Chemical Engineer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a chemical engineer. Feel free to use our chemical engineer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a chemical engineer.
Who is a Chemical Engineer?
Chemical engineers are often called “universal engineers” due to their vast knowledge and skills. They are able to master chemistry and biology, as well as the basics of mathematics and physics.
The role of a chemical engineer is to think about and design processes that produce, transform, and transport materials. The laboratory is where the majority of experiments are conducted before these materials can be brought to scale.
Many chemical engineers work in the design, manufacturing, and production of machines and plants. They are responsible for ensuring that the process runs smoothly and is as economical as possible. Chemical engineers are responsible for the creation and manufacture of many products including plastics, paper, and dyes, medicines and polymers, as well as fertilizers and petrochemicals.
Although chemical engineers are a necessary part of the energy and oil industries, there are other jobs that are becoming more popular. There is a constant demand for more efficient energy and alternative energy sources, which means chemical engineers have plenty of work.
Another field that is gaining popularity among chemical engineers is environmental engineering. Environmental engineers can work in many areas, including managing sewage treatment plants, preventing pollution, and safe disposal of toxic waste. Many companies actually hire chemical engineers for their environmental engineering jobs.
There are many career options for chemical engineers in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. They are responsible for creating and manufacturing drugs and medical and surgical supplies. This includes everything from catheters, artificial kidneys, prosthetics, and more.
There are many fields that chemical engineering overlaps with. For example, chemical engineers are needed to design and produce computer parts and other electronics. They also work closely alongside electronic engineers.
Another growing area where chemical engineers work in nanotechnology. This could involve anything from the use of nanoparticles in groundwater purification to working with DNA to develop gene or stem-cell therapies.
Many industries employ chemical engineers. There is an abundance of work environments. All companies, large and small, require chemical engineers. Many chemical engineers work as part of a larger team. About three-quarters of chemical engineers work in the manufacturing industry in some capacity.
When working with large industrial equipment, many chemical engineers need to use protective equipment like helmets and goggles. The engineer may need to wear this equipment outdoors or in extreme weather conditions.
Some chemical engineers spend their whole day in the lab. Some engineers are able to work in several areas.
Chemical Engineer Job Description
Below are the chemical engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a chemical engineer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Testing new products using development methods
- Finding the most cost-effective and safest production methods using computer models
- Planning transition from lab testing into a pilot production phase
- Planning large-scale industrial processing
- Taking responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the processing facility
- Monitoring production and resolving problems
- Collaborating with engineers and plant designers to design machinery and equipment
- Developing manufacturing processes that minimize waste while improving the quality of finished products
- Monitoring and testing all stages of production
- Providing safety procedures for employees who work with hazardous substances
- Providing layout of manufacturing equipment, including planning and implementation. This will optimize production and lower costs.
- Staying current with emerging manufacturing processes
- Creating and presenting cost analysis report
- Researching to find new manufacturing processes.
- Using controlled chemical processes to create processes that can separate liquids and gases or generate electrical currents.
- Performing tests throughout the production process and monitoring their performance
- Assessing equipment and processes for compliance with safety regulations and the environment
- Estimating production costs for management
Qualifications
A combination of professional certification, post-secondary education, and on-the-job training is required for most chemical engineer jobs.
Education
For most jobs in the field, a bachelor’s degree is required in chemical engineering from a program that has been approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. A chemical engineering degree will allow you to study a wide range of subjects including biology, physics, math, and chemistry. The majority of degree programs are focused on molecular change, electronic, medical, and commercial applications. Students majoring in chemical engineering typically take classes in thermodynamics, organic chemistry, and transport processes.
Many chemical engineers are also keen to study for graduate degrees. Many universities offer 5-year programs in chemical engineering that allow candidates to simultaneously earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. If you want to reach the top positions in your field, many candidates pursue independent masters and doctoral degrees.
Training
Many chemical engineers receive training through internships and cooperative programs as part of their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. These programs can last several months and enable aspiring chemical engineers to intern at local companies while they gain field experience.
When they begin new jobs, most chemical engineers are required to complete on-the-job training programs. These programs are designed to teach new employees the company’s technology and procedures. They may be in the form of seminars or classes. These programs vary in length depending on the employer.
Many chemical engineers can also advance to higher-paying jobs through on-the-job training. Many chemical engineers work as head engineers, taking on more responsibilities and tasks as they prepare for leading teams and projects.
Certification
Entry-level chemical engineers don’t usually require certifications or other credentials. However, advanced chemical engineers typically hold licenses. Licenses are required for those who provide chemical engineering services to the general public. While state requirements can vary, the majority of states require the following:
Earn a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from a program that is accredited by the ABET.
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying will administer the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), test.
At least four years relevant work experience, with an increasing level of responsibility.
To obtain a Professional Engineering (PE), license, you must pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.
Essential Skills
- Analytical skills
Chemical engineers need to have analytical skills because it is a discipline that requires critical thinking, logical reasoning, and data analysis. You must be able to identify possible issues and help to decipher why things are not working as planned.
