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Process Scientist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Research Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

We are seeking a highly adaptable and self-directed Signal Processing Scientist to join our dynamic research and development team. This role is designed for a creative, practical problem-solver who ...

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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$29

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$92

How much do process scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for process scientist in Washington is $45.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.29 and $50.33 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 Washington?

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

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

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

Process Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Scientist job openings in Washington 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 $95,202 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

AI Standards Coordinator, Interdisciplinary ZP-0101-IV/V ZP-1550-IV/V

Gaithersburg, MD

Sensor Science Division | NIST
See more jobs at Sensor Science Division | NISTexternal

$121K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

NIST is looking for an expert to lead strategic engagement with domestic and international standards organizations on AI and machine learning (AI/ML) standardization projects. You will coordinate technical contributions, build partnerships, and serve as an authoritative voice to help steer consensus on rigorous sociotechnical standards for AI concepts, methods, measurement, and risk management.

Qualifications:For the Computer Scientist ZP-1550
Basic Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.
For the ZP-1550-IV: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). The specialized experience is defined as:
  • Experience conducting technical research or development work to study or implement AI/ML tools.
  • Experience contributing to technical publications or guidelines about good practices for artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other computer science or information technology fields, whether from a computational or behavioral and social sciences perspective.
  • Experience with or openness to participating in consensus-based standards development processes, scientific committees seeking consensus, or multistakeholder technical fora.
For the ZP-1550-V: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST). The specialized experience is defined as:
  • Experience leading technical research or development work to study or implement AI/ML tools.
  • Experience serving as a primary technical leader on technical publications or guidelines about good practices for artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other computer science or information technology fields, whether from a computational or behavioral and social sciences perspective.
  • Experience representing an organization, defending technical contributions, or leading groups within consensus-based standards development processes, scientific committees seeking consensus, or multistakeholder technical fora.

For the Social Scientist ZP-0101
Basic Requirements:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
A combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
For the ZP-0101-IV: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). The specialized experience is defined as:
  • Experience conducting technical research or development work to study or implement AI/ML tools.
  • Experience contributing to technical publications or guidelines about good practices for artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other computer science or information technology fields, whether from a computational or behavioral and social sciences perspective.
  • Experience with or openness to participating in consensus-based standards development processes, scientific committees seeking consensus, or multistakeholder technical fora.
For the ZP-0101-V: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST). The specialized experience is defined as:
  • Experience leading technical research or development work to study or implement AI/ML tools.
  • Experience serving as a primary technical leader on technical publications or guidelines about good practices for artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other computer science or information technology fields, whether from a computational or behavioral and social sciences perspective.
  • Experience representing an organization, defending technical contributions, or leading groups within consensus-based standards development processes, scientific committees seeking consensus, or multistakeholder technical fora.

Experience includes paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.
If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant ReconsiderationEducation:Social Scientist, ZP-0101: This position allows applicants to qualify with education. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.
Computer Scientist, ZP-1550: This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.
Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course-by-course listing) is required with your application.Employment Type: OTHER

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