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Senior Chemical Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB TITLE/LOCATION: Sr. Chemical Engineer/Oxford, CT ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB: * Solve ... EXPERIENCE: * BS in Chemical Engineering with 5 to 8 years or equivalent through experience and/or ...

The Senior Chemical Engineer functions primarily as the owner of air quality control systems (AQCS) at a power generating facility, ensuring the equipment is optimized to operate in a safe and ...

Senior Chemical Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$111K - $139K/yr

Role Description Form Energy is hiring a Senior Chemical Engineer to join the Product Echem ... Experience in leading engineering verification tests, RCA and addressing model to data gap

... engineering standards and how they relate to the development, documentation, and production of all products at All Flex. The Senior Chemical Process Engineer has a thorough understanding of circuit ...

We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer or Chemist to lead reverse engineering analysis on ... Conduct technical analysis using chemical engineering and scientific principles to identify and ...

We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer or Chemist to lead reverse engineering analysis on ... Conduct technical analysis using chemical engineering and scientific principles to identify and ...

Senior Chemical Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

What you'll do We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to take technical ownership of the utility ... You will be a member of the Process Engineering team but work closely with facilities, equipment ...

This position will be reporting to our Senior Chemical Engineering Manager based in Allentown, Pennsylvania on a hybrid schedule. In this role, you will impact the company's growth and ...

This position will be reporting to our Senior Chemical Engineering Manager based in Allentown, Pennsylvania on a hybrid schedule. In this role, you will impact the company's growth and ...

This position will be reporting to our Senior Chemical Engineering Manager based in Allentown, Pennsylvania on a hybrid schedule. In this role, you will impact the company's growth and ...

Wastech Engineering is hiring! As a Senior Chemical Engineer, you'll help us keep complex, highimpact projects on track while elevating how our engineering team plans, designs, and delivers. You'll ...

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Senior Chemical Engineering information

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$92.5K

$135.2K

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How much do senior chemical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior chemical engineering in the United States is $135,168.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,000.00 and $148,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior chemical engineers with extensive experience, advanced expertise, and leadership roles in specialized industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. Such compensation typically requires advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand sectors like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, or specialty chemicals.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Chemical Engineers when managing cross-functional project teams?

Senior Chemical Engineers often lead projects that require collaboration across multiple departments, such as R&D, production, quality assurance, and safety. A common challenge is aligning diverse teams with varying priorities and technical backgrounds toward a unified goal, while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and project timelines. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential to overcome these challenges, as is the ability to adapt to changing project scopes and resolve technical disputes. Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative environment are key to project success in this role.

How much money does a senior chemical engineer make?

A senior chemical engineer typically earns a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or energy sectors and may hold advanced certifications or specialized skills that influence compensation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior chemical engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in process design or management can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like oil and gas or pharmaceuticals. Achieving this level often requires leadership roles, professional certifications, and working in regions with high compensation standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Chemical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Chemical Engineer, you need deep expertise in chemical process design, project management, and a degree in chemical engineering, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with simulation software like Aspen Plus or HYSYS, process control systems, and industry safety standards is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative development of chemical processes and successful project outcomes.

What is the highest paying job in chemical engineering?

The highest paying roles in chemical engineering are often executive positions such as Chief Chemical Engineer or Vice President of Engineering, which involve overseeing large projects and strategic decision-making. Senior roles in process engineering, especially in the oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or specialty chemicals industries, also tend to offer the highest salaries, often supplemented by bonuses and profit sharing. Advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills in areas like process simulation or project management can further increase earning potential.

What are Senior Chemical Engineers?

Senior Chemical Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and optimize processes for manufacturing chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and other products. They often lead teams, oversee large projects, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering. Their responsibilities may include process design, safety assessment, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. With several years of industry experience, they also mentor junior engineers and contribute to strategic decision-making within their organizations.

What is the difference between Senior Chemical Engineering vs Chemical Engineering?

AspectSenior Chemical EngineeringChemical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, 5+ years experience, professional engineering license often preferredBachelor's degree in chemical engineering, entry-level to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, oversight roles in manufacturing or R&DDesign, process development, and operational tasks in manufacturing plants or labs
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing firms, chemical plants, consulting firmsChemical, pharmaceuticals, energy, and related industries

Senior Chemical Engineers typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and specialized knowledge compared to Chemical Engineers. They often oversee projects, manage teams, and contribute to strategic planning, whereas Chemical Engineers focus on designing and optimizing processes. Both roles are essential in the chemical industry, but the senior position involves higher responsibility and expertise.

More about Senior Chemical Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Chemical Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Senior Chemical Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Chemical Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Chemical Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Chemical Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Chemical Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,168 per year, or $65 per hour.
Senior Chemical Engineer - Oil, Gas & Chemical (Houston)

Senior Chemical Engineer - Oil, Gas & Chemical (Houston)

Burns & McDonnell

Houston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 79 rated construction


Job description

Burns & McDonnell is searching for a Senior Chemical Engineer to join our growing Oil, Gas & Chemical global practice in Houston, TX. 

The Oil, Gas & Chemical global practice executes complex projects across the industry, from midstream and logistics facilities and refining assets, to chemical production plants and renewables and emerging market opportunities.  This position will allow you the opportunity to bring an innovative perspective to define and develop engineering, procurement, and construction projects, and the opportunity for direct client interaction while engaging your technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Senior Chemical Engineer will work on an integrated design team within our Oil, Gas & Chemical division to perform the following duties:

  • Execute complex assignments requiring the use of advanced engineering techniques.
  • Develop and evaluate plans for major projects.
  • Utilize front end loading process and best practices to facilitate cost effective process engineering and project development.
  • Lead development of all process design calculations and develop deliverables such as hydraulic calculations, equipment sizing, process simulations, Heat and Material Balances (H&MB), Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Lead chemical engineering design activities on projects from the conceptual phase through design completion.
  • May assess feasibility or soundness of proposed applications when data is insufficient, or testing is advisable.
  • Plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate work requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, adaptation and modification of standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria.
  • Perform work which involves conventional engineering practices but may involve a variety of complex features.
  • May coordinate departmental and divisional project studies and report preparation assignments.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and instruction to less experienced staff members.
  • Regularly meets and corresponds with clients or outside personnel.
  • Some marketing responsibilities.
  • All other duties as assigned
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program.
  • Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering may be substituted for one year of experience.
  • 7 years of related professional consulting experience with engineering teams for delivery of capital projects.
  • Lead engineer for EPC projects is strongly preferred.
  • Professional engineer preferred.
  • Strong knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be proficient in the use of basic computer software (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Experience in process simulation software (i.e. HYSYS and/or Aspen Plus, HTRI) is preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • This position requires an individual capable of applying intensive and diversified knowledge of principles and practices to broad areas of assignments.  Must be capable of devising new approaches to problems encountered. 

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About Burns & McDonnell

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Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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