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Lead Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BCforward

Lead Chemical Engineer

Des Plaines, IL

$53/hr

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 ...

Ecolab

Lead Chemical Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$107K - $161K/yr

Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer to develop and advance differentiated innovations in chemistry, equipment & digital, ultimately driving the global deployment of ...

Ecolab

Lead Chemical Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$107K - $161K/yr

Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer to develop and advance differentiated innovations in chemistry, equipment & digital, ultimately driving the global deployment of ...

PIP Global

Chemical Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

Lead plant trials, validation runs, and process qualification activities * Ensure repeatability and ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field * 5+ years of experience in chemical or ...

Actalent

Chemical Engineer

Postville, IA

$100K - $120K/yr

Chemical Engineer Relocation package offered  This Chemical Engineer role focuses on supporting ... Lead process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and reliability in ...

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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 Jul 29, 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.

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.

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 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:
What job categories do people searching Lead Chemical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Chemical Engineer jobs are:
Lead Chemical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Chemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Lead Chemical Engineer

BCforward

Des Plaines, IL

$53/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description

BCforward began as an IT business solutions and staffing firm. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers' needs into a full service personnel solutions organization. BCforward's headquarters are in Indianapolis, Indiana and also operates delivery centers in 20 locations in North America as well as India and Puerto Rico. We are currently the largest consulting firm and largest MBE certified firm headquartered in Indiana. 

Job Description

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 design packages working as a member of a design team and perform studies relating to revamp of existing processing units.
Work under close to moderate supervision. Results are reviewed and technical guidance is available.
Decision making limited to routine issues / problems.
Key Accountabilities for Process/Project Design Engineers
Creation of the basic design engineering package for technology customer projects.
Run process simulation tools for design and alternate cases.
Size process piping and run hydraulics.
Develop project specifications including all major equipment.
Coordinate the development of the PFD and P&ID flow diagrams.
Complete assigned design work per the agreed budget and schedule.
Keep Project Manager informed of progress on assigned tasks. Bring any problems with man-hour overruns or schedule delays to the Project Manager as early as possible.
Attend and participate in project team meetings.
Contribute and participate in customer meetings as assigned and agreed with the Project Manager.
Apply current design practices and tools for completion of assigned tasks.
Be familiar with the work process and quality policy and apply as appropriate to each project.
Document all calculations and work processes in a clear, concise format.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering
10-15 plus years of refining experience (Operation or Design)
US Citizenship or US permanent residency is required
Additional Qualifications
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills
Strong presentation skills including MS PowerPoint, Leading Meetings, Customer Presentations
Ability to function well within a team based work environment
Sandra Taylor
571-267-4186

Additional Information

Sandra Taylor 
571-267-4186

BCforward logo

About BCforward

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BCforward began as an IT business solutions and staffing firm. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers' needs into a full service personnel solutions organization. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, BCforward also operates numerous delivery centers across North America and India. We are currently the largest consulting firm and largest MBE certified firm in Indiana. Our uninterrupted growth has allowed BCforward to deliver uniquely configured IT staffing and project solutions for over years of catering to our customers' specific needs. BCforward currently maintains a team of over 5000 global resources. With our additional brand, Stafforward, together we have the capabilities to deliver services for a variety of industries in both public and private sectors which allows us to address your most challenging needs.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1998

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