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Synthetic Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Synthetic Chemist

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Summary We are seeking a synthetic chemist to lead small-scale chemistry characterization and development. This role is the front end of ATP's technical pipeline: you will design and run the ...

Synthetic Chemist

Wharton, NJ ยท On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Synthetic Chemist to work at our Picatinny Arsenal, NJ site Conduct synthesis, scaleup, and characterization of novel materials. Primary ...

Synthetic Chemist

Wharton, NJ ยท On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Synthetic Chemist to work at our Picatinny Arsenal, NJ site Conduct synthesis, scaleup, and characterization of novel materials. Primary ...

Organic Synthetic Chemist Synergy is seeking an experienced Organic Synthetic Chemist to join our research and development team. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in designing and ...

Organic Synthetic Chemist Synergy is seeking an experienced Organic Synthetic Chemist to join our research and development team. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in designing and ...

Organic Synthetic Chemist Synergy is seeking an experienced Organic Synthetic Chemist to join our research and development team. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in designing and ...

Flexsys has an immediate opening for a synthetic organic chemist in the Akron corporate headquarters. This position will support our business and innovation platforms providing synthetic expertise ...

Flexsys has an immediate opening for a synthetic organic chemist in the Akron corporate headquarters. This position will support our business and innovation platforms providing synthetic expertise ...

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Showing results 1-20

Synthetic Chemist information

See salary details

$44K

$83.7K

$138.5K

How much do synthetic chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for synthetic chemist in the United States is $83,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a synthetic chemist do?

A Synthetic Chemist designs and creates new chemical compounds through controlled chemical reactions in the laboratory. They often work to develop novel materials, pharmaceuticals, or other products by manipulating molecular structures. Their responsibilities include planning synthetic routes, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Synthetic Chemists play a crucial role in research and development across industries such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and biotechnology.

What are some common challenges a synthetic chemist faces when scaling up reactions from laboratory to production levels?

One of the main challenges Synthetic Chemists encounter during scale-up is reproducing the efficiency and selectivity observed at the small scale while managing increased safety risks and cost considerations. Factors such as heat transfer, mixing, and reagent purity can behave differently in larger volumes, sometimes leading to unexpected side reactions or lower yields. Collaborating with process engineers and analytical chemists is essential to optimize protocols, ensure consistent quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during scale-up. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are crucial in overcoming these obstacles.

How much does a synthetic chemist make?

The average salary for a synthetic chemist typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, location, and industry. Entry-level positions tend to start at the lower end, while experienced chemists with advanced skills or in specialized fields can earn higher salaries.

What is the difference between Synthetic Chemist vs Organic Chemist?

AspectSynthetic ChemistOrganic Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, often with lab experienceBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, with specialization in organic compounds
Work EnvironmentLaboratories in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or manufacturingResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, academia
Industry UsageDevelops and synthesizes new compounds for various industriesStudies and develops organic molecules, often focusing on reaction mechanisms
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Synthetic Chemist and an Organic Chemist lies in their focus. Synthetic Chemists develop and produce a wide range of chemical compounds, including inorganic and complex molecules, often for industrial applications. Organic Chemists specialize specifically in organic molecules, studying their reactions and properties. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their areas of expertise and project focus differ.

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

To thrive as a Synthetic Chemist, you need a strong background in organic and inorganic chemistry, typically with at least a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, chemical synthesis techniques, and analytical tools such as NMR, GC-MS, and HPLC is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are important soft skills for designing experiments and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safely developing new compounds, advancing research, and meeting project goals in laboratory settings.
What cities are hiring for Synthetic Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Synthetic Chemist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Synthetic Chemist jobs? The most popular types of Synthetic Chemist jobs are:
What states have the most Synthetic Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Synthetic Chemist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Synthetic Chemist jobs? For Synthetic Chemist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Synthetic Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,712 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Synthetic Chemist

AT Process Technologies

Waltham, MA โ€ข On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

AT Process Technologies (ATP) is a pioneering manufacturing company focused on the development and deployment of modular energetics production plants. Using breakthrough chemistry and automation that operates continuously and generates little to no waste, ATP is expanding energetics production to meet the munitions demands of the US and Allies safely, rapidly, and cost effectively.

AT Process Technologies (ATP) is a pioneering manufacturing company focused on the development and deployment of modular energetics production plants. Using breakthrough chemistry and automation that operates continuously and generates little to no waste, ATP is expanding energetics production to meet the munitions demands of the US and Allies safely, rapidly, and cost effectively.

Summary

We are seeking a synthetic chemist to lead small-scale chemistry characterization and development. This role is the front end of ATP's technical pipeline: you will design and run the experiments that determine the details of our process. Where our process development team is focused on scale-up and piloting, you are focused on discovery, screening, and mechanistic understanding at the flask and small-reactor scale. Your ultimate deliverable will be to design and execute a well-controlled, well-characterized experimental campaign that de-risk core chemistry decisions before they reach the pilot plant stage. This position is highly independent, hands-on, and experimental.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, design, and execute critical lab experiments with high rigor and precision, generating reliable, actionable data for reaction and unit-operation design and scale-up.

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes (DoE, parametric optimizations) in tandem with our process development team

• Characterize mechanisms of our chemistry and understand core failure modes

• Develop and characterize reactions through off-line analytical method development and in-line analytics

• Operate with a rigorous process-safety mindset, integrating hazard analysis and thermal/stability considerations into every stage of development.

• Simplify complex things

Required Qualifications

  • B.S., M.S., or PhD in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Catalysis, or a related discipline

  • 5+ years of professional experience in synthetic chemistry

  • High proficiency with bench-top synthesis methods, laboratory practices

  • Basic analytical chemistry experience (NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR)

  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with continuous-flow chemistry and reaction scale-up

• Background in analytical chemistry for quality control: familiarity with method development on HPLC, IC, NMR, ICP-OES/MS, DSC/TGA, etc.

• Prior experience developing with nitration chemistries, including hazardous or toxic material handling

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to lift 50 lbs

  • U.S. Person and ability to obtain a security clearance

ITAR Requirements

This position requires access to information and technology protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To conform to these regulations, applicants must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62, which includes (i) U.S. citizens or nationals, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders), (iii) refugees under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylees under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.

 

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to lift 50 lbs

  • U.S. Person and ability to obtain a security clearance

  • Ability to work on-site and travel as needed

ITAR Requirements

This position requires access to information and technology protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To conform to these regulations, applicants must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62, which includes (i) U.S. citizens or nationals, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders), (iii) refugees under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylees under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AT Process Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status

Reasonable Accommodation

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact careers@atp.us.

E-Verify

AT Process Technologies participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees.

 

Compensation Range: $140K - $200K