- Maths skills
Chemical engineering is not complete without mathematics. Working with numbers is a constant part of chemical engineering, particularly in a laboratory environment where advanced computer software and complete mathematical models are used. Mathematical concepts are also used in process design, control, and chemical reactions.
- Project management skills
As you move up the ladder in this industry, you will need to be able to use this skill. This doesn’t mean you need to have a degree in this field or formal training. You can use this skill as you progress in your career.
As a chemical engineer, you can use this project management skill for delegating tasks, motivating employees, managing their time, and ensuring that project outcomes are high quality.
- Interpersonal skills
Human resources departments often state that today’s workplace is experiencing a shortage of soft skills.
Many officers cannot communicate effectively, collaborate, and resolve conflicts. Chemical engineers are great at problem-solving but they also need to have excellent interpersonal skills.
Interpersonal skills are crucial if you want to collaborate well with others and manage a team.
- Problem-solving skills
Problem-solving is a key skill in chemical engineering. This career involves solving problems using the principles of biology, chemistry, and mathematics to produce chemicals, pharmaceutical products, and fuel, as well as a variety of other industrial and consumer products.
- Data analytics skills
To exploit the vast data resources available to them, chemical engineers need to have access to data science tools. These are all part of day-to-day responsibilities. They can help you get accurate insights, and implement the right processes.
Chemical engineers can easily acquire data, as it is an essential aspect of engineering fields.
- Science skills
Fundamentally, chemical engineers use scientific methods and rules to solve problems. This includes using mathematics, chemistry, and physics to achieve their goals. It is crucial to have a solid knowledge of these scientific disciplines.
- Decision-making skills
Chemical engineering is all about decision-making. You need to calculate the relative benefits and costs of different actions to choose the best one. This requires active learning, system analysis, and evaluation in this field.
- Attention to detail skills
When working in a laboratory or factory, attention to detail is crucial. Chemical engineers must find a balance between focusing on the details and not losing sight of the bigger picture. This is the power and ability to be detail-oriented.
- Computer skills
Chemical engineers have the formal education and training to become IT literate, numerate, and computer savvy. You will need to be able to use the latest technologies and software as a professional in this field. Computer skills are essential for chemical engineering, whether it is working with data or performing calculations.
- Resource management skills
Project management is about being able to see the big picture, but resource management is more focused on the details. In the case of chemical engineers, they must allocate resources from labor to materials to maximize project efficiency.
Resource management principles include resource allocation, resource capacity, and management of teamwork and personal work.
The ultimate objectives of resource management include avoiding unforeseen circumstances, creating a safe environment, ensuring transparency, and measuring the effectiveness of the team.
- Design skills
Although it might not appear so, design skills are essential for chemical engineers with broader skill sets.
Why? This is because they are often required to create new processes, modify existing products, and/or design factory equipment. The design part of chemical engineering can result in new products for energy, agriculture, and manufacturing, as well as other important industries.
- Visualization skills
Visualization skills are essential for business roles. You must be able to visualize data and analyze information, to make decisions. You can create visual representations of your data using various visualization tools to help you communicate clearly with clients, managers, and other colleagues.
How to Become a Chemical Engineer
To enter into the field of chemical engineering, you must have at least a bachelor’s level. These steps will help you learn how to become a chemical engineer.
- Earn your bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is the most common way for chemical engineers to start their careers. Although you can start your career with an undergraduate degree, many employers prefer chemical engineers to have a graduate degree. The majority of bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering focus on math, physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering principles. These topics will prepare you to earn your first professional engineering certification and enroll in a master’s degree program in chemical engineering. Some universities also offer five-year programs that allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and master’s in chemical engineering.
- Get your FE certification
After completing your four-year degree you are eligible to take the Fundamentals in Engineering (FE) certification exam. This exam examines the application of engineering principles to chemical use. It consists of logical reasoning and mathematics concepts as well as reading comprehension. Engineers in multiple disciplines can obtain the FE certification.
- Completion of your master’s degree
Employers prefer chemical engineers with a master’s degree. This is something to think about when choosing a career path. Chemical kinetics, molecular thermodynamics, and biochemical engineering are the main focus of master’s degrees in chemical engineering. Other topics include research and development, data analysis, and integration of chemical applications to create useful products.
- Get your PE certificate
You can take the Professional Engineering exam if you have a four-year degree and a FE certification. You can still pass the exam if you have completed a portion of your master’s program. You are eligible to work in multiple sectors once you have obtained your PE certification.
- Apply for your state license
You may need state certification depending on where you live or work. Employers may view your FE and PE credentials as sufficient to allow you to work as a chemical engineer. However, the state where you live may require state licensing. To understand the requirements of chemical engineers, it is important to research the area in which you intend to work.
Where to Work
Most chemical engineers work in research labs, pilot plant facilities, and manufacturing plants. They are often involved in large-scale production equipment, which is both indoors and outdoors.
Chemical Engineer Salary Scale
Chemical engineers make an average annual salary of $64,715 per annum. The income average may vary depending on many factors. A chemical engineer with a master’s degree in chemical engineering may earn a higher average salary than someone who has a four-year degree. Your location, industry, and work environment can all impact your earning potential.
