What Is a Chemical Engineer and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Is the Job of a Chemical Engineer?
Chemical Engineers design and develop manufacturing processes for various chemicals. They can work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, food processing, environmental health, health care, and design and construction. In this job, you can expect to research new methods for manufacturing chemicals, create these processes, estimate the cost of production, and draft and implement related safety procedures to ensure the well-being of employees who will work with those chemicals.
How to Become a Chemical Engineer
The first step in becoming a Chemical Engineer is earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Many also complete a master's degree or a doctorate to be able to pursue a career in research or academia. While completing your degrees, aspiring chemical engineers should either participate in an internship or a co-op work program to gain hands-on experience in the field. Network with veteran engineers to find entry-level positions. Study the kinds of chemicals used or needed at prospective employers and how their staff processes them to give you an advantage during the interview process. Certification is not required, but becoming certified may make you a more valuable candidate in the job market.
Where Do Chemical Engineers Work?
Chemical engineers can find employment in a wide variety of industries, giving them several options for employment. Some broad industrial categories employ these specialized engineers. These include industries specializing in advanced materials (aerospace, glass, or metal), biotechnology, chemical process, design and construction, electronics, energy and fuels, environmental safety, and food, among others. Most Chemical Engineers conduct their experiments and research in laboratories, though some may monitor machinery and oversee production in warehouses. Engineering consultants or upper-level Chemical Engineers may complete much of their administrative work in an office setting. Additional fields for Chemical Engineer jobs may be found in education, government, and law.
Chemical Engineer Job Description Sample
With this Chemical Engineer job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Chemical Engineer role.
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced and highly-qualified Chemical Engineer to collaborate with our design teams and develop innovative solutions for streamlining our production cycle. You will monitor our current system and determine areas that need improvement. Working with our team of engineers, you will create new processes or enhance our existing system to increase productivity, reduce waste, and ensure our final product meets quality control standards. When the design is ready, you will oversee the implementation and troubleshoot any issues that arise, making adjustments until production runs smoothly.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Examine current machinery and processes and determine areas that require upgrades or improvements
- Develop new equipment or methods to increase productivity and reduce waste
- Oversee implementation of new systems
- Ensure process run smoothly and in an economically efficient manner
- Create ways to prevent or minimize pollution and safely dispose of toxic waste
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field; master’s or doctorate preferred
- Current state engineering license
- 5+ years of experience in leading process engineering projects
- Knowledgable in chemical engineering principals and practice
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
