1

Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Geotechnical Engineer (EIT) Department: Field Team Employment Type: Full Time Location: Virginia ... Job Details This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate looking to gain hands-on ...

Production Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description RIVANNA is seeking a talented and motivated recent graduate to join ... It's a collaborative, multidisciplinary role alongside our mechanical and electrical engineering ...

Mechanical Designer

Powhatan, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for either a recent engineering graduate looking to launch their career or an experienced mechanical/plumbing designer seeking a smaller, collaborative environment ...

Field Application Engineer '27

Vienna, VA · On-site +1

$53K - $80K/yr

Whether you're a recent graduate or early in your career, this is your opportunity to grow with a global leader in automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer information

What is the difference between Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer vs Chemical Technician?

AspectRecent Graduate Chemical EngineerChemical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemical EngineeringAssociate's degree or diploma in Chemical Technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, process development, and project planningOperating equipment, data collection, and assisting engineers
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy, and research labsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, and production facilities

The main difference between a Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer and a Chemical Technician lies in their education, responsibilities, and work scope. Recent graduates typically focus on designing and analyzing processes, while Chemical Technicians assist with operational tasks and data collection. Both roles are essential in the chemical industry, but they require different levels of education and focus areas.

What does a recent graduate chemical engineer do?

A Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer applies principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They often work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and are involved in designing processes, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring safety and efficiency in manufacturing settings. Their role may also include supporting research and development, troubleshooting plant operations, and helping to optimize processes. It's a dynamic entry-level position that provides practical experience and foundational skills for a career in chemical engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recent graduate chemical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, process design, and a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Aspen Plus, MATLAB, and AutoCAD, as well as knowledge of safety and environmental regulations, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help recent graduates stand out in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies enable new engineers to contribute to safe, efficient, and innovative process solutions in the chemical industry.

What kind of mentorship and training can a recent graduate chemical engineer expect in their first role?

As a recent graduate chemical engineer, you can typically expect a structured onboarding process that includes mentorship from experienced engineers and participation in training programs. Many organizations pair new hires with a mentor who helps guide them through technical challenges and company procedures during the first several months. You may also rotate through different departments or projects to gain exposure to various aspects of chemical engineering, such as process optimization, safety protocols, and plant operations. This supportive environment is designed to help you build confidence, develop practical skills, and prepare for more advanced responsibilities as you progress in your career.
What are popular job titles related to Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Senior Propellant Chemical Engineer

L3HHCM20

Culpeper, VA

$76K - $142K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 hours ago


Job description

Job Title: Specialist, Materials & Process Engineering

Job Code: 38679

Job Location: Camden, AR OR Culpeper, VA

Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week 

Job Description:

The Missile Solutions Segment of L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Senior Propellant Chemical Engineer.  This forward-deployed propellant chemist role within the Propulsion Materials and Process Engineering team performs assignments requiring an application of advanced principles, theories and concepts in the propulsion field with an emphasis on propellant chemistry technology and manufacturing with a working knowledge of other related disciplines (thermal and structural), working directly with Propellant Operations. Experience in process control, lean manufacturing best practices, and manufacturing operations experience of items such as propellants, explosives and liners is desired.

Essential Functions:

  • Designs, develops and modifies processes and methods for the manufacture and utilization of various solid rocket propellants and energetics formulations.
  • Provides imaginative, thorough and practical solutions to a wide range of technical problems through the application of chemistry and/or chemical engineering disciplines and tools.
  • Participation in design processes including trade studies, supplier selection, concurrent design and development, materials characterization, data analysis, and drawing review.
  • Responsible for the preparation, execution and maintenance of materials and process specifications, and materials control plans (i.e. PMPP, corrosion control and contamination control plans).
  • Analyzes materials and material components to establish operating data, conducts experimental or laboratory tests and evaluates results. Selects materials for inclusion in products based on analysis of specifications and reliability.
  • Completes documentation and procedures for processing, testing and use of materials.
  • Drives corrective and preventive action to ensure continual improvement: Investigates and determines root causes of problems, develops and implements corrective and preventive actions, including leading failure investigations.
  • Ability to obtain a US Secret Security Clearance.

Qualifications:

  • Requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering and 4 years of prior related technical experience in energetic materials. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience. 

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering or related science discipline preferred.
  • Knowledge of chemical principles, thermodynamics, polymer chemistry, structure/property relationships, kinetics, and data analysis.
  • Experience with energetic materials, statistical analysis, programming and experimental set-up and data acquisition is a plus.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia is $76,500 - $142,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-KF1