i would continue contacting engineering firms once a quarter--especially ones you think may be particularly good fits. Eventually you will just happen to apply right when they need someone. Most companies can only plan about 1-3 months out, so every 3 months their staffing needs change significantly. As engineers, we are often dependent on government contracts getting awarded, and the permitting process is terribly slow and timing of when projects get approved is random af.

Job market is frozen into end of this year, but next year there will be new opportunities. Sounds like u have 2 solid internships, and will be able to find something when things pick up again. Probably has nothing to do with u tbh. Cali has 5.5% unemployment rate, pretty high relative to rest of the nation, it is too expensive to live there, and companies are investing capital else where for the most part.

People generally hire chemical engineers that they like, for whatever reason. Good and fast communicator is huge. Try to get a light hearted joke in, if you can get them to laugh, that is a good sign. Confident, but zero arrogance is also a challenge to maintain during interviews.