Chemical Engineer
A chemical engineer specializes in the development and application of processes for manufacturing chemicals and chemical products, such as plastics, fuels, and detergents. These professionals leverage their deep understanding of chemistry and mathematics to innovate and optimize production techniques and equipment. They work across various environments, including laboratories, factories, and energy plants, often engaging in tasks that include equipment design, process monitoring, and adherence to safety regulations. The role also entails analyzing data to improve efficiency and compliance with industry standards.
Chemical engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, with many pursuing further education or specialized training. The field is known for its promising job outlook, with an expected employment growth rate of 8% over the coming years. Individuals interested in this career should possess strong analytical skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences. With a median annual salary of approximately $112,100, chemical engineering offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about applying scientific principles to real-world challenges.
Chemical Engineer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Chemistry, mathematics, analyzing data
Earnings (Yearly Median): $112,100 per year $59.90 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 8% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Chemical engineers assist in the manufacture of chemicals or chemical products, such as plastics, gasoline, cement, paper, detergents, and artificial fibers. They invent new processes for using chemicals and design, manufacture, and operate equipment used in laboratories or factories. Chemical engineers frequently provide support to manufacturing facilities that use the equipment or processes they design, and they may assist in developing related safety measures. They are also typically responsible for compiling reports and adhering to budgets.
Work Environment. Chemical engineers work in factories, laboratories, energy plants, government agencies, and educational institutions. The environment in which a chemical engineer works often depends on their area of specialty. For example, engineers who focus on pollution control may travel to various locations to study the effects of factory emissions on soil, plants, and water, while petrochemical engineers may spend a great deal of time in the laboratory. Most chemical engineers work a forty-hour week, although approaching deadlines may necessitate extended hours. Chemical engineers risk physical injury and illness from exposure to toxic chemicals and fumes, so it is vital that they follow all protocols regarding safety and chemical use, storage, and disposal.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to a career in chemical engineering have a strong affinity for science and mathematics. They enjoy exploring the practical applications of chemistry and have a desire to solve complex real-world problems—the work they perform has a great impact on consumers, industry, and the environment. Aspiring chemical engineers should be precise, analytical, mechanically adept, and committed to safety.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Chemical engineers develop processes whereby chemical compounds are utilized for manufacturing or energy-generating purposes. Working in laboratories, they work with equipment to find new uses for chemicals as well as ways to perform existing industrial processes more efficiently. Chemical engineers consider factors such as chemical properties, temperature, density, and pressure in their experimental designs. They often design equipment, and in many cases, entire buildings and production systems, to facilitate such processes as polymerization, heat distillation, drying, crushing, and mixing. Frequently, chemical engineers aid in the construction and operation of the equipment, providing support when issues arise.
Additional responsibilities vary based on the individual’s area of expertise. For example, some engineers spend some of their time in the field, conducting research and taking samples for analysis. Others may spend the majority of their time in a manufacturing facility, monitoring equipment productivity and energy usage. Some chemical engineers work as consultants and travel between facilities as needed.
In addition to their scientific work, chemical engineers are responsible for monitoring costs, efficiency, and output. Chemical engineers must periodically report their progress and expenditures to their supervisors or clients and assess the operational status of chemical processes and the equipment that generates them. Furthermore, chemical engineers ensure that their production facilities have up-to-date licenses and permits and are in full compliance with all state and federal regulations.
Chemical Research Engineers (008.061-022). Chemical Research Engineers conduct research on chemical processes and equipment to test or modify engineering theory.
Chemical Test Engineers (008.061-026). Chemical Test Engineers supervise and use instruments, equipment, and control devices necessary to test, record, and simplify chemical processes. They conduct tests to check the performance of chemicals and fuels.
Chemical-Engineering Technicians (008.261-010). Chemical-Engineering Technicians apply chemical engineering principles and technical skills to assist chemical engineers in developing, improving, and testing chemical plant processes, products, and equipment. They prepare charts and diagrams and record engineering data to clarify design data.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Chemical engineers work in scientific laboratories as well as factories, energy plants, and other production facilities. Some may travel to visit manufacturing plants or perform research. Chemical engineers risk physical injury or illness caused by exposure to chemicals and equipment, so strict safety and operational protocols, including the wearing of personal protective equipment, must be observed at all times.
Human Environment. Chemical engineers may work with a wide range of individuals, including other chemical engineers, engineers in other disciplines, line workers, government officials, engineering technicians, construction personnel, and machine operators. Consequently, they must be able to convey scientific and technical concepts to individuals from different professional backgrounds.
Technological Environment. In addition to any equipment they may design themselves, chemical engineers may use freeze dryers, heat exchangers, laboratory mixers, spectrometers, and microscopes of various sizes. They also frequently use computer-aided design (CAD) software, scientific and analytical programs, databases, and basic office software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career in chemical engineering must study chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science. They should also study mathematics, including geometry, calculus, trigonometry, and algebra. Industrial arts classes that build mechanical and drafting skills are highly useful as well.
Postsecondary. At a minimum, chemical engineers should hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although advanced degrees are frequently required for higher-level positions. Some chemical engineers choose to pursue master’s degrees in business management. Postsecondary students may significantly benefit from completing internships, which can potentially lead to full-time work after graduation.
Related Occupations
− Chemist
− Environmental Science Technician
Bibliography
"Chemical Engineers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.