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Senior Chemical Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Chemical Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

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

Senior Chemical Engineer

Burlington, MA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Chemical Engineering. * Electrochemistry. * Materials Science. * 8+ years of hands-on experience in: * Electrochemical testing, electrowinning, or battery systems. * Scale-up[EW2] of electrochemical ...

New

Job#: 3038098 Chemical Engineer Location: Los Angeles, California (Onsite) Role Overview As a ... You will work closely with the Engineering Manager and cross-functional teams to track progress ...

Senior Process Engineer

Ridgeville, SC

$102K - $133K/yr

Senior Process Engineer As a Senior Process engineer at Redwood you will have the opportunity to ... The chemical engineering team has three main functions that leverage all the fields of chemical and ...

Trinity Industries is hiring a Railcar Senior Chemical Cleaner at our Shell Rock, IA plant. As a member of the Railcar Chemical Cleaning team at Trinity, you'll determine and complete appropriate ...

About the Role Apex is seeking a Senior Chemical Propulsion Engineer to join our closely integrated ... Bachelor's degree in mechanical, propulsion, or other aerospace-related engineering discipline ...

The NY Chemical Systems Operations Engineer will support the design, construction, commissioning ... Apply engineering and BIM tools, such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks, to review system layouts ...

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Senior Chemical Engineering information

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$92.5K

$135.2K

$161K

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

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

At Aquatech, we tackle the challenges of water scarcity and complexity by leveraging technology, expertise, and financing to deliver comprehensive solutions that reduce carbon and recycled water footprint. As a leading global provider of water and process technology solutions, we help the world's most recognized companies achieve their sustainability and operational goals by implementing innovative approaches for water reuse, desalination, minimal and zero liquid discharge, and critical minerals recovery. Our work catalyzes the transition toward a more sustainable future and showcases our commitment to addressing water's role in climate adaptation. Learn more at www.aquatech.com.

Currently, Aquatech has an immediate need for a full-time Chemical Engineer to work in our Canonsburg office. The hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Chemical Engineer will perform the duties described in the job description below and will be considered an Exempt employee.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s in chemical engineering or related field
  • Experience (yrs.): 5-7 years of experience

Job Description:

  • Collaborate with the sales team to develop markets and project opportunities.
  • Interface with clients to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
  • Develop a quantifiable customer value proposition for each project.
  • Review client project specifications and clarify the level of compliance.
  • Design pilot test plans and participate in pilot testing activities.
  • Manage proposal preparation.
  • Apply process optimization strategies, including recycle/reuse/zero-liquid-discharge, resource recovery, and crystallization purification strategies, to process design.
  • Perform heat and material balance, hydraulic calculations, and equipment selection.
  • Initiate technical data sheets for proposals and turnover packages.
  • Develop a design in collaboration with the other engineering departments.
  • Obtain negotiated price quotations from vendors and handle related communications until a project is awarded.
  • Prepare material cost estimates for thermal systems.
  • Provide support in technical clarification meetings with clients and address related proposals, budget, and estimation inquiries.
  • Prepare turnover packages for the project team when the job is awarded to Aquatech, including related budget costs.
  • Resolve budget conflicts on awarded jobs.
  • Provide technical data to process engineers as requested.
  • Collect information from vendors regarding new equipment and technologies.
  • Participate in design validation, including pilot testing and laboratory testing.
  • Complete post-contract engineering activities as needed.

Skill Requirements:

  • Ability to think strategically.
  • Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Maintain focus in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Experience with one or more process simulation software programs
  • Coursework in process design, unit operations, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena
  • Mechanical aptitude/technical background
  • Public speaking experience

Benefits:

Aquatech offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, company-paid holidays, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

Essential Functions:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above and below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Job Demands:

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, limited walking, and standing.

This job is primarily in an office setting but will include occasional active roles in the pilot laboratory and industrial plants. Lifting/carrying/moving 50 lbs., may need to climb ladders cannot be afraid of heights, and will need to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in the laboratory. Needs a high degree of concentration in a busy area.

  • Bachelor's in chemical engineering or related field
  • Experience (yrs.): 5-7 years of experience