Chemical Engineer Jobs in California
Chemical Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in petroleum refining, semiconductors, biotechnology, and specialty chemicals, with openings at every level from entry-level process engineers through senior principal roles. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, where established employers like Chevron, Lam Research, and Genentech maintain large California operations. The most in-demand specialties include process engineering, materials science, and biochemical process development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Who We Are
As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest producer of clean and reliable energy, Constellation is focused on our purpose: lighting the way to a brilliant tomorrow for all. We have been the leader in clean energy production for more than a decade, and we are cultivating a workplace where our employees can grow, thrive, and contribute. Now integrated with Calpine, our portfolio includes 55 gigawatts of capacity from nuclear, natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 million homes.
Our culture and employee experience make it clear: We are powered by passion and purpose. Together, we're creating healthier communities and a cleaner planet, and our people are the driving force behind our success. At Constellation, you can build a fulfilling career with opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact. By doing our best work and meeting new challenges, we can accomplish great things. Join us in meeting the country's energy needs today and tomorrow.
Total Rewards
Constellation offers an extensive selection of benefits and rewards to help our employees thrive professionally and personally. We provide competitive compensation and a wide-range of benefits that support both employees and their families, helping them prepare for the future. In addition to highly competitive salaries, eligible employees are offered a bonus program, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase program; comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including robust wellbeing programs; disability and life insurance benefits; paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick days; and much more.
Expected salary range:
Entry-Level - $87,000
Mid-Level - $92,700 - $114,000
Sr Level - $122,400- $154,000
Responsibilities:Primary Purpose of Position
Performs advanced technical/engineering problem solving in support of Power plant operations. Responsible for technical decisions. Possesses excellent knowledge in functional discipline and its practical application and has detailed knowledge of applicable industry codes and regulations.
Primary Duties and Accountabilities
- Provide in-depth technical expertise to develop, manage and implement engineering analysis, activities and programs.
- Provide technical expertise and consultation through direct involvement to identify and resolve equipment and system problems.
- Provide complete task management of engineering issues.
- Perform engineering tasks as assigned by supervision applying engineering principles.
- Accountable for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of work ensuring proper configuration management and assuring that standard design criteria, practices, procedures and codes are used in preparation of plans and specifications.
- Perform independent research, reviews, studies and analyses in support of technical projects and programs.
- Recommend equipment, new concepts and techniques to improve performance, simplify construction, reduce costs, correct design or material flaws, or comply with changes in codes or regulations.
- Has completed assigned skills and knowledge development training to broaden and deepen knowledge in select areas. Assist/mentor junior engineers on technical issues
- All other job assignments and/or duties pursuant to company policy or as directed by management to include but not limited to: (Department duty coverage and/or call out, and positions outside of department in support of outage activities etc.)
Minimum Qualifications for Entry Level E01 Engineer
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Civil/Structural, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical)
- Maintain minimum access requirements, as applicable, and favorable medical examination and/or testing in accordance with position duties
Minimum Qualifications for Mid-level E02 Engineer
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 2 years related experience
- Maintain minimum access requirements, as applicable, and favorable medical examination and/or testing in accordance with position duties
Minimum Qualifications for Senior E03 Engineer
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Civil/Structural, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical) with 5 years technical experience or related engineering experience
- Maintain minimum access requirements, as applicable, and favorable medical examination and/or testing in accordance with position duties
Preferred Qualifications
Proficiency in leading cross functional initiatives at an asset/plant.
See All 12 Chemical Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Chemical Engineer JobsChemical Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chemical Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chemical engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline required
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the California Board for Professional Engineers preferred for senior roles
- Hands-on experience with process simulation software such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS
- Familiarity with California environmental regulations including Cal EPA and CARB compliance requirements
- Demonstrated ability to design, scale, and optimize chemical or biochemical manufacturing processes
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with operations and regulatory teams
Chemical Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chemical engineer in California?
You become a chemical engineer in California by earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from an accredited program, then gaining industry experience. For roles requiring a Professional Engineer designation, candidates must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, accumulate qualifying work experience, and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam administered through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Many California employers hire without a PE license for process, R&D, and manufacturing roles.
Which companies hire chemical engineers in California?
Employers hiring chemical engineers in California right now include Linde, Tesla, and Nikkiso, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of petroleum refineries, semiconductor fabs, and biopharmaceutical manufacturers means demand is spread across a wide range of industries rather than a single dominant sector.
Which California cities have the most chemical engineer jobs?
Fremont, Irvine, and Modesto have the most chemical engineer openings in California. The Bay Area's density of biotech and semiconductor companies drives strong demand there, while Los Angeles and its surrounding basin support refinery, specialty chemical, and aerospace materials roles, and Sacramento draws from both state government environmental programs and nearby agricultural and food processing industries.
Are there remote chemical engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Chemical engineering is largely a hands-on field tied to lab work, plant operations, and on-site process oversight, so most roles require a physical presence. About 0% of chemical engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in regulatory affairs, technical sales, and process modeling rather than core manufacturing or R&D bench work.
How can I get hired as a chemical engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate rotational programs at California's large chemical and biopharmaceutical employers, which regularly hire engineers without prior industry experience. Companies like Chevron, Genentech, and Lam Research run structured associate engineer or early-career cohort programs in California. Candidates with a strong senior capstone project, a Fundamentals of Engineering exam pass, or lab internship experience from a UC or CSU program consistently stand out over those without any of these credentials.
Where can I find and apply to chemical engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to chemical engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries including petroleum, biotech, semiconductors, and specialty chemicals. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly from the listing.
See All 12 Chemical Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chemical Engineer Jobs