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Lead Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This Lead Chemical Engineer is very customer support orientated. It requires a fair number of domestic travels, problem solving skills, planning and hand-on executions of field trials as well as ...

Lead Chemical Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$107.60K - $161.50K/yr

This Lead Chemical Engineer is very customer support orientated. It requires a fair number of domestic travels, problem solving skills, planning and hand-on executions of field trials as well as ...

Lead Chemical Engineer 01/23/2017 to 10/19/2017 Des Plaines, IL, USA, 60017 $53/HR ON W2 Responsibilities Perform refinery and petrochemical process design work as required to produce Schedule A ...

Lead Chemical Process Engineer

Chickasaw, AL · On-site

$102.20K - $132.80K/yr

As a Lead Chemical Process Engineer here at Honeywell, you will play a critical role in leading and driving chemical engineering excellence within the company. You will be responsible for providing ...

Lead Chemical Process Engineer

Chickasaw, AL · On-site

$102.20K - $132.80K/yr

As a Lead Chemical Process Engineer here at Honeywell, you will play a critical role in leading and driving chemical engineering excellence within the company. You will be responsible for providing ...

Reporting to the Chemical Engineering Team Lead, this role focuses on corrosion inhibition, flow assurance, paraffin and HS mitigation, and the optimization of chemical programs through data ...

Reporting to the Chemical Engineering Team Lead, this role focuses on corrosion inhibition, flow assurance, paraffin and H₂S mitigation, and the optimization of chemical programs through data ...

Lead and participate in reviews and presentations for internal and customer design evaluations ... Integrate chemical engineering principles into HTGR plant design, covering helium Brayton and ...

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Lead Chemical Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead chemical engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Chemical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, process design, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering and professional licensure (such as a PE). Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen Plus or HYSYS), safety regulations, and quality management systems is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you guide teams and collaborate across departments. These competencies ensure efficient project delivery, adherence to safety standards, and innovation in process improvement.

How does a Lead Chemical Engineer typically interact with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Lead Chemical Engineer often acts as a bridge between engineering, operations, and management teams, especially during large-scale projects. They collaborate closely with process engineers, safety specialists, and project managers to ensure that designs are feasible, safe, and cost-effective. Regular meetings, process reviews, and joint troubleshooting sessions are common, requiring strong communication and leadership skills. This cross-functional interaction helps align project goals and ensures successful project delivery.

What are Lead Chemical Engineers?

Lead Chemical Engineers are experienced professionals who oversee the design, development, and optimization of chemical processes within various industries such as manufacturing, energy, or pharmaceuticals. They are responsible for managing engineering teams, ensuring safety and compliance with environmental regulations, and solving complex technical problems. Additionally, Lead Chemical Engineers coordinate project timelines, budgets, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Lead Chemical Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectLead Chemical EngineerProcess Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee, and optimize chemical processes; lead teams in industrial plants or labsDevelop and improve manufacturing processes; work closely with production teams
Employer & Industry UsageRefineries, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticalsManufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities

The main difference between a Lead Chemical Engineer and a Process Engineer lies in their responsibilities and leadership roles. Lead Chemical Engineers typically oversee projects, lead teams, and make high-level decisions, while Process Engineers focus on developing and optimizing specific processes. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Lead Chemical Engineer often has more managerial duties and strategic responsibilities.

More about Lead Chemical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Chemical Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Lead Chemical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Chemical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Chemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Lead Chemical Engineer

Lead Chemical Engineer

Ecolab

Naperville, IL

$107.60K - $161.50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Ecolab rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 190 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 88 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Products for Concrete and Refractory applications are the growing revenue generators in CTG. Ecolab is the market leader with over 60% shares in slurries and flours supply to the US-based investment casting industry and seeks to gain significant market share in concrete industry. CTG RD&E proposes bringing in a new engineer dedicated to the application of colloidal silica in concrete admixture and refractory products. This Lead Chemical Engineer is very customer support orientated. It requires a fair number of domestic travels, problem solving skills, planning and hand-on executions of field trials as well as laboratory testing.

What You Will Do

This position is very customer support orientated. It requires a fair number of domestic travels, customer-facing skills, excellent communication and problem-solving skills. The candidate will be expected to plan and execute trials in the field as well as in the laboratory. The candidate is expected to drive technology improvement and perform as a subject matter expert in the field of Concrete Admixtures.

Minimum Qualifications

  • BS in Chemical Engineering or related and 6 years of R&D experience; MS in Chemical Engineering or related and 4 years of R&D experience or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related and 2 years related R&D experience

  • Hands-on experience in concrete manufacturing processes, concrete admixtures design and formulation

  • Ability to travel up to 50% domestically

  • Immigration Sponsorship not available for this role

Preferred Qualifications

  • Refractory formulation and handling preferred.

  • Detailed knowledge in common concrete processes, admixture composition, raw materials and their key functions.

  • Plans and executes development of new technologies in the field of concrete and refractory.

  • Coordinates and executes internal and field trials for validation of the technologies.

  • Strong customer-facing skills.

  • Recognized as a technical expert in concrete admixture formulation, performance and analyses.

  • Actively coaches, trains, and mentors other operators at customer sites.

  • Normally reports to R&D Manager or Director.

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range

The base salary range for this position is $107,600.00 - $161,500.00. This position is eligible for annual bonus pay based on performance, per plan terms. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families.Click here to see our benefits.

If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.

Potential Customer Requirements Notice

To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:

- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.

- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is requested by the applicant and approved by Ecolab.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.


What Ecolab employees say

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About Ecolab

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1923