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Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Maven

Graduate Developer Programme Chicago 2027

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Graduate Developer Program Chicago 2027 Maven Securities is a leading proprietary trading firm that ... In fact, a recent graduate successfully rewrote a decade-old C# trading application in C++ to ...

Maven

Graduate Developer Programme Chicago 2027

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Graduate Developer Program Chicago 2027 Maven Securities is a leading proprietary trading firm that ... In fact, a recent graduate successfully rewrote a decade-old C# trading application in C++ to ...

RINA

Power Electrical System Engineer

Lisle, IL

Mission RINA is a leading engineering and consulting firm specializing in Energy, infrastructure ... Recent graduate or 0-2 years of experience * Basic understanding of electrical power systems and ...

RINA

Power Electrical System Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

Mission RINA is a leading engineering and consulting firm specializing in Energy, infrastructure ... Recent graduate or 0-2 years of experience * Basic understanding of electrical power systems and ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to gain hands-on experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment and production processes in a fast-paced ...

PROtect LLC

Environmental Engineer

Whiting, IN · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

This position is well-suited for recent engineering graduates or early-career professionals seeking ... Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline preferred * Strong ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsRecent Graduate Chemical Engineer JobsRecent Graduate Chemical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.2K

$90.1K

$144.2K

How much do recent graduate chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent graduate chemical engineer in Chicago, IL is $90,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $109,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings:

Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,124 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Assistant Computational Chemist / Chemical Engineer - Catalysis

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

$94K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a regular, full-time AssistantComputational Chemist / Chemical Engineerposition. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to computational research inelectrocatalysisandheterogeneous catalysis, working closely with experimental collaborators to advance fundamental understanding and catalyst design.

This role involves conductingmultiscale modeling,spectroscopy simulations, and the development ofmachine learning methodsandautomated workflowsformulti-fidelity, multiscale, and multiphysics simulations. The research will be closely integrated with corresponding experimental efforts.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform computational studies in electrocatalysis and heterogeneous catalysis

  • Develop and apply multiscale modeling approaches to catalytic systems

  • Conduct spectroscopy simulations, including techniques such asXANES, EXAFS, and Mossbauer spectroscopy

  • Develop and implement machine learning methods and automated workflows for complex catalytic simulations

  • Collaborate closely with experimental researchers to interpret results and guide catalyst development

  • Contribute to proposal development and funding applications

  • Mentor postdoctoral researchers and graduate students

Position Requirements

  • Ph.D.inphysical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, computational materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with3-6 years of postdoctoral research experience

  • Comprehensive understanding ofquantum mechanicsandcatalysis

  • Extensive experience inheterogeneous thermal catalysisandelectrocatalysis, including:

    • catalyst design

    • mechanistic studies

    • microkinetic modeling

    • reactor modeling

  • Strong computational expertise in applyingquantum mechanical methodsto determine electronic structure, catalytic properties, and reaction mechanisms

  • Demonstrated experience inspectroscopy simulations, includingXANES, EXAFS, and Mossbauer spectroscopy

  • Proficiency inPythonand relevant computational platforms

  • At least1-2 years of experienceadapting and implementingAI/ML methods in catalysis, including:

    • machine learning interatomic potentials

    • agentic workflows

  • Experience inproposal writingandfunding applications

  • Experience mentoringpostdoctoral researchersandgraduate students

  • Excellentwritten and oral communication skills

  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience withPGM-free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts

  • Experience withCO reduction catalysis

RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Chemistry 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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