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Process Chemist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Field Chemist

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Field Chemist As a Field Chemist you will be responsible for sorting and transporting hazardous and ... Prioritizes health and safety by adhering to policies, processes, and maintaining safe practices at ...

Field Chemist

Abingdon, VA

$19 - $26/hr

Essential Functions & Responsibilities Field Chemist As a Field Chemist you will be responsible for ... Prioritizes health and safety by adhering to policies, processes, and maintaining safe practices at ...

Field Chemist

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Essential Functions & Responsibilities Field Chemist As a Field Chemist you will be responsible for ... Prioritizes health and safety by adhering to policies, processes, and maintaining safe practices at ...

Designs processes in current or future plant equipment using extensive plant and chemistry knowledge. Provides leadership in audits in the plant. Monitors and manages process performance. Conducts ...

Process Engineer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Designs processes in current or future plant equipment using extensive plant and chemistry knowledge. * Provides leadership in audits in the plant. * Monitors and manages process performance.

Work alongside operators, maintenance, and chemist as a member of the team to support the production requirements * Actively involved in EHS processes including PSM/RMP, site audits, and other site ...

Work alongside operators, maintenance, and chemist as a member of the team to support the production requirements * Actively involved in EHS processes including PSM/RMP, site audits, and other site ...

Process Engineer

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

... and chemistry knowledge. • Provides leadership in audits in the plant. • Monitors and manages process performance. • Conducts product changeovers, preparation of cleaning instruction, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Process Chemist information

See Virginia salary details

$40.6K

$84.1K

$129.9K

How much do process chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for process chemist in Virginia is $84,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $104,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a process chemist?

Process chemists are specialized scientists who develop, scale up, and optimize chemical processes for manufacturing products, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. They work to ensure that these processes are efficient, cost-effective, and safe for large-scale production. Process chemists collaborate closely with chemical engineers and production teams to transition laboratory methods to industrial-scale operations, while also addressing environmental and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Proficiency with laboratory instruments, process simulation software, and familiarity with safety and regulatory standards are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help distinguish successful candidates. These competencies ensure safe, efficient process development and scale-up, which are critical for producing high-quality chemical products.

What are some common challenges faced by process chemists when transferring a chemical process from the lab to full-scale manufacturing?

Process Chemists often encounter challenges when scaling up a reaction from the laboratory to production scale, such as maintaining product quality, ensuring safety, and optimizing yields. Variables like mixing, temperature control, and raw material variability can behave differently at larger volumes, requiring careful adjustment and troubleshooting. Close collaboration with chemical engineers, safety specialists, and production staff is essential to address these issues and ensure a smooth, efficient, and compliant manufacturing process.

What is the difference between Process Chemist vs Analytical Chemist?

AspectProcess ChemistAnalytical Chemist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production facilitiesLaboratories, research settings
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, chemicals, manufacturingPharmaceuticals, environmental testing, quality control
Job FocusOptimizing production processes, scale-up, process improvementsAnalyzing samples, testing, method development

While both roles require a chemistry background, a Process Chemist focuses on manufacturing processes and scaling production, whereas an Analytical Chemist specializes in testing and analyzing samples to ensure quality and compliance. The roles often overlap in industries like pharmaceuticals and chemicals but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

How much do process chemists make in the US?

Process chemists in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, with experienced professionals and those working in specialized industries earning higher. Salaries can vary based on education, experience, location, and the complexity of processes they manage.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Process Chemist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Process Chemist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Process Chemist jobs in VA?

For Process Chemist jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Process Chemist job openings in Virginia 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 $84,055 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Engineer, Chemical Process Technology

Celanese Corporation

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Celanese rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 104 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Overview:
The Engineer, Chemical Process Technology ensures strong performance in safety, product quality, process reliability, and team engagement when implementing process, product, or equipment changes. The role provides technical expertise across manufacturing operations-including raw materials, equipment, and processes-and leads the implementation of new technologies, processes, and materials. This position will be on-site in Richmond, VA.
Responsibilities:
  • Work with Manufacturing Experts to resolve technical issues.
  • Assist with site product quality, finished product quality performance, and quality RCAs.
  • Maintain continuous engagement in the production facility to identify and remove barriers inhibiting flawless production.
  • Participate in PHAs.
  • Work with the Capital Project Owner on process discipline-related project design and installations.
  • Support site sustainability and environmental programs.
  • Develop and lead MOCs (Management of Change) for all projects and process activities.
  • Participate in safety activities including Incident Investigations.
  • Drive improvements in production capacity, efficiency, process safety, and environmental performance in accordance with the UTP (Unit Technology Plan) and BTP (Business Technology Plan).
  • Develop plans for execution of plant trials for new products, raw materials, processes, and equipment.
  • Develop and maintain plans to address gaps from entitlement targets, most effective technology (MET), and best practices.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum of Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering
  • 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing environment

Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities:
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel
  • Familiarity with data historians such as PI or IP21
  • Lean Manufacturing experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong data analytic and problem-solving skills
  • An eye for safety
  • Experience in a PSM covered facility
  • Experience in a polymer facility is considered a plus.
  • Experience with DCS and controls logic.
  • Ability to analyze complex situations and think strategically.
  • Ability to think creatively.
  • Technical, reliability, and process safety knowledge.
  • Manufacturing experience including ability to read P&IDs, understand operating procedures, and troubleshoot issues.
Celanese is a global leader in chemistry, producing specialty material solutions used across most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use our chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We support sustainability by responsibly managing the materials we create and growing our portfolio of sustainable products to meet customer and societal demand. We strive to make a positive impact in our communities and to foster inclusivity across our teams. Celanese Corporation employs more than 11,000 employees worldwide with 2024 net sales of $10.3 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit www.celanese.com.

What Celanese employees say

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About Celanese

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We produce products that make our lives a little easier, by helping customers to bring their inspired ideas and innovations to life. From the global production network of our Acetyl Chain, we provide materials that are critical to the global chemicals and paints and coatings industries. From our broad portfolio of Materials Solutions, we advance automotive and consumer electronic designs and enable life-improving medical, food and beverage products – we offer solutions to our customers to help them succeed.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1912

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