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Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Operator

Brandenburg, KY

$18.50 - $21/hr

At Monument, you'll find careers in several engineering and skilled trades roles and disciplines ... Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, we offer a diverse range of ...

Chemical Operator

Brandenburg, KY · On-site

$18.50 - $21/hr

At Monument, you'll find careers in several engineering and skilled trades roles and disciplines ... Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, we offer a diverse range of ...

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Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer information

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$40K

$87.5K

$140K

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

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for fresh graduate 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 a Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 kinds of projects or responsibilities can a fresh graduate chemical engineer expect in their first year on the job?

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.

More about Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fresh Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,487 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Assistant Computational Chemist / Chemical Engineer - Catalysis

Assistant Computational Chemist / Chemical Engineer - Catalysis

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

$94K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a regular, full-time AssistantComputational Chemist / Chemical Engineerposition. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to computational research inelectrocatalysisandheterogeneous catalysis, working closely with experimental collaborators to advance fundamental understanding and catalyst design.

This role involves conductingmultiscale modeling,spectroscopy simulations, and the development ofmachine learning methodsandautomated workflowsformulti-fidelity, multiscale, and multiphysics simulations. The research will be closely integrated with corresponding experimental efforts.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform computational studies in electrocatalysis and heterogeneous catalysis

  • Develop and apply multiscale modeling approaches to catalytic systems

  • Conduct spectroscopy simulations, including techniques such asXANES, EXAFS, and Mossbauer spectroscopy

  • Develop and implement machine learning methods and automated workflows for complex catalytic simulations

  • Collaborate closely with experimental researchers to interpret results and guide catalyst development

  • Contribute to proposal development and funding applications

  • Mentor postdoctoral researchers and graduate students

Position Requirements

  • Ph.D.inphysical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, computational materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with3-6 years of postdoctoral research experience

  • Comprehensive understanding ofquantum mechanicsandcatalysis

  • Extensive experience inheterogeneous thermal catalysisandelectrocatalysis, including:

    • catalyst design

    • mechanistic studies

    • microkinetic modeling

    • reactor modeling

  • Strong computational expertise in applyingquantum mechanical methodsto determine electronic structure, catalytic properties, and reaction mechanisms

  • Demonstrated experience inspectroscopy simulations, includingXANES, EXAFS, and Mossbauer spectroscopy

  • Proficiency inPythonand relevant computational platforms

  • At least1-2 years of experienceadapting and implementingAI/ML methods in catalysis, including:

    • machine learning interatomic potentials

    • agentic workflows

  • Experience inproposal writingandfunding applications

  • Experience mentoringpostdoctoral researchersandgraduate students

  • Excellentwritten and oral communication skills

  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience withPGM-free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts

  • Experience withCO reduction catalysis

RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Chemistry 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.