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Lead Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

X-energy

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 ...

X-Energy, LLC

Chemical Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

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 ...

X Energy LLC

Chemical Engineer

Rockville, MD

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 ...

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 ...

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Chemical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

The Chemical Engineer supports Standard Nuclear's fuel manufacturing operations by improving ... Lead or support structured improvement efforts focused on reducing scrap, rework, process downtime ...

ZINK HOLDINGS GROUP

Chemical Engineer

Whitsett, NC

Lead projects to reduce waste, improve yield, enhance product performance, and optimize energy use ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field required; * 3+ years of experience in a ...

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Chemical Engineer

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

And we're doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not ... The Chemical Engineer for Voyager Technologies is responsible for supporting the establishment of a ...

PIP Global

Chemical Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA · 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 ...

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Chemical Engineer

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

And we're doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not ... The Chemical Engineer for Voyager Technologies is responsible for supporting the establishment of a ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 19, 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 is a lead chemical engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead chemical engineer?

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 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.

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Lead Chemical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Chemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Chemical Engineer

X-energy

Rockville, MD • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at ;br>
Job Description
X-energy LLC is hiring a mid-level Chemical Engineer to join its team. This position is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and optimization of chemical processes and systems used in the production of materials and products. The role works cross-functionally with project leadership and other engineering disciplines to deliver on defined project objectives. The focus of this engineering role is on thermal-hydraulic and process systems engineering for High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs). Responsibilities include the modeling, analysis, and integration of chemical, mechanical, and thermal systems. The position applies a chemical engineering background in nuclear applications, with particular emphasis on thermal-fluid modeling tools (e.g., ASPEN, COMSOL), high-temperature materials behavior, and reactor systems integration. This role supports the full lifecycle of HTGR systems and components, from design and analysis to qualification.
Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate in the planning, scheduling, and execution of engineering tasks across multiple phases of HTGR system development.
  • Provide technical oversight and direction to internal and external design teams, ensuring adherence to project objectives and quality standards.
  • Lead and participate in reviews and presentations for internal and customer design evaluations, focusing on chemical and thermal-hydraulic system performance.
  • Translate customer needs into functional requirements, contributing to the definition and validation of chemical engineering specifications and interface documents.
  • Organize and coordinate efforts between chemical engineering, systems engineering, nuclear design, and external stakeholders, including suppliers and contractors.
  • Maintain professional conduct in all forms of communication and project engagement.
  • Develop and validate thermal-hydraulic models for HTGR cores, secondary systems, and balance-of-plant using advanced simulation tools such as ASPEN, COMSOL, and other process modeling platforms.
  • Conduct system-level heat and mass balance analyses for steady-state and transient operating conditions, including load-following and accident scenarios.
  • Integrate chemical engineering principles into HTGR plant design, covering helium Brayton and Rankine cycles, heat exchanger networks, hydrogen production, tritium control, and off-gas systems.
  • Evaluate high-temperature material behavior-including oxidation, corrosion, and creep-for alloys, graphite, and reactor-grade materials under HTGR-relevant conditions.
  • Support the specification, sizing, and performance evaluation of key system components such as recuperators, compressors, turbomachinery, and helium circulators.
  • Execute or review CFD and FEA analyses to support component-level assessments of flow distribution, thermal gradients, and structural integrity.
  • Contribute to plant operational strategies including control schemes, startup/shutdown procedures, and accident mitigation approaches.
  • Support licensing and QA efforts through preparation of technical reports, engineering calculations, and safety analyses in compliance with NRC and ASME standards.
  • Lead or mentor small engineering teams in solving complex design and integration challenges within HTGR systems.
  • Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
  • Execute the core tasks and responsibilities, listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, with minimal supervision.
  • Provide ownership, responsibility, and accountability over technical scope involving the coordination of multiple individual contributors working in a specific area.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related degree from an accredited institution.
  • Typically, five years of experience in a chemical engineering role.
  • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
  • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
  • Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.
  • Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
  • Knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working in the nuclear industry.

Location: 9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg MD
Work Site Expectations: 4 days a week in office
Travel Expectations: Up to 10% as needed
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday
Compensation
As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.
Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual's qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:
$100,000- $140,000
Position Job Classification
Full time - Exempt
Benefits
X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.
Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)
E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish

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