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New Grad Chemical Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Chemical Engineer

Indian Head, MD ยท On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

... new manufacturing processes. * Apply expertise in analytical techniques to facilitate process ... Senior Chemical Engineer Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or ...

ERG is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer or Chemical Engineer to join our Risk Management ... new employment. If you're a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have ...

ERG is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer or Chemical Engineer to join our Risk Management ... new employment. If you're a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have ...

Senior Process Safety/Chemical Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site +1

$110K - $155K/yr

ERG is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer or Chemical Engineer to join our Risk Management ... new employment. If you're a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have ...

Investment Analyst, New Grad

Washington, DC

$110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... new opportunities for growth and insight. We are currently one of the top participants in the power ... Applicants who are comfortable with numbers, rigorous analysis, and the basics of programming will ...

Investment Analyst, New Grad

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... new opportunities for growth and insight. We are currently one of the top participants in the power ... Applicants who are comfortable with numbers, rigorous analysis, and the basics of programming will ...

Prompt engineering: Crafting and refining prompts to guide generative models to produce desired ... Staying up to date with the latest research in generative AI and experimenting with new algorithms ...

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Showing results 1-20

New Grad Chemical Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$45.3K

$99.1K

$158.6K

How much do new grad chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for new grad chemical engineer in Washington is $99,087.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $120,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between New Grad Chemical Engineer vs Chemical Process Engineer?

AspectNew Grad Chemical EngineerChemical Process Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, internship experienceBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering, some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training programs, team collaborationDesign, optimize, and troubleshoot chemical processes
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energyRefineries, chemical plants, process industries

New Grad Chemical Engineers typically start with foundational training and internships, focusing on learning company processes. Chemical Process Engineers usually have some experience and are responsible for designing and improving chemical production processes. Both roles are common in manufacturing and process industries, but the Chemical Process Engineer role involves more specialized process optimization.

What are some common projects or assignments that a new grad chemical engineer can expect during their first year on the job?

As a new grad chemical engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects such as process optimization, troubleshooting plant operations, performing laboratory-scale experiments, and supporting senior engineers with data analysis and report preparation. You may also participate in cross-functional teams to implement safety protocols or work on environmental compliance initiatives. These experiences help build a strong foundation in both technical and teamwork skills, providing exposure to different aspects of chemical engineering within the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a new grad chemical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a New Grad Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, process design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), laboratory techniques, and safety protocols is often required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills help new grads effectively collaborate on projects and convey technical information. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensuring safe, efficient, and innovative solutions in industrial and research settings.

What does a new grad chemical engineer do?

A New Grad Chemical Engineer typically assists in designing, developing, and optimizing processes for producing chemicals, fuels, foods, pharmaceuticals, and other products. They often work under supervision, applying principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems related to production or use of chemicals. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, ensuring safety standards, and supporting senior engineers in project execution. As recent graduates, they also participate in training and development programs to build technical and professional skills.

What cities in Washington are hiring for New Grad Chemical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most New Grad Chemical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various New Grad Chemical Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,087 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Senior Chemical Engineer

ARA

Indian Head, MD โ€ข On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

ARA's team solves problems related to national defense and security. We are actively seeking an eager and experienced Senior Chemical Engineer for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects will require knowledge of and close coordination with explosives and munitions subject matter experts, federal stakeholders, research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations. The engineer will assist with start up of large and small Nitramine Grinding Operations. The ideal Senior Chemical Engineer candidate must be eager to learn, embrace a safety-first mindset, and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders.
Work Environment Details: The duties of this role must be performed entirely onsite within a high-activity environment that features standard industrial/office lighting and ambient noise. Because continuous proximity to the team and operations is an essential function of the position, certain workspace modifications-such as isolating the worker in a quiet, dimly lit, or entirely private office-cannot be accommodated while fulfilling the core responsibilities of this role.
Employment is contingent upon the successful attainment of at least an Interim Secret clearance, granted by the sponsoring agency.
Due to the nature of this work, candidates for this position must be US citizens residing within the US. This position is located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.
As a Senior Chemical Engineer at NSWC-IH, your position will include the following key responsibilities.
  • Provide leadership for the safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments, in collaboration with federal defense clients.
  • Train personnel and problem solve to meet critical capabilities
  • Acquire in-depth understanding of design requirements for process and facility design to install new manufacturing processes.
  • Apply expertise in analytical techniques to facilitate process development, troubleshooting, and optimization.
  • Lead development of test plans to validate to support proof on concept designs.
  • Oversee the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications.
  • Collaborate closely with program management counterparts to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
  • Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors, clearly communicating design, fabrication, and testing requirements for process equipment.
  • In partnership with project managers, develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
  • Lead regular client facing meetings to updated progress and facilitate technical discussion.
  • Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirement, and client specific quality and safety standards.
  • Produce detailed process design documentation, including process flow diagrams, process narratives, equipment bills of material, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Provide technical input into facility design, advising on safety standards and regulations for the design and operation of complex manufacturing process facilities.

Senior Chemical Engineer Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related scientific field with 8 - 10 years of related work experience, or a Master's degree with 6 - 8 years of experience.
  • U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
  • Proven expertise in a range of analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple, complex projects, including the integration and coordination of diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
  • Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Excellent leadership and coordination skills, with a track record of leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary engineering teams across multiple project phases.
  • Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments, managing rapid changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and reports to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation compliant medical physical exam
  • Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening.

Senior Chemical Engineer Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced Degree in an engineering or related technical field is preferred.
  • Extensive experience in the design, handling, and production of energetic materials for defense applications.
  • Deep understanding of process engineering integration, especially within complex production environments for explosives and energetic materials.
  • Experience in managing production modernization projects, particularly in the design and implementation of new manufacturing capabilities.
  • Active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is highly desired.
  • Professional Engineer license

Applied Research Associates, Inc. Company Information:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about who we are, what we do, the excellent careers and each of the competitive benefits we offer and explore some of our featured offices.
Anticipated Salary Range: $135,000 - $150,000
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.