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Process Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Applied Information Sciences

Data Scientist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$116K - $174K/yr

We value transparency in our hiring process and are happy to discuss how your unique qualifications align with our compensation structure during the interview process. Applied Information Sciences ...

Applied Information Sciences

Data Scientist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$116K - $174K/yr

We value transparency in our hiring process and are happy to discuss how your unique qualifications align with our compensation structure during the interview process. Applied Information Sciences ...

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All JobsProcess Scientist JobsProcess Scientist Jobs in Virginia

Process Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$26

$41

$83

How much do process scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for process scientist in Virginia is $41.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.16 and $45.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a process scientist?

A Process Scientist is a professional who develops, optimizes, and monitors manufacturing processes, particularly in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemicals. They ensure that production methods are efficient, safe, and comply with regulatory standards. Process Scientists analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with engineers and quality teams to improve product yield and quality. Their role is essential for scaling up laboratory procedures to full-scale production while maintaining product consistency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process scientist?

To thrive as a Process Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation, process control systems, and statistical analysis software like JMP or Minitab is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring process optimization, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by process scientists when scaling up from laboratory to production environments?

Process Scientists often encounter challenges when transitioning a process from the lab to large-scale manufacturing, including maintaining product quality, ensuring consistency, and adapting protocols to different equipment. Variability in raw materials, unforeseen process bottlenecks, and the need for cross-functional collaboration with engineering and quality teams can also arise. Success in this role requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication with both scientific and operational staff to ensure smooth technology transfer and process validation.

What is the difference between Process Scientist vs Process Engineer?

AspectProcess ScientistProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D settings, product developmentManufacturing plants, production lines, process optimization
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, chemicals, food & beveragePharmaceuticals, chemicals, consumer goods manufacturing
Primary FocusResearch, formulation, process developmentScale-up, process optimization, production efficiency

While both roles require a background in chemistry or engineering, Process Scientists focus on research and developing new processes or formulations in labs, whereas Process Engineers work on scaling up these processes for manufacturing and improving production efficiency. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Process Scientist jobs in Virginia?

For Process Scientist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Process Scientist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Process Scientist jobs in Virginia are:

Process Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,234 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Scientist (Algorithm Developer)

Arete Associates

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth. 

Discover your future with us.

We are seeking a mid-level Scientist (Algorithm Developer) with a strong background in Math, Physics, and Scientific Computing. The successful candidate will join a staff of signal/image processing scientists and software engineers that support the development of signal and image processing algorithms and software. In this position you will analyze data, evaluate existing algorithm performance, develop and prototype new algorithms or enhancements to existing algorithms and work with software engineers to implement the algorithms into robust and highly performant software.  

The successful candidate may ultimately be utilized in one or more of the following areas: ocean remote sensing, signal/image processing, state estimation, detection and tracking, computer vision, machine learning, physics-based modeling, data analysis, and sensor characterization. This role requires a passion for solving challenging technical problems in a collaborative environment. 

This is a non-exempt, non-supervisory, full-time position based in our Falls Church, VA office.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Generous PTO and Leave Times

  • Flextime Scheduling
  • Bereavement 
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental Leave

Financial Benefits

  • Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
  • Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Continuing Education Assistance

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • Vision Reimbursement 

What We Value:

  • Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
  • Integrity and responsibility in all actions
  • Collaboration across teams and specialties
  • Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
  • Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (required skills):

  • Qualified candidates will have a BS, MS, or PhD in a STEM discipline
  • Demonstrated experience with signal processing, image processing, computer vision, or machine learning
  • Experience programming in Python, C, C++, MATLAB or similar languages
  • Intellectual curiosity and a desire for continuous learning
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and collaborate with small teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Willingness to work onsite in the office 100%
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and meet customer-specific security screening requirements 

Nice to Have (preferred skills):

  • Experience working in a Linux environment
  • Physics-based modeling and simulation experience
  • Remote sensing experience utilizing Electro-Optics or Synthetic Aperture RADAR  
  • Computer vision, image and data fusion, image classification or automated target recognition
  • Parallel programming experience (threads, MPI, CUDA, etc.) 
  • Active Top Secret Clearance

The salary range for this role depends on the candidate’s level of experience:

  • Scientist 1: $85,000 - $105,000 [required BS degree or higher]
  • Scientist 2: $100,000 - $125,000 [required BS+2 years’ experience OR MS degree]
  • Staff Scientist: $120,000 - $145,000 [required BS+5 years’ experience OR MS+3 years’ experience]

However, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. 

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.

Apply