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Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer Responsibilities include: Entry level engineering graduate. Responsible for ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required * Applicants must have 0-3 years' experience in ...

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Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer information

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$40K

$87.5K

$140K

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

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent graduate chemical engineer in the United States is $87,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
More about Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Recent Graduate Chemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,487 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Electrical Engineer - Recent Graduate (0-3 Years' Experience)

Summer Consultants - Current Opportunities

Mclean, VA • On-site

$78K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description:

When you walk into a building, do you immediately start analyzing it? Do you wonder how the lighting, power, and building systems come together? We do too.


Summer Consultants is looking for a recent graduate or early-career Electrical Engineer with up to three years of experience to join our McLean, VA team. This is a strong opportunity for someone who is curious about building systems, wants hands-on project experience, and is ready to learn the MEP/FP consulting industry from experienced engineers.


Much of our work involves renovations, frequently focused on MEP/FP systems within existing buildings. That makes the work interesting, technical, and often challenging. Renovation projects require engineers to solve real constraints: how to make equipment fit, how to design around existing conditions, and how to think through how a contractor will actually build the design.


Clients choose Summer Consultants when they want the work done right the first time. We serve our clients’ missions as if they were our own, whether supporting the warfighter or working with government, institutional, and educational clients.


With our headquarters in Northern Virginia, a strong federal and institutional client base, and a focus on renovation work, you will have the opportunity to work on interesting facilities and sometimes see history from the inside out.


Curious about building systems? Let’s see what we can do together.


What Summer Consultants Can Do for You

Summer Consultants will help you:

  • Learn the ins and outs of the MEP/FP consulting industry.
  • Gain hands-on experience with tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, lighting selection software, and arc flash modeling software.
  • Work on varied projects. We rarely have “typical” projects because buildings are unique, and so are their systems.
  • Develop into a well-rounded consulting engineer through mentoring, project exposure, and field experience.
  • Learn directly from senior engineers, including time in the field observing existing conditions and project constraints.
  • Work in a small, collaborative, and technically engaged environment.
  • Benefit from a flexible work environment, including hybrid work options after six months with the company.

Compensation

Salary range: $78,000 – $96,000, based on education, relevant experience (0-3 YOE), technical skills, and qualifications.


Company Benefits

  • 100% Company paid individual health insurance, with 50% of family premiums paid.
  • Dental and vision insurance available.
  • 401K with total employer contribution opportunity of 7%.
  • Fully paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, plus life and AD&D coverage
  • Eleven (11) paid holidays and seventeen (17) to twenty-two (22) days of PTO per year depending on YOE.
  • Education Assistance Program.
  • Flexible work environment, including hybrid work options after six months with the company.


Requirements:

What You Can Do for Summer Consultants

In this role, you will:

  • Support electrical design for building systems projects.
  • Assist with field surveys, existing-conditions documentation, calculations, layouts, and design coordination.
  • Contribute to lighting and power design, including AGI lighting calculations, power calculations, and system layouts.
  • Help solve client problems with curiosity, precision, and follow-through.
  • Pursue EIT, if not already completed.
  • Build the technical foundation needed to grow as a consulting engineer.

What You Should Bring With You

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or Architectural Engineering with an electrical or lighting focus.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
  • AutoCAD and Revit experience preferred.
  • Ability to support day-long field surveys outdoors and indoors, including conditioned and unconditioned spaces, with or without reasonable accommodation. Field work may include walking up to 10,000–20,000 steps in a day, climbing up and down a 6-foot ladder, kneeling, squatting, and bending.
  • Ability to obtain site access at client locations, including federal facilities, as required by project assignments.