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Lead Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

X Energy LLC

Chemical Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

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 ...

Signature Science, LLC

Chemical Engineer

NJ · On-site

$80K/yr

We are seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer to lead the scale-up of energetic material synthesis from laboratory to production scale. This role focuses on developing robust, safe, and efficient ...

Centrus Energy Corp.

Chemical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

What You'll Do Lead the development of new chemical processes and design unit operations that support nuclear fuel production. Take ownership of complex engineering assignments and make informed ...

Centrus Energy Corp.

Chemical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

What You'll Do • Lead the development of new chemical processes and design unit operations that support nuclear fuel production. • Take ownership of complex engineering assignments and make ...

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 ...

HiFyve

Sr. Chemical Engineer

Kettering, OH

$120K - $145K/yr

Lead design and optimization of chemical processes to convert raw materials into finished products, driving efficiency and environmental compliance * Oversee engineering projects including timelines ...

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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 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.

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:
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Lead Chemical Engineer jobs near you
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.
Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Signature Science LLC

Egg Harbor Township, NJ • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Purpose:
We are seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer to lead the scale-up of energetic material synthesis from laboratory to production scale. This role focuses on developing robust, safe, and efficient manufacturing processes for specialized energetic compounds. The successful candidate will work closely with research teams to translate laboratory synthesis procedures into scalable production processes while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead scale-up activities for energetic material synthesis from laboratory bench scale to pilot and production scale operations
  • Design and optimize chemical processes to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of energetic materials
  • Develop detailed process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and standard operating procedures for manufacturing operations
  • Conduct process optimization studies to maximize yield, minimize waste, and improve product quality
  • Troubleshoot process issues and implement solutions to maintain production efficiency
  • Work closely with research chemists to understand synthesis requirements and constraints
  • Create P&IDs for multi-step processes and perform process design/safety reviews
  • Develop PLC control code
  • Model processes using common software like ASPEN
  • Perform risk assessments and implement safety measures for scaled production operations
  • Safely handle, store, and process chemical materials in accordance with established safety protocols
  • Support chemical safety and regulatory compliance activities
  • Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation
  • Maintain comprehensive records of process development activities and scale-up studies
  • Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and ensure data integrity and traceability
  • Maintain detailed safety documentation and incident reporting

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Strong foundation in chemical engineering principles including mass transfer, heat transfer, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics
  • Working knowledge of several different reactor types and their advantages and disadvantages
  • Working knowledge of software platforms used for industrial automation (e.g., twinCAT, Codesys, or LabVIEW)
  • Working knowledge of data-driven process optimization and statistical analyses

Education/Experience:
  • A bachelor's degree in chemical engineering with at least 10 years of experience OR a master's degree in chemical engineering with at least 5 years of experience OR a Ph.D. in chemical engineering with at least 1 year of experience

Certificates/Licenses:
  • None required

Clearance:
  • The ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret clearance and Department of Homeland Security Fitness is required for this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Supervision of the technical activities performed by the more junior staff members assigned to the project is required for this position.

Working Conditions/ Equipment:
The incumbent professional is expected to be present at the work site and/or be available during regular business hours. He/she should also generally be available via e-mail or phone during non-business hours as needed to address critical issues or emergencies.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

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