Spotlights
Chemical Engineer, Development Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Scientist, Process Control Engineer, Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Refinery Process Engineer, Research Chemical Engineer, Scientist
Chemical Engineers are essential to developing a countless array of consumer goods, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, fuels, plastics, electronics, and other products.
They apply complex principles of chemistry, physics, math, and engineering to conduct research and design sophisticated manufacturing processes. In addition, they have to troubleshoot problems, conduct rigorous safety evaluations, and, in some cases, oversee chemical plants!
Chemical Engineers often work on environmental sustainability, developing processes that minimize waste and energy consumption. By analyzing data and conducting experiments, they’re able to continuously improve product quality, so that the things we use each day are safe and function the way they’re supposed to.
- Creating or improving products that contribute to our quality of life
- Working with multidisciplinary teams and cutting-edge technologies on innovative processes
- Helping to advance technology and sustainability
- Indirectly aiding the economy and ensuring job opportunities for others
Working Schedule
- Chemical Engineers work full-time, with the potential for extended hours during major projects or deadlines. They may work in laboratories, manufacturing plants, or offices, and sometimes need to travel to production sites.
Typical Duties
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, scientists, and technicians
- Discuss project goals, milestones, and budgets
- Use computer-aided design programs and other methods to develop chemical manufacturing processes for specific objectives
- Conduct in-depth research to improve existing products and processes
- Optimize production efficiency and reduce costs
- Develop and implement quality control procedures
- Analyze data from processes and experiments
- Scale processes from laboratory experiments into full production
- Ensure compliance with applicable environmental and safety regulations
- Troubleshoot and resolve production and quality issues
- Conduct safety evaluations and risk assessments
Additional Duties
- Establish budgets and timeframes, as necessary
- Requisition supplies
- Train technicians and other personnel on safety procedures
- Wear protective personnel equipment, as needed
- Collaborate on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary projects
- Write scholarly articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
Soft Skills
- Adaptability
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Clear communications
- Communication skills
- Creativity
- Independence
- Innovation
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Self-motivation
- Teamwork
- Time management
Technical Skills
- Chemical processes and equipment
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Data analysis and statistical methods
- Environmental and safety regulations
- Industrial control software (computer numerical control; programmable logic controller; and supervisory control and data acquisition software)
- Laboratory skills and instrumentation
- Manufacturing processes and materials; lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
- Process simulation and modeling software
- Proficiency in CAD and CAM software
- Project management
- Quality control and assurance principles
- Technical writing and documentation
- Thermodynamics and material science
- Chemical manufacturers
- Environmental consultants
- Food and beverage producers
- Government agencies
- Petroleum/petrochemical companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Research and development organizations and universities
Chemical Engineers must develop safe, efficient chemical and material production processes. Their work is crucial for maintaining quality production standards and regulatory compliance. This requires precision, in-depth knowledge, and a commitment to teamwork.
They often participate in complicated projects with tight deadlines, which can lead to long work hours! Because of technological advancements, they’ve got to stay constantly updated with industry advancements such as new software, equipment, methods, and standards.
Chemical Engineering is evolving with advancements in digital technologies, such as automation, AI, and data analytics. These innovations are streamlining production processes and improving efficiency. Meanwhile, green chemistry and sustainability are growing focus areas leading to more eco-friendly processes and materials usage. That’s part of the reason why the industry is shifting towards renewable energy sources and integrating biotechnology, which is contributing to innovations in pharmaceuticals, food production, and environmental solutions.
Chemical Engineers often grew up curious about the natural world and how things work. They might have enjoyed conducting chemistry experiments or participating in activities like science fairs and math competitions.
- Chemical Engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field
- Advanced positions or specialized roles might require a master’s degree or Ph.D. Roughly 9% of workers in this field have a master’s, while 9% have a doctoral degree
- Note, that some students enroll in a dual bachelor’s/master’s program to save time and money
- Relevant undergraduate courses include:
- Chemical reaction engineering
- Fluid mechanics
- Materials science
- Process design
- Safety and environmental engineering
- Statistical analysis
- Thermodynamics
- Some employers prefer candidates with relevant work experience. Internships, technician apprenticeships, and cooperative education programs are valuable for gaining such practical experience!
- Engineers can take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, earn a National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying’s Engineer In Training certification, and pursue a National Society of Professional Engineers’ Professional Engineer (PE) license when the time is right
- Optional certifications include:
- Decide on a program format (on-campus, online, or hybrid) that suits your needs.
- Seek an ABET-accredited program in chemical engineering. Look for schools with well-funded labs, research opportunities, internships, and co-op programs with industry partners.
