Is a Chemical Engineering Career in the Bay Area Feasible? What Are My Chances?

Hey everyone,

I’m currently a Sophmore studying Chemical Engineering and was wondering about the job market in the Bay Area. I know the region is heavily focused on tech, but I’ve seen biotech, pharmaceuticals, and some environmental/energy roles that seem relevant.

For those of you working in the area, how feasible is it to land a ChemE job here straight out of undergrad? Do companies like Genentech, Gilead, or even Tesla frequently hire chemical engineers? Would it be better to pivot into a related field like materials science or data analytics?

I have some coding experience (Python, MATLAB) and am open to process engineering, R&D, or even regulatory roles. I’m also able to commute, so the high cost of living isn’t a big concern for me.

Any insights from those working in the field or who have gone through the job hunt in this area would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!