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Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an experienced Chemical Engineer that can help our client set up small molecule pharmaceutical processes, including spec'ing equipment, interlinking equipment, identifying control ...

Chemical Engineer

Webster Groves, MO ยท On-site

$78K - $108K/yr

As the Chemical Engineer , you will be a key member of the R&D department where innovation and ... new pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and material science markets. You will also support research ...

As the Chemical Engineer , you will be a key member of the R&D department where innovation and ... new pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and material science markets. You will also support research ...

Process Chemical Engineer II

Plano, TX ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

We are seeking a Process Chemical Engineer II to design, specify, and implement chemical ... Experience in semiconductor, pharmaceutical, or advanced manufacturing environments * Familiarity ...

We are seeking a Process Chemical Engineer II to design, specify, and implement chemical ... Experience in semiconductor, pharmaceutical, or advanced manufacturing environments * Familiarity ...

The NY Chemical Systems Operations Engineer will support the design, construction, commissioning ... Experience supporting semiconductor, pharmaceutical, data center, or other high-tech industrial ...

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Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer information

See salary details

$40K

$87.5K

$140K

How much do pharmaceutical chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for pharmaceutical chemical engineer in the United States is $87,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer typically needs a degree in chemical engineering or a related field, a strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, and knowledge of regulatory standards like GMP. Familiarity with process simulation software, laboratory instrumentation, and certifications such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing are commonly expected. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial for developing safe and efficient pharmaceutical production processes while complying with stringent quality and safety regulations.

What does a pharmaceutical chemical engineer do?

A typical workday for a Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer often involves designing, developing, and optimizing processes for the production of pharmaceuticals, conducting risk assessments, and troubleshooting manufacturing issues. They collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including quality assurance, research scientists, and production staff to ensure that processes meet regulatory standards and project deadlines. Daily responsibilities may include data analysis, process validation, equipment calibration, and reporting findings to management. The role is dynamic and can alternate between office-based design work and hands-on activities in laboratories or production areas, depending on project needs.

Can you work in pharmaceuticals as a pharmaceutical chemical engineer?

Yes, pharmaceutical chemical engineers design and optimize processes for drug manufacturing, working in pharmaceutical companies or contract manufacturing organizations. They typically need a degree in chemical engineering, knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and experience with process simulation and safety protocols.

How much do pharmaceutical chemical engineers make?

Pharmaceutical chemical engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those in senior roles can earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills or certifications in process design and quality control.

What is a pharmaceutical chemical engineer?

A Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes processes for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, ensuring efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. They work with chemical formulations, reaction processes, and quality control to produce medications at scale. Their role involves collaborating with chemists, biologists, and regulatory experts to meet industry standards. Additionally, they troubleshoot production issues and implement advancements to improve drug manufacturing processes.

More about Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,487 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Chemical Engineer

Kelly Services

Saint Louis, MO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Chemical Engineer/ Chemist (St. Louis, Missouri) 
Our client in the pharma industry is currently hiring a Chemical Engineer (the right Chemist may also be a fit), to join the team leading technical transfers from a lab setting to a commercial setting, Chemical Engineer (or Chemist) that has experience with small molecule routes of synthesis, and that has performed technical transfers from a lab setting to a commercial setting is ideal. Understanding processes developed by the synthetic chemists and the equipment needed at both lab and commercial scale is critical, pharma/ pharmaceutical experience is critical. 
Role is a Contract to Hire. Still need medical? We got you covered!  Absolutely, positively, only interested in Direct Hire? Still apply, weโ€™ll still find the right path to hire that works for your needs. 
 
More about the Role:
We are looking for an experienced Chemical Engineer that can help our client set up small molecule pharmaceutical processes, including spec'ing equipment, interlinking equipment, identifying control systems- all in all- leading chemical technology transfer to a contract manufacturing site.  The right person will have a strong profile in chemistry, chemical mass balance capabilities, understanding reaction outcomes and impurities, and the ability balance chemical formulas.
The Chemical Engineer will focus on the development part of tech transfer, ensuring processes and equipment are correct for scaling up from bench to pilot scale, rather than just mechanical aspects. 
Key Responsibilities:
Scale-up & Tech Transfer: Convert lab procedures to scalable unit operations (reaction, crystallization, filtration, drying), author/execute transfer packages and PPQ protocols.
Continuous Manufacturing: Develop, implement, and optimize continuous processes for small-molecule APIs, ensuring robustness and regulatory compliance.
Equipment Design & Scale: Evaluate, design, and/or identify appropriate scalable equipment for lab, pilot, and commercial applications; partner with engineering to ensure fit-for-purpose systems.
 
Validation & Compliance: Lead/author process validation docs, batch records, change controls; investigate deviations/OOS and drive CAPA.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D/Analytical, QA/QC, Supply Chain, and external customers to meet timelines and CQA/CQPs.
Documentation: Write SOPs, reports, and technical summaries suitable for regulatory inspections.
 
Qualifications:
BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
3-7 years in GMP small-molecule API manufacturing/scale-up.
Bench chemistry background with strong understanding of reaction mechanisms, impurity control, and crystallization science.
Solid grasp of cGMP, data integrity, and regulatory expectations; strong technical writing.
Hands-on experience with continuous manufacturing approaches and equipment. design/selection for scale-up strongly preferred..
 
Additional Notes:
We are looking for a Scientist- Chemical Engineer or Chemist- that has experience with small molecule routes of synthesis and has performed technical transfers from a lab setting to a commercial setting.  This includes understanding processes developed by the synthetic chemists and the equipment needed at both lab and commercial scale.  Pharma experience is very important for this position.
Industry and Scale Experience: The ideal candidate should have experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with pilot-scale operations, bridging bench-scale and large manufacturing.  We are looking for experienced Chem E's that can help set up small molecule pharmaceutical processes including spec'ing equipment, interlinking equipment, help in identifying control systems, and helping with technology transfer to a contract manufacturing site.  A Chemist or a Chemical Engineer may be a fit. 
GMP Knowledge: GMP knowledge is helpful but not a firm requirement, as nuances can be quickly learned.
Ideal Candidate Path: The ideal candidate would have started at the bench and worked their way up into an engineering role, demonstrating cross-functional experience.
 
Client is a non-profit entity in St. Louis, Missouri dedicated to delivering market-competitive commercial supply of U.S.-made active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical supply chain. They are a nonprofit/industry partnership focused on advancing domestic manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through process innovation and technology, increasing U.S. competitiveness and supply-chain resilience that actively collaborates with universities and industry to lower production costs and support the reshoring of essential generic drugs.
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