- Weigh the cost of tuition against available financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Assess faculty qualifications and alumni accomplishments.
- Consider post-graduation outcomes like job placement rates.
- Focus on STEM courses, particularly chemistry, physics, and calculus
- Participate in science fairs, clubs, and competitions
- Seek internships, part-time jobs, cooperative educational programs, mentorship opportunities, or apprenticeships in labs or manufacturing plants
- Volunteer to help your college professors as a lab assistant, if allowed
- Keep track of your work and academic accomplishments for your resume and college applications, and build a portfolio of projects and research experiences
- Stay updated with industry trends and advancements by reading articles in Chemical Engineering Magazine and other journals, or by watching informational videos
- Reach out to do an informational interview with a working Chemical Engineer. See if you can shadow them at work for a day
- Join online chemical engineering-related discussion groups
- Apply for engineering scholarships like the SME Education Foundation Scholarship
- Review job posts and read the job descriptions to see what current qualifications and specializations employers are looking for
- Explore job listings on portals such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor
- Apply for internships, apprenticeships, co-op programs, and entry-level positions
- Use a Chemical Engineer resume template to get ideas for formatting and phrasing
- Include relevant resume keywords such as:
- Chemical Synthesis
- Cost Analysis
- Environmental Regulations
- Process Engineering
- Process Optimization
- Project Management
- Quality Control
- Reactor Design
- Safety Compliance
- Thermodynamics
- Enhance your resume by acquiring certifications in key areas like CAD software or process improvement methodologies
- Create a digital portfolio showcasing your projects and contributions. Detail your roles, skills used, and the impact of your work
- Jobs are often found through networking, so make connections by going to professional association events. Let your network know you’re looking for work!
- Be active in online forums related to chemical engineering
- Use LinkedIn and specialized engineering forums to discover job opportunities
- Prepare for interviews by brushing up on relevant terminology and trends
- Research potential employers and visit their career pages for job openings
- Ask former supervisors and college professors for references or recommendation letters
- Utilize your university’s career center for resume help, mock interviews, and job fairs
- Ask your academic program manager if they have ties with local employers or recruiters
- Dress professionally for job interviews
- Review potential job interview questions, such as problem-solving scenarios and technical knowledge assessments. Sample questions might include: “How do you ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations in your projects? Can you provide an example of a time when you had to address a significant compliance issue?”
- Stay informed about the industry. Be ready to discuss trends and technologies during interviews
- Proactively seek additional education and training to benefit your career and employer
- Consider specialized certifications such as the Certified Safety Professional certificate or a graduate degree to deepen your expertise
- Discuss advancement opportunities with your supervisor
- Volunteer for challenging projects to demonstrate your skill and adaptability
- Stay current with the latest software, tools, and methodologies
- Build strong relationships with colleagues, managers, and stakeholders
- Mentor junior colleagues or interns to develop leadership skills
- Consider switching employers to advance your career. Move to an area with more jobs. The states with the highest levels of chemical engineer employment are Texas, California, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania
- Get your Professional Engineer license to demonstrate your commitment to engineering
- Keep active in professional associations like the Society of Manufacturing Engineers to grow your network and reputation. Go to conferences, volunteer to serve on committees, and contribute scholarly articles to industry journals or publications like The Chemical Engineering Magazine
- Explore different areas within chemical engineering to broaden your expertise
Websites
- ABET
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- American Chemical Society
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers
- American Institute of Chemists
- American Society for Engineering Education
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Association of Consulting Chemists and Chemical Engineers
- Chemical & Engineering News
- GPA Midstream Association
- Institution of Chemical Engineers
- International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering
- International Society of Automation
- Materials Research Society
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- National Society of Professional Engineers
- ResearchGate
- ScienceDirect
- Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society
- Society of Petroleum Engineers
- Society of Women Engineers
- Technology Student Association
- Water Environment Federation
Books
- Chemical Engineering Design, by Gavin Towler and Ray Sinnott
- Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, by Richard Felder and Ronald Rousseau
- Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, by Don Green and Marylee Southard
Chemical Engineering is just one of many fascinating STEM career fields! If you’re considering other options where you can use your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and technical knowledge, then check out our below list of occupations!
- Biochemical Engineer
- CAD Technician
- Chemical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Human Factors Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Materials Scientist
- Mechanical Engineer
- Mechatronics Engineer
- Operations Manager
- Process Engineer
- Product Designer
- Quality Assurance Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Robotics Engineer
- Safety Engineer
- Supply Chain Manager
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