such as OSHA are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, effective teamwork, and clear communication skills will help you stand out in entry-level positions. These qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and smooth collaboration in multidisciplinary engineering environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in California?

For Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings:

Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,341 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

General Matter

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$96K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About the Company
General Matter enriches uranium.
We are designing, building, and operating the world's lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the US.
In the process, we are restoring America's ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing and critical industries our country relies on to remain competitive.
Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel that advanced reactors consume. Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way.
Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also the most affordable. We believe abundant nuclear energy will lead to a post-scarcity society.
We were incubated inside Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by over a dozen of the world's top venture capital firms.
Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.
We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency.
Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable.
About This Role
We're looking for an early-career Chemical Engineer or Chemist who is excited to get hands-on experience supporting the design, instrumentation, and build-out of an advanced laboratory.
In this role, you'll work alongside experienced engineers and scientists on critical projects, gaining exposure to advanced analytical methods, specialized laboratory equipment, and real-world technical problem solving. You'll have the opportunity to help shape a new laboratory capability from the ground up while building practical skills across chemistry, engineering, instrumentation, and laboratory operations.
This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands-on, eager to learn, and motivated by technically challenging work with meaningful impact.
Responsibilities
  • Mass Spectrometry Analysis: Conduct isotopic analysis and trace element detection using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS), and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).
  • Chemical Process Monitoring: Apply analytical chemistry techniques to ensure the quality and safety of nuclear fuel cycle materials.
  • Method Development: Assist in developing and validating sample preparation, digestion, and separation techniques for nuclear material analysis.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Interpret mass spectrometry results and collaborate with process engineers and operations support to optimize facility operations.
  • Laboratory Safety & Compliance: Maintain adherence to radiation protection, hazardous material handling, and chemical safety protocols.
  • Collaborative Research & Development: Work alongside senior scientists and engineers on projects aimed at improving fuel cycle efficiency and waste minimization.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and recent graduates encouraged to apply).
  • Knowledge of mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., ICP-MS, TIMS, SIMS) and experience with analytical instrumentation.
  • Basic proficiency in wet chemistry techniques, including sample digestion, titration, and precipitation methods.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a highly regulated environment.
  • Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
  • Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information.
  • Experience in a fast-paced engineering environment or a highly technical role requiring a resourceful, entrepreneurial approach to complete tasks within tight timeframes or budget constraints.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer
General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Compensation and Benefits
The base salary range for this role is $96,000-$106,000 annually.
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

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