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Senior Chemist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

CNIC Careers

CHEMIST (PETROLEUM)

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$102K/yr

You will serve as a Chemist in the Quality Division of the Naval Petroleum Office of NPO FORT BELVOIR.Qualifications:For GS-13: In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume ...

Leidos

Senior Chemical Engineer/Chemist

Reston, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer or Chemist to lead reverse engineering analysis on defense industrial programs. You will leverage deep subject matter expertise to evaluate intelligence and ...

US Department of the Air Force

Chemist

Arlington, VA

$63K/yr

Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at ...

US Department of the Air Force

CHEMIST

Arlington, VA · On-site

$55K/yr

Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at ...

MSD

Chemist I

Rockville, MD · On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

This job is responsible for manufacturing and characterizing products using synthetic organic chemistry techniques while following manufacturing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and completing ...

Meso Scale Discovery

Chemist I

Rockville, MD · On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

This job is responsible for manufacturing and characterizing products using synthetic organic chemistry techniques while following manufacturing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and completing ...

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All JobsChemist JobsSenior Chemist JobsSenior Chemist Jobs in Reston, VA

Senior Chemist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$49.9K

$89.9K

$149.8K

How much do senior chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior chemist in Reston, VA is $89,947.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior chemist do?

Senior chemists do much of the same work as other chemists in a lab, but they have several years of research experience and often hold graduate degrees. As a senior chemist, you conduct experiments and analyze testing of elements and compounds for a company or organization. Specific job duties vary, depending on the organization and industry. For example, you may work on product development for a makeup company, test medicinal compounds for a pharmaceutical lab, or examine the safety of natural resources for a government agency. You may also supervise other lab chemists and lab assistants and troubleshoot issues with the research project or equipment. To become a senior chemist, you need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, though many employers prefer candidates with graduate degrees. You also need several years of lab experience to work your way up to a senior chemist position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Chemist, you need advanced knowledge of chemistry principles, laboratory techniques, and a relevant degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as HPLC, GC-MS), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and certifications like GLP or GMP compliance are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and effective communication set outstanding Senior Chemists apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate research results, maintaining safety standards, and leading successful project teams.

What is the difference between Senior Chemist vs Chemist?

AspectSenior ChemistChemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, extensive experienceBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlResearch labs, quality assurance, production
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, chemicals, manufacturingResearch institutions, industrial labs, manufacturing

The main difference between a Senior Chemist and a Chemist lies in experience and responsibility. Senior Chemists typically have more years of experience, advanced skills, and oversee complex projects, while Chemists are often entry- to mid-level professionals focused on executing experiments and data collection. Both roles are vital in the chemistry industry, but Senior Chemists usually take on leadership and strategic responsibilities.

What does a senior chemist do?

A Senior Chemist is responsible for leading and conducting complex chemical research and experiments in laboratories. They develop and optimize chemical processes, analyze substances, and ensure quality control in manufacturing or research settings. Senior Chemists often supervise junior staff, interpret data, prepare technical reports, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve technical problems and innovate new products or solutions. Their expertise is vital in industries such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental testing, and more.

What are some common challenges faced by senior chemists when leading research projects?

Senior Chemists often face the challenge of balancing hands-on laboratory work with overseeing and mentoring junior staff. Managing multiple research projects simultaneously requires strong organizational skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex experiments. Additionally, they must ensure that all team members comply with safety protocols and that results meet regulatory standards. Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as engineering and quality assurance, are also essential for project success.
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Senior Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Chemist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,947 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Senior Scientist (Forensic/Analytical Chemist) - CBP (Onsite)

BluePath Labs

Sterling, VA • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Senior Scientist (Forensic/Analytical Chemist) - CBP (Onsite)

Location: Sterling, VA

Clearance: Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain

Salary range: $75,000 - $90,000

BluePath Labs is a fast-growing research and consulting company committed to solving complex problems for federal, state, and local government clients. We offer a range of professional, scientific, and technology services. Our specific areas of expertise include business consulting, research and data science, and technology integration.

Work Description:

The Senior Scientist will support a 24/7 watch floor operation. There may be shift work and work schedules may vary depending on mission requirements. Employees may need to remain on call even when not scheduled. Candidates must be able to pass a technical evaluation and a government background investigation to be considered. This an exciting and fast paced opportunity to have a positive impact on the Nation. The position is located at a government site located near Sterling, VA.

Responsibilities:

  • Supervises the work of assigned technical reachback staff
  • Conducts technical reviews of report findings from reachback staff
  • Performs analysis of FTIR and Raman spectra with or without reference libraries
  • Performs other WMD spectral analyses including radiation
  • Predicts FTIR spectra based on chemical structure
  • Reports findings of FTIR and Raman spectra analysis
  • Prepares and gives oral and written reports on findings as directed within given time and mission parameters
  • Prepares monthly reports of reachback activity and chemical identifications
  • Provides troubleshooting and technical support for field chemical screening devices
  • Creates and maintains centralized libraries of FTIR and Raman spectra
  • Be a site lead responsible for accomplishment of all requirements of this SOW

Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain
  • 5+ years' experience in laboratory analysis and testing, general spectroscopy, and/or interpretation of spectral data.
  • Earned a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in a physical science or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • Has successfully completed two semesters of organic chemistry and one semester of analytical chemistry.
  • Has good written and oral communication skills.
  • Proficient in MS Word and Excel. Has basic computer skills.

Benefits:

BluePath Labs offers a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include, but are not limited to: employer-sponsored healthcare plan, lifestyle & wellness reimbursement, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), tuition assistance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off for vacation / sick leave, in addition to 12 holidays per calendar year.

About BluePath

BluePath Labs combines mission and business insights with advanced technologies to deliver measurable performance improvements for our clients. BluePath is dedicated to surpassing client expectations by always living by our core values of integrity, professionalism, and resilience. BluePath's extensive experience in Government, Military, Commercial, and Academic environments is unique among small businesses and a core differentiator of our solutions. Our multidisciplinary background allows us to solve diverse and complex problems. Most importantly, we work closely with our clients to frame problems correctly, optimize processes, leverage technologies, and implement enduring solutions. Labs are where ideas are born, experiments occur, and breakthroughs happen. It is the hallmark of BluePath's culture.

https://www.bluepathlabs.com/

BluePath Labs is an equal opportunity employer.

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