Chemical Engineers

Career summary

#No additions from WOIS info

Chemical engineers look for ways to use chemicals in order to make better products. They test new production methods in laboratories and in manufacturing plants. After their research is complete they analyze data and write reports about their findings. Managers use the information to make decisions about adopting new production methods.

Chemical engineers also develop safety procedures for working with chemicals. They must ensure safety for workers and people who use their products. They also need to make sure that companies that use chemicals for production follow environmental regulations.

Chemical engineers work in many fields, including:

Research and development

Some chemical engineers work solely in research and development. They try to find new and better ways of making products through the use of chemistry. For example, they may study how temperature and pressure affect chemicals during the production process.

Design and construction

Chemical engineers who work in design and construction are called project engineers. They often work for construction or consulting firms that work with manufacturers. They look for the least expensive and most efficient way to make the best quality product.

Manufacturing

Some chemical engineers manage manufacturing plants that use or manufacture chemicals. They look for ways to improve plant operations and lower production costs. They also create safety measures and train workers.

Waste management

Chemical engineers also work in waste management. They find new ways to reduce the pollution created in manufacturing. Some chemical engineers study how to store or treat dangerous waste. They may research new ways to use waste products.

Government

Chemical engineers may also work for state and federal governments. They advise lawmakers about how chemicals can benefit or harm the natural world. They may help create laws to protect the public from unsafe chemicals.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bioengineers
• Biologists
• Chemists
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Environmental Engineers
• Fuel Cell Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Nanotechnologists
• Nuclear Engineers
• Petroleum Engineers
• Safety Engineers
• Validation Engineers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to chemical engineers.

• Perform tests about manufacturing processes, such as how temperature and pressure affect the process.
• Develop safety procedures for workers who work closely with on-going chemical reactions.
• Direct and supervise activities of workers who operate machines in the production process.
• Perform studies in the lab of the different steps to make new products. Test the proposed process in a pilot plant, if possible.
• Design ways to separate parts of liquids and gases.
• Develop the most effective ways to order manufacturing steps.
• Estimate productions costs and write progress reports for management.
• Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
• Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in lab experiments.
• Design and plan layout of equipment.

Common work activities

Chemical engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Document and record information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Think creatively
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Develop and build teams
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Develop goals and strategies
• Teach others
• Schedule work and activities
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Coach others
• Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, chemical engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a moderate level of interaction on the job with other workers.
• Are responsible for the work of others.
• Communicate with people daily in person and by telephone and e-mail.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of their staff. They may train staff members who work closely with chemicals how to avoid injury.
• Write letters and memos weekly.
• Work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Mostly work indoors.
• Always wear protective gear, such as safety goggles or gloves. Some may wear hard hats.
• Sometimes work in hazardous conditions, such as around chemicals and machinery.
• Sometimes are exposed to contaminants.

Work performance

• Must be very accurate in performing their job and make sure everything is completed. Any errors could have serious results. Engineers work with chemicals that, if not handled properly, could injure staff or the engineer.
• Meet strict weekly deadlines.
• Can set most tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Can make most decisions without talking to a supervisor.

Hours/travel

• Work longer than 40 hours a week.
• Work a regular, set schedule.

Physical demands

Chemical engineers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for chemical engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for chemical engineers to be able to:

• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

Skills and abilities

Chemical engineers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Chemical Engineering

Other programs of study to consider

• Agricultural Engineering
• Chemical Technology
• Chemistry
• Engineering Physics
• Environmental Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Nuclear Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Polymer and Plastics Engineering
• Pre-Engineering
• Textile Sciences and Engineering

Training

To work as a chemical engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer this program of study. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree (PhD). For instance, if you are interested in teaching chemical engineering you need a PhD. Also, many chemical engineers go to graduate school to specialize in one area of chemical engineering. In general, a master's degree takes two years of study after you complete your bachelor's degree. A PhD will take several additional years.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship with an engineering firm while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. An internship also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. The length of on-the-job training varies by employer and your background. In general, beginning chemical engineers receive at least six months of training.

As you gain knowledge and experience, you receive greater independence and work on more difficult tasks.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Manufacturing Systems

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

For entry-level jobs, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. In a few cases, employers may hire engineers who have been trained in other areas. For some positions, employers may hire college graduates with degrees in chemistry or mathematics.

Employers may require a master's degree or higher for research, consulting, and managerial jobs.

Employers prefer to hire chemical engineers who are creative and curious. They also look for people who are detail-oriented and analytical. Oral and written communication skills are also important. Employers look for people who can work on a team. Chemical engineers may work with people from different cultures or countries.

Some employers seek applicants who also have keyboarding skills and knowledge of spreadsheet and database applications.

Job openings are found through professional journals, recruiters, Internet sites, and membership in professional associations or attendance at trade conferences.

Tips

Course work in computer programming is highly recommended. An internship or summer work in the industry is helpful. Graduate training is increasingly emphasized for some positions. Overseas experience (such as traveling, education, etc.) should be useful as more US businesses expand overseas.

#Added comment about typing & spreadsheets and databases from 3/15/06 Seattle Times ad for entry level chemical engineer in the printed circuit board industry in Redmond, CJ.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

• an engineering degree from a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of education and working experience; and
• passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

• completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
• four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of work experience and education; and
• passing a written exam.

Engineers who want to be licensed must pay an exam fee to the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors and a $65 fee for the initial state exam application. After licensing, a renewal fee of $116 is due every two years. Not all engineers in Washington must be licensed.

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program 
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

#standardized 1/23/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Chemical Engineers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Pay varies by the amount of education chemical engineers hold. Those with doctoral (PhD) degrees earn more than those with a master's or bachelor's degree.

Most full-time chemical engineers receive benefits. Benefits usually include health insurance, paid vacation, and a retirement plan. Some companies pay for additional training. Others may give their employees stock or the opportunity to buy it from the company.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Engineering firms
• Research and testing firms
• Chemical manufacturers
• Synthetic materials manufacturers

National outlook

The demand for chemical engineers who work in research and development is growing. Medical drug research will be the fastest growing industry for chemical engineers. There will also be job opportunities in biotechnology and nanotechnology research.

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

American Chemical Society 
1155 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.227.5558

American Chemistry Council 
700 Second Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.249.7000

American Coatings Association 
1500 Rhode Island Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
202.462.6272

American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers 
1800 M Street, NW Suite 900 North
Washington, DC 20036
202.457.0480

American Institute of Chemical Engineers 
120 Wall Street, Floor 23
New York, NY 10005
800.242.4363

American Oil Chemists Society 
PO Box 17190
Urbana, IL 61803-7190
217.359.2344

Chemistry Careers 

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Engineering Your Future 

Institute of Makers of Explosives 
1120 - 19th Street NW, Suite 310
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.9280

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
280 Seneca Creek Road
Seneca, SC 29678

National Science Foundation 
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

National Society of Professional Engineers 
1420 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
888.285.6773
703.684.2800

Society of Plastics Engineers 
100 Reserve Rd, Suite B310
Danbury, CT 06810
203.703.5400

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) 
15 Technology Parkway South, Suite 115
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
800.332.8686
770.446.1400

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Chemical Engineers (17-2041.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Absorption-and-adsorption Engineer (008.061-010) 
• Chemical Design Engineer, Processes (008.061-014) 
• Chemical Engineer (008.061-018) 
• Chemical Research Engineer (008.061-022) 
• Chemical-test Engineer (008.061-026) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Engineer

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Professional