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Principal Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Field Process Engineer (Hillsboro, OR) The Principal Field Process Engineer (FPE) is a ... M.S. or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field. * 7 ...

Principal Sensor Engineer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

The Principal Sensor Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and commercialization of advanced chemical and physical sensing technologies used in industrial, commercial, and customer ...

Principal Sensor Engineer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

The Principal Sensor Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and commercialization of advanced chemical and physical sensing technologies used in industrial, commercial, and customer ...

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Principal Chemical Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal chemical engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Chemical Engineers are among engineering roles that can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation is often associated with senior positions in the chemical industry, working in specialized environments or managing large projects.

Can a Chemical Engineer make 200k a year?

Principal Chemical Engineers in the industry can earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and working in high-paying sectors like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or specialty chemicals. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and benefits, and reaching this level typically requires strong technical skills, leadership, and years of experience.

What does a Principal Chemical Engineer do?

A Principal Chemical Engineer is a senior-level professional who leads complex engineering projects, oversees technical teams, and provides expert guidance in the design, development, and optimization of chemical processes and systems. They are responsible for ensuring that projects meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards while also being cost-effective and efficient. Their role often involves mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving innovation in process technologies.

What is the highest salary for a Chemical Engineer?

The highest salaries for chemical engineers can exceed $150,000 annually, especially for senior roles, specialized expertise, or positions in high-cost-of-living areas. Factors such as industry, experience, and certifications influence earning potential, with some top professionals earning significantly more through bonuses and profit sharing.

What are the main challenges a Principal Chemical Engineer faces when leading multidisciplinary project teams?

A Principal Chemical Engineer often leads teams comprising professionals from various disciplines, such as process engineers, project managers, and safety specialists. One major challenge is ensuring effective communication and alignment of goals across different expertise areas, which requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills. Balancing technical oversight with strategic decision-making and mentoring junior engineers is also essential. Additionally, managing competing project priorities and adapting to rapidly changing regulatory or technological environments are common aspects of the role.

What is the highest paying job in chemical engineering?

The highest paying roles for chemical engineers typically include senior executive positions such as Vice President of Engineering or Chief Technology Officer, as well as specialized roles like process engineering managers or consultants in the oil and gas industry. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and sometimes professional certifications, and they tend to offer the highest salaries within the field.

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

AspectPrincipal Chemical EngineerChemical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering; often advanced certifications or extensive experienceBachelor's degree in chemical engineering
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee teams, strategic planningDesign, develop, and optimize chemical processes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing for senior technical rolesEntry to mid-level roles in similar industries

The Principal Chemical Engineer typically holds more experience and takes on leadership and strategic responsibilities, while the Chemical Engineer focuses on designing and implementing chemical processes. Both roles are essential in the chemical industry, but they differ in scope and seniority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Chemical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Chemical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in chemical engineering principles, project management, and a relevant engineering degree (often with a PE license or postgraduate qualification). Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), safety standards, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills are crucial for guiding teams and managing complex projects. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative delivery of large-scale engineering solutions.
More about Principal Chemical Engineer jobs
Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

Carollo Engineers Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Carollo Engineers is a leading engineering firm dedicated exclusively to water. For over 90 years, we've specialized in the planning, design, and construction of water, wastewater, stormwater, and reuse facilities, bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to the water sector's most complex challenges.

We work with water agencies, municipalities, utilities, research organizations, and private companies across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and beyond. These clients choose Carollo because we employ some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the world. When you join our team, you'll work alongside industry leaders who are advancing the science of water, protecting public health, and building resilient communities.

Carollo's vision is to be the best water consulting firm and the best place for you to build your career. If you're passionate about making a difference in this critical field, we invite you to explore a career with Carollo.


