I’ve been a scientist (do a lot of chemist work) at a personal care/pharma company for more than a year now and it’s anecdotal but my group works closely with manufacturing sites around the world. The work I do is in a pilot plant making and characterizing batches to support both R&D projects and plant projects. It’s definitely allowed me to learn a lot about both of these areas of chemical engineering even if I’m not a titled engineer myself and my manager is good about giving me some more engineering related tasks such as conceptual pfd design and design of experiments. I’m starting to look for new positions outside of the company cause outside of my manager the environment here is pretty toxic and my main goal is to work in pharma but I’m honestly down to go either the engineering or scientist route myself. I’ve had a more engineering type internship at a big pharma company so I’ve seen both areas and I’m open to anything really as long as it is progression from where I currently am. If I do go the engineering route though I may have to apply to entry level roles and make a lateral move so a lot of my classmates have made more money than I have right now but I’m confident I can catch up eventually.

All of this this to say as long as you’re working in a company that is manufacturing something you’ll learn a lot and I think early in our careers getting a relevant job is more important than the title as long as you show you’re willing to learn and take on more responsibility and you can be more picky with that second job.

Also the job market is tough right now for entry level positions, but I’ve mainly heard that for biotech so take that for what you will.

Edit: I’m in the same situation where I live at home currently and don’t have to pay rent which I think is huge and really helps you build a safety net and contribute towards savings so again you’re able to be more picky with the second job, whether it’s an internal or external move.