How to Become a Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers perform different scientific and technical roles related to manufacturing products. Their tasks vary according to the company they work for and the sector. Some of the common duties and responsibilities of chemical engineering professionals include:

Designing, creating, and optimizing chemical manufacturing processes from the raw materials to final products

• Using scientific, engineering, and mathematical principles to improve processes and solve problems
• Monitoring and testing products and processes in all stages of production 
• Planning, designing, and implementing manufacturing equipment layouts to improve the production process and reduce costs
• Designing, implementing, and troubleshooting plans to achieve company goals
• Staying up to date with emerging and new manufacturing processes and ensuring compliance with the standard regulations for chemical plants
• Developing and implementing risk and safety procedures for employees working with hazardous chemicals and materials
• Creating manufacturing processes that increase the quality of final products and minimize waste
• Creating maintenance schedules and plans for chemical production plants and overseeing chemical plants operations
• Assisting with developing budgets and project timelines and presenting production cost analysis reports to the management

Chemical engineers require various tools and equipment depending on the products manufactured. The common machines include:

• Material processing equipment – These are casting/forging, heat treating components, and machines used for polymers, metals, or other materials. 
• Industrial heating elements and heaters – Chemical engineers use these resistance heaters and their internal elements to provide product systems with a unified thermal source.
• Gas handling equipment – These machines distribute/generate, compress, and monitor industrial and process gas.
• Cooling and heating equipment – Chemical engineers use heat exchangers, welding equipment, and other equipment to heat or cool materials.
• Process controllers – These instruments monitor and automatically revise process parameters like pressure, temperature, and humidity.

Chemical engineers work mainly in clean, well-equipped offices, laboratories, and plants. These experts spend most of their time at refineries, manufacturing plants, or other places where they direct or monitor operations or resolve onsite problems. Some engineers travel a lot to worksites or plants, both abroad and domestically. Sometimes, they supervise production lines or constructions. Chemical engineers can also work remotely without compromising their work's quality. However, some tasks require them to visit facilities or industrial plants in-person to help solve onsite production problems and monitor operations. The work of chemical engineers involves handling hazardous chemicals and complex plant equipment, exposing these professionals to safety and health hazards. However, employees can avoid such exposure and minimize injuries by following the proper procedures and safety regulations.

The role of a chemical engineer varies based on the type of job, employer, and company size. In small and midsize establishments, chemical engineers work with other chemical engineers, mechanics, and business development experts. However, in a big company, you'll work with many professionals, including:

• Teams of engineers
• Technicians
• Scientists
• Biochemists
• IT staff
• Finance managers
• Project managers
• Chemists
• Heads of departments
• Company executives

Many chemical engineers work on a full-time basis. However, some of these professionals work more than 40 hours every week. Occasionally, you may have to work additional hours to troubleshoot problems with the manufacturing processes and design standards or meet production targets. Jobs in manufacturing and processing may also involve working in shifts, including weekends and evenings.

A successful chemical engineer is a highly creative problem-solver who can use advanced education to discover new uses for artificial and natural substances. These professionals must have exceptional communication skills to help them share their findings with stakeholders and other engineers at their organization. Good chemical engineers are confident leaders with strong interpersonal skills and can direct teams, resolving problems on their behalf. These experts can analyze different elements in a situation and develop a product that meets a specific need. They also have good time management skills and enjoy analyzing processes to enhance efficiency and organization.

There are various types of chemical engineers. Some specialize in specific solutions or chemicals, such as lubricants, plastics, and pesticides. Chemical engineering professionals generally work as: 

• Academics
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Product manufacturers
• Petroleum processors
• Principal scientists
• Electroplating engineers
• Chemical process maintainers
• Product engineers

Chemical engineers and chemists use knowledge of substances' properties and scientific study to accomplish their goals. However, chemists create and test different theories while chemical engineers apply current concepts to beneficial products. Chemical engineers apply chemicals and substances to a big production to deliver new products to the user, while chemists usually work on a small scale to conduct research and development. Even though chemical engineers work mostly at industrial plants, they occasionally work in laboratory environments. In general, chemical engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies math, physics, and industry know-how to chemistry backgrounds.

Chemical engineers design and troubleshoot processes for making foods, pharmaceuticals, and biological products, among other items. They take processes developed in laboratories and turn them into practical applications. Chemical engineers get employment in companies in different industries, including:

• Biotechnology
• Aerospace and automotive
• Textile industry
• Food manufacturers
• Water treatment industry
• Higher learning institutions
• Oil refining and energy sector
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Business consultancy
• Construction sector

Applying for a job as a chemical engineer is easy with Spherion. You can search for chemical engineer jobs on Spherion.com by job title and location. If you don’t see the perfect role, you can submit an open application. Once you submit your contact information and resume through Spherion's open application, a recruiter from the office closest to you will reach out with details about potential chemical engineer roles that fit your skill set and professional goals.