We are seeking a Principal Engineer to provide design management, project management, and client service support to our clients within the Los Angeles area, with a focus on design/build projects. As part of our team, you will work on:

  • Projects related to municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, including but not limited to major treatment plant expansions, and critical water reuse projects that will create sustainable and resilient water supplies for the world.
  • Plans, schedules, and conducts engineering work on wastewater and reuse projects of significant size and complexity, with full responsibility over design decisions and quality standards
  • Specific work will include preliminary design, detailed design, and engineering services during construction
  • Representative engineering tasks include the development of hydraulic calculations, treatment process evaluations and sizing, preparation and review of technical memoranda, design development and reviews, design management in coordination with discipline engineers (e.g. civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and controls), and QA/QC
  • Supervises team of several subordinates of project engineer or senior project engineer level with multiple engineering or professional disciplines included
  • Mentors entry to mid-level engineers and supervises their work on project assignments; provides direction on how to execute work, provides examples, and reviews their work
  • Provides design expertise as part of project pursuits during proposals, and contributes to the development of statement of qualifications and proposals
  • Negotiates critical and controversial issues with top-level engineers and officers of other organizations and companies
  • Serve as project manager for some mid- to large-sized projects
  • Provide overall responsibility for several projects concurrently
  • Demonstrates high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive engineering programs and activities of outstanding novelty and importance
  • Initiates and maintains extensive contacts with key engineers and decision makers of other organizations and companies, requiring skill in persuasion and negotiation of critical issues
  • Ability to prepare proposals and interviews, and to lead negotiating efforts with client after selection
  • Develops and maintains positive relationships with client management personnel
  • Identifies need for, and ability to direct and actively manage subconsultants performing services on projects
  • Active in professional associations, including presentations of technical papers, member of technical committees, and officer of local or national organization
  • Identifies need for recruitment of new employees and participates in the identification, interview, and selection process
  • Travel required when requested

  • Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or chemical engineering
  • 10+ years of wastewater and reuse design experience in the field of environmental consulting engineering with an emphasis in hydraulics, physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes and treatment plant design for wastewater and reuse
  • Comprehensive experience in treatment plant design is required
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California
  • Must have demonstrated experience with managing and designing medium- to large-sized projects with full responsibility for budget, schedule, contractual obligations and quality standards
  • Ability to evaluate progress of staff and results obtained, and recommends major changes to achieve overall objectives
  • Demonstrate creative, foresight and mature engineering judgment in anticipating and solving unprecedented engineering problems
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients and project team
  • Deliver high quality services within budget and schedule constraints
  • Familiar with a broad range of issues related to wastewater and reuse systems, including master planning, conveyance, with an emphasis on treatment plant design
  • Knowledge of structural and geotechnical design concepts, analytical laboratory techniques and familiarity with codes and regulation related to drinking water
  • Sensitive to political issues and client preferences
  • Work well in a team environment
  • Proficient in public speaking roles
  • Proficient in MS Word and Excel

  • 15+ years of wastewater and reuse design experience in the field of environmental consulting engineering with an emphasis in hydraulics, physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes and treatment plant design for water, wastewater, and/or reuse
  • Experience in MBR treatment and advanced treatment facilities design
  • Experience with Microstation or AutoCAD
  • Master's degree in civil or environmental engineering
  • Design and construction phase experience
  • Experienced in in using tools to managing project financials, managing schedule, and in managing quality

$150,000 to $200,000 annually. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.


Carollo is committed to providing employees with a competitive, comprehensive benefits program that provides the support employees and their families need to lead healthy, productive lives. Carollo’s benefits package includes paid time off and holidays, comprehensive health insurance coverage, pre-tax savings account options for healthcare, dependent care and commuter expenses, disability insurance and life insurance options for you and your dependents. We also offer free Caregiver Support, Travel Assistance, counseling services, discount programs, and a Lifestyle Reimbursement Account. Other compensation that may be available includes: 401(k) company contribution matching, tuition reimbursement, discretionary bonuses, career advancement bonuses, professional registration bonuses, employee referral bonuses, and compensatory time for exempt employees. Flexible work arrangements may also be available.  Eligibility for benefits varies based on employment status.

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