3 answers
Kateryna
Student
Scranton, Pennsylvania
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What is the work of a Chemical Engineer?
#chemistry #chemistry-engineering
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3 answers
Changhe Xiao
Scientist
8
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Changhe’s Answer
Previous John and Rajesh's answers covered so much. I do not have additions. As I am working on chemistry side, I will add a couple of more sentences on that.
Chemistry: Working in laboratories. When comparing the work scale, there is a significant difference. I am working on experiments with milligram, at most gram scale. In term of volume, usually milliliter. Very rarely I do experiment in liter scale. Duo to the small scale, generally, I do not have to prepare significant preparation on heating, cooling, transport or mixing. Usually, my experiments are not as long.
Chemical Engineering: Working in plant scale for a lot of time. Working scale is significantly bigger than chemistry lab. Significant work have to be done on preparation for heating, cooling, transport or mixing and very importantly, significant design work is involved. It is for production scale. A project is generally a lot of longer than a chemistry ones.
You will see they usually have significant time difference when working
Chemistry: Working in laboratories. When comparing the work scale, there is a significant difference. I am working on experiments with milligram, at most gram scale. In term of volume, usually milliliter. Very rarely I do experiment in liter scale. Duo to the small scale, generally, I do not have to prepare significant preparation on heating, cooling, transport or mixing. Usually, my experiments are not as long.
Chemical Engineering: Working in plant scale for a lot of time. Working scale is significantly bigger than chemistry lab. Significant work have to be done on preparation for heating, cooling, transport or mixing and very importantly, significant design work is involved. It is for production scale. A project is generally a lot of longer than a chemistry ones.
You will see they usually have significant time difference when working
John Oller
Engineer, Project Manager, Quality Manager
159
Answers
Rockford, Illinois
Updated
John’s Answer
General overview below. Duties change depending on the type of company you would work for.
A. Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations.
Chemical engineers typically do the following:
Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes
Establish safety procedures for those working with dangerous chemicals
Develop processes for separating components of liquids and gases, or for generating electrical currents, by using controlled chemical processes
Design and plan the layout of equipment
Conduct tests and monitor the performance of processes throughout production
Troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes
Evaluate equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
Estimate production costs for management
Some chemical engineers, known as process engineers, specialize in a particular process, such as oxidation (a reaction of oxygen with chemicals to make other chemicals) or polymerization (making plastics and resins).
Others specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials (extremely small substances) or biological engineering. Still others specialize in developing specific products.
In addition, chemical engineers work in the production of energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. They must understand how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers.
Chemical engineers also conduct research in the life sciences, biotechnology, and business services.
B. Work Environment
Chemical engineers generally work in offices or laboratory settings, although sometimes they must work in an industrial setting to oversee production.
Chemical engineers held about 32,600 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of chemical engineers were as follows:
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences 10%
Engineering services 9
Petroleum and coal products manufacturing 5
Wholesale trade 4
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 3
Chemical engineers work mostly in offices or laboratories. They may spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Chemical engineers must be able to work with those who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics who put the designs into practice.
Some engineers travel extensively to plants or worksites, both domestically and abroad.
Injuries and Illnesses
Chemical engineers can be exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals and plant equipment, but such exposure can be avoided if proper procedures are followed.
Work Schedules
Nearly all chemical engineers work full time. Occasionally, they may have to work additional hours to meet production targets and design standards or to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes. Some chemical engineers work more than 40 hours per week.
C. How to Become a Chemical Engineer
Becoming a chemical engineer requires a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field.
Chemical engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Employers also value practical experience, so internships and cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn college credit and experience, can be helpful.
Education
Chemical engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Programs in chemical engineering usually take 4 years to complete and include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. High school students interested in studying chemical engineering will benefit from taking science courses, such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They also should take math courses, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
At some universities, students can opt to enroll in 5-year engineering programs that lead to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. A graduate degree, which may include a degree up to the Ph.D. level, allows an engineer to work in research and development or as a postsecondary teacher.
Some colleges and universities offer internships and/or cooperative programs in partnership with industry. In these programs, students gain practical experience while completing their education.
ABET accredits engineering programs. ABET-accredited programs in chemical engineering include courses in chemistry, physics, and biology. These programs also include applying the sciences to the design, analysis, and control of chemical, physical, and biological processes.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Chemical engineers must troubleshoot designs that do not work as planned. They must ask the right questions and then find answers that work.
Creativity. Chemical engineers must explore new ways of applying engineering principles. They work to invent new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and new applications in chemical and biomedical engineering.
Ingenuity. Chemical engineers learn the broad concepts of chemical engineering, but their work requires them to apply those concepts to specific production problems.
Interpersonal skills. Because their role is to put scientific principles into practice in manufacturing industries, chemical engineers must develop good working relationships with other workers involved in production processes.
Math skills. Chemical engineers use the principles of advanced math topics such as calculus for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Problem-solving skills. In designing equipment and processes for manufacturing, these engineers must be able to anticipate and identify problems, including such issues as workers’ safety and problems related to manufacturing and environmental protection.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Licensure for chemical engineers is not as common as it is for other engineering occupations, nor is it required for entry-level positions. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE).
Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require engineers to take continuing education to keep their licenses.
Other Experience
During high school, students can attend engineering summer camps to see what these and other engineers do. Attending these camps can help students plan their coursework for the remainder of their time in high school.
Advancement
Entry-level engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers. In large companies, new engineers also may receive formal training in classrooms or seminars. As junior engineers gain knowledge and experience, they move to more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions.
Eventually, chemical engineers may advance to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Some may become architectural and engineering managers. Preparing for management positions usually requires working under the guidance of a more experienced chemical engineer.
An engineering background enables chemical engineers to discuss a product’s technical aspects and assist in product planning and use. For more information, see the profile on sales engineers.
A. Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations.
Chemical engineers typically do the following:
Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes
Establish safety procedures for those working with dangerous chemicals
Develop processes for separating components of liquids and gases, or for generating electrical currents, by using controlled chemical processes
Design and plan the layout of equipment
Conduct tests and monitor the performance of processes throughout production
Troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes
Evaluate equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
Estimate production costs for management
Some chemical engineers, known as process engineers, specialize in a particular process, such as oxidation (a reaction of oxygen with chemicals to make other chemicals) or polymerization (making plastics and resins).
Others specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials (extremely small substances) or biological engineering. Still others specialize in developing specific products.
In addition, chemical engineers work in the production of energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. They must understand how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers.
Chemical engineers also conduct research in the life sciences, biotechnology, and business services.
B. Work Environment
Chemical engineers generally work in offices or laboratory settings, although sometimes they must work in an industrial setting to oversee production.
Chemical engineers held about 32,600 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of chemical engineers were as follows:
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences 10%
Engineering services 9
Petroleum and coal products manufacturing 5
Wholesale trade 4
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 3
Chemical engineers work mostly in offices or laboratories. They may spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Chemical engineers must be able to work with those who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics who put the designs into practice.
Some engineers travel extensively to plants or worksites, both domestically and abroad.
Injuries and Illnesses
Chemical engineers can be exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals and plant equipment, but such exposure can be avoided if proper procedures are followed.
Work Schedules
Nearly all chemical engineers work full time. Occasionally, they may have to work additional hours to meet production targets and design standards or to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes. Some chemical engineers work more than 40 hours per week.
C. How to Become a Chemical Engineer
Becoming a chemical engineer requires a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field.
Chemical engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Employers also value practical experience, so internships and cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn college credit and experience, can be helpful.
Education
Chemical engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Programs in chemical engineering usually take 4 years to complete and include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. High school students interested in studying chemical engineering will benefit from taking science courses, such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They also should take math courses, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
At some universities, students can opt to enroll in 5-year engineering programs that lead to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. A graduate degree, which may include a degree up to the Ph.D. level, allows an engineer to work in research and development or as a postsecondary teacher.
Some colleges and universities offer internships and/or cooperative programs in partnership with industry. In these programs, students gain practical experience while completing their education.
ABET accredits engineering programs. ABET-accredited programs in chemical engineering include courses in chemistry, physics, and biology. These programs also include applying the sciences to the design, analysis, and control of chemical, physical, and biological processes.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Chemical engineers must troubleshoot designs that do not work as planned. They must ask the right questions and then find answers that work.
Creativity. Chemical engineers must explore new ways of applying engineering principles. They work to invent new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and new applications in chemical and biomedical engineering.
Ingenuity. Chemical engineers learn the broad concepts of chemical engineering, but their work requires them to apply those concepts to specific production problems.
Interpersonal skills. Because their role is to put scientific principles into practice in manufacturing industries, chemical engineers must develop good working relationships with other workers involved in production processes.
Math skills. Chemical engineers use the principles of advanced math topics such as calculus for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Problem-solving skills. In designing equipment and processes for manufacturing, these engineers must be able to anticipate and identify problems, including such issues as workers’ safety and problems related to manufacturing and environmental protection.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Licensure for chemical engineers is not as common as it is for other engineering occupations, nor is it required for entry-level positions. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE).
Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require engineers to take continuing education to keep their licenses.
Other Experience
During high school, students can attend engineering summer camps to see what these and other engineers do. Attending these camps can help students plan their coursework for the remainder of their time in high school.
Advancement
Entry-level engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers. In large companies, new engineers also may receive formal training in classrooms or seminars. As junior engineers gain knowledge and experience, they move to more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions.
Eventually, chemical engineers may advance to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Some may become architectural and engineering managers. Preparing for management positions usually requires working under the guidance of a more experienced chemical engineer.
An engineering background enables chemical engineers to discuss a product’s technical aspects and assist in product planning and use. For more information, see the profile on sales engineers.
That was a great deal of helpful information. Thank you very much!
erin stefani
Thank you for taking time to answer my question it is very helpful.
Kateryna
Rajesh Khanna
Security Solution Manager for Business Markets
7
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Rajesh’s Answer
Hi Kateryna
great question, I did my bachelors in Chemical Engineering and learned all the technical stuff like process engineering, thermodynamics etc .. but I wanted at the time to do something more interesting then standard chemical engineer role, and so I did my masters in engineering in Environmental Engineering and added minor course work from chemical and civil engineering to study about air pollution, noise pollution and water treatment and eventually took my first job as an environmental engineering consultant to help industries with their pollution and regulatory issues and help solve them with science and technology help to not only meet the regulatory limits but to also minimize their over all pollution like zero waste water discharge and air pollution controls. So the point I am making is Chemical engineer can do a lot and not be doing chemical engineering .. for example I am in telecommunication now , you could be doing bio-chemical or other fields using your background in Chemical Engineering .. Good luck as you make your choices as you move forward
great question, I did my bachelors in Chemical Engineering and learned all the technical stuff like process engineering, thermodynamics etc .. but I wanted at the time to do something more interesting then standard chemical engineer role, and so I did my masters in engineering in Environmental Engineering and added minor course work from chemical and civil engineering to study about air pollution, noise pollution and water treatment and eventually took my first job as an environmental engineering consultant to help industries with their pollution and regulatory issues and help solve them with science and technology help to not only meet the regulatory limits but to also minimize their over all pollution like zero waste water discharge and air pollution controls. So the point I am making is Chemical engineer can do a lot and not be doing chemical engineering .. for example I am in telecommunication now , you could be doing bio-chemical or other fields using your background in Chemical Engineering .. Good luck as you make your choices as you move forward