Chemical (process) engineer

Chemical engineer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Chemical engineers (aka process engineers) are responsible for designing new process plants/equipment or modifying existing ones. The role can include:

• collecting data required to make improvements and/or modifications;
• overseeing the construction of new plants;
• developing and utilising complicated process simulation software;
• purchasing and installing equipment;
• using scientific principles related to magnitude, momentum, heat transfer etc;
• supervising plant operations;
• investigating and troubleshooting plant/process problems;
• scheduling and co-ordinating work to tight deadlines and within financial budgets;
• ensuring that equipment works to its specification and to appropriate capacities;
• assessing safety and environmental issues;
• liaising with installation/project engineers and specialists;
• ensuring safe working conditions and compliance with health and safety legislation.

Employers of chemical engineers include: chemical production and process companies (for example, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, synthetics, plastics, paints, polymer manufacturers); the water treatment industry; food manufacturers; oil refining/petrochemical companies and associated service and contractor companies. Vacancies are advertised via the internet, by careers services and recruitment agencies, in local and national newspapers and in a number of technical journals such as TARGETjobs Engineering, The Chemical Engineer, Chemistry and Industry and Materials World.

Qualifications and training required

Chemical engineers have a degree in chemical/process engineering. To gain the Institution of Chemical Engineers chartered status an accredited MEng degree is required followed by at least four years' vocational training with an accredited employer. A postgraduate qualification can be beneficial, as can relevant manufacturing or process industry work experience. Opportunities to gain experience and an insight into the profession are provided by many employers via vacation work, sponsorship and industrial placements.

Key skills for chemical engineers

Employers look for graduates who are commercially aware and capable of working well under pressure within a team environment. Relevant technical knowledge is of particular importance, as are good communication, IT and analytical skills.