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Phd Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited ...

Engineer IV

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$89K - $155K/yr

Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited ...

Principal Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$127K - $158K/yr

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, with a preference for a PhD. * Experience in process engineering and optimization will be extremely important including real life user experience of AspenTech ...

New

Principal Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$127K - $158K/yr

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, with a preference for a PhD. * Experience in process engineering and optimization will be extremely important including real life user experience of AspenTech ...

Principal Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$127K - $158K/yr

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, with a preference for a PhD. * Experience in process engineering and optimization will be extremely important including real life user experience of AspenTech ...

Showing results 41-60

Phd Chemical Engineer information

See salary details

$40K

$87.5K

$140K

How much do phd chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd 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 does a PhD chemical engineer do?

A PhD Chemical Engineer conducts advanced research and develops processes involving the transformation of raw materials into useful products, often working in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, or materials science. They design experiments, analyze data, and solve complex problems related to chemical processes, often collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Their work can also include teaching, publishing research, and leading innovative projects in academia or industry.

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

To thrive as a PhD Chemical Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of chemical engineering principles, research methodology, and a doctoral degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation software (like Aspen Plus, MATLAB, or COMSOL), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and disseminate research findings. These competencies are crucial for driving innovation, successfully managing complex projects, and contributing to advancements in the chemical engineering field.

What are the typical interdisciplinary collaborations a PhD chemical engineer can expect in industry or academia?

PhD Chemical Engineers frequently collaborate with professionals from diverse fields, such as mechanical engineers, materials scientists, biologists, and data scientists. These collaborations are essential, as many projects—like process optimization, product development, or sustainability initiatives—require expertise beyond chemical engineering. Effective teamwork is often fostered through cross-functional project meetings, joint research efforts, and shared laboratory spaces. Engaging in interdisciplinary work not only broadens your technical knowledge but also enhances your problem-solving skills and opens up new career advancement opportunities.

What is the difference between Phd Chemical Engineer vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectPhd Chemical EngineerChemical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Chemical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, process design, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, advanced R&DChemical, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing

The main difference between a Phd Chemical Engineer and a Chemical Engineer lies in their education level and work focus. Phd Chemical Engineers typically engage in research, development, and academia, requiring a doctoral degree. Chemical Engineers usually hold a bachelor's or master's degree and work in process design, manufacturing, and industrial applications. Both roles are vital in the chemical industry but serve different purposes based on expertise and work environment.

More about Phd Chemical Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Phd Chemical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Phd Chemical Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Phd Chemical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Phd Chemical Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Phd Chemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,487 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Senior Engineer - Surface Chemist

Seagate Technology

Bloomington, MN • On-site

$92K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Seagate Technology rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

About our group:
At Seagate our mission is to build the world's best data storage devices. The Advanced Transducer Development group is a global R&D organization that develops new recording head technologies to advance areal density and enable Seagate's HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 4 year+ product roadmap. Our process team uses state-of-the-art wafer fabrication tools and cleanroom facilities to innovate and deliver leading-edge writers and read sensors. With an emphasis on proving feasibility of new devices, processes and materials, we help build Seagate's future time-to-market leadership. If you are excited by innovative technology development, are naturally creative, and passionate about seeing ideas come to life then this could be a perfect fit to your research and development career.
About the role - you will:
  • Develop novel, robust, and manufacturable chemical processing methods to integrate novel metal and dielectric thin film structures into nanometer-scale head devices
  • Investigate wet etch, surface preparation, and interface chemical processing techniques to engineer robust metal-dielectric interfaces and ensure stable and predictable operation of new materials under device operating conditions
  • Perform chemical, materials, and surface characterization to understand reaction mechanisms, adhesion behavior, device compatibility, and performance
  • Collaborate with unit process owners (lithography, deposition, etch, wet process, metrology) to achieve prototype device wafer build flows capable of meeting design intent
  • Help assess the impact of new chemical processes on downstream head performance
  • Partner with wafer capital equipment suppliers to define hardware paths needed for novel chemical processing and surface characterization capability and manufacturability
  • Participate in technology transfers to the product development engineering team
  • Contribute to Seagate's IP portfolio in the form of invention disclosures, patents, trade secrets, peer-reviewed journal articles, and/or white papers

About you:
  • You are self-motivated, intellectually curious, able to work independently and have a strong attention to detail
  • You are an honest and respectful team player, capable of working in strong partnership with a diverse global group of engineers and technicians
  • You are a well-organized multitasker, able to balance day-to-day wafer processing needs with longer-term development work
  • You maintain thorough documentation of results and can clearly present and discuss them with other staff members in engineering and management forums
  • You have a track record of innovation and regularly use outside sources (journals, patents, university projects and conferences) to inspire new ideas and directions
  • You are able and eager to work in a mix of clean room and laboratory environments

Your experience includes:
  • Strong hands-on experience and in-depth understanding of surface and interface science, including wet-etching, corrosion, and surface modification, such as controlled hydrophobicity, activation, oxidation, materials compatibility, etc.
  • Expertise in thin film, surface, interface, and chemical characterization techniques (e.g. AFM, XPS, contact angle, IR-spectroscopy, SEM, (S)TEM, TDTR, ICPMS etc)
  • Familiarity with nanoscale device fabrication, associated wafer process and measurement systems, as well as platforms to model, simulate, or visualize formed devices (preferred but not essential)
  • Experience with analytical or physics-based modeling of surface, interface, chemical, or mechanical phenomena to support process development and root-cause investigation (preferred but not essential)
  • Knowledge of standard statistical experimentation methods including hypothesis testing, DOE design and analysis and ANOVA. Familiarity with JMP or R preferred but not essential.
  • PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related science and engineering fields with 0-2 years of direct industry experience or MS degree in same with 5+ years of industry experience

Location:
Seagate's Normandale campus, spanning Bloomington and Edina, MN, serves as the global hub for recording head development and manufacturing. The campus offers an on-site café, fitness center, wellness programs, indoor walking paths, meditation rooms, and frequent cultural and community events. Numerous dining, shopping, and recreational options are located just minutes away.
The estimated base salary range for this position is $92,310.40 - $131,996.80. The individual salary is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible employees, including, but not limited to, eligibility to participate in discretionary bonus program, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short-and long-term disability, 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, health savings account, dependent care, and healthcare spending accounts. Seagate also offers paid time off, including 12 holidays, flexible time off provided pursuant to Seagate policy, a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave. The benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location.
Location: Normandale, United States
Travel: None
About Us
With more than four decades of storage innovation, Seagate empowers humanity to thrive in the data age and helps people and businesses navigate the ever-expanding data landscape.
We craft precision-engineered, cutting-edge solutions that help the world store and manage exponential data growth.
Seagate is powered by our talented and passionate workforce of 29,000 employees across the globe who embody our core values: integrity, innovation, and inclusion. Striving towards excellence every single day, we show up with these values for our customers, business partners, shareholders, and communities alike.
Join us and get inspired to make a difference in the datasphere!
Seagate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, military and veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. EEO Know Your Rights Poster
Seagate will provide reasonable accommodation with the application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at accommodations@seagate.com.
All Seagate jobs will remain open for a minimum of seven days.
For information on how Seagate collects and uses your personal information during the application process, please review the Applicant Privacy Statement.

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