Career as Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers use math, physics, and economics to solve practical problems. The difference between chemical engineers and other types of engineers is that they apply a knowledge of chemistry in addition to other engineering disciplines. Chemical engineers may be called 'universal engineers' because their scientific and technical mastery is so extensive. Some chemical engineers make designs and invent new processes. Some construct instruments and facilities. Some plan and operate facilities. Chemical engineers have helped develop atomic science, polymers, paper, dyes, drugs, plastics, fertilizers, foods, textiles, and chemicals. They devise ways to make products from raw materials and ways to convert one material into another useful form. Chemical engineers can make processes more cost effective or more environmentally friendly or more efficient. A chemical engineer can find a niche in any scientific or engineering field. As a chemical or process engineer you would research and design the machinery and processes used to turn raw materials into everyday products such as fuel, plastics and food. If you are interested in chemistry and enjoy solving problems then this could be the career for you.
Job Profile
As a chemical engineer you would be involved in the design, manufacture and operation of processes that turn raw materials into domestic and industrial products, for example in food manufacturing, gas production and refining of minerals. You may also be involved in the research and development of new or improved products.
If you work in research and development, you would:
- Test new ways to develop products in the lab
- Use computer models to work out the safest and most cost-effective production methods
- Plan how to move lab tests into a pilot production phase, then on to large-scale industrial processing
- Develop methods to deal with by-products and waste materials in a safe way.
- In manufacturing, you would:
- Work with plant designers to create equipment and control instruments for the production process
- Help to oversee the day-to-day operation of the processing plant
- Monitor production and deal with problems
- Work closely with quality control and health and safety managers.
You could also work in biochemical engineering which is a developing branch of chemical engineering. Biochemical engineers develop anything from new medicines such as vaccines and stem cell therapies to sources of sustainable energy like biofuels.
Skills required
To be a chemical engineer you should have:
- Math’s and science skills, particularly chemistry
- good problem-solving and analytical skills
- planning and organizational ability
- excellent IT skills
- the ability to manage projects, budgets and people
- good spoken and written communication skills
- the ability to work as part of a team
- a clear understanding of the commercial application of science.
Educational Requirements for Chemical Engineers
An entry-level chemical engineering job typically requires a college bachelor's degree in engineering. Sometimes a bachelor's degree in chemistry or math or another type of engineering will suffice. A master's degree is helpful.
Additional Requirements for Engineers
In the US, engineers who offer their services directly to the public need to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary, but in general an engineer must have a degree from a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), four years of relevant work experience, and must pass a state examination.
Job Outlook for Chemical Engineers
Employment of chemical engineers (as well other types of engineers and chemists) is expected to grow at the average growth rate for all occupations through 2016. The related field of environmental engineering is expected to grow at a much faster rate.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Entry level chemical engineers advance as they assume more independence and responsibility. As they gain experience, solve problems, and develop designs they may move into supervisory positions or may become technical specialists. Some engineers start their own companies. Some move into sales. Others become team leaders and managers.
You could work in a range of industries, which may include:
- Food and drink
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textiles
- Oil and gas
- Energy and water
- Biotechnology.
With experience, you could progress to senior process or design engineer, research and development manager, or plant manager, and eventually overall operations manager. You could also move into consultancy work.
Earnings
- Graduate salaries start at around £28,000 a year.
- Experienced engineers can earn around £53,000 a year or more.
- Senior chartered chemical engineers can earn over £60,000 a year.
Recruiting Companies
- R K International –Saudi Arabia
- IPMS Placement PVT LTD
- Indian Institute Of Technology
- GD Research Centre PVT LTD
- Bagalkot Cement and Industries Ltd PO Bagalkot cement Factory
- Next World Immigration services, Associates, Canada
- Social hire manpower Services
- Executive Tracks Associates
- AMICI Global Solution PVT LTD
- Oasis Resource Management PVT LTD
- Synthite Industries
- Tecnova India PVT LTD
- HBL Power Systems LTD.
- Saudi Specially Chemical Industries. CO.LTD
- Vision Institute Of Technology
- Porus Laboratories PVT LTD
- Atlas fine Chemicals PVT.LTD
How do I get there?
Option 1:
Entry is possible without a third level qualification which means jobs are open to graduates from all disciplines, but relevant qualifications are becoming increasingly more in demand by employers. In addition, most employers ask for some previous experience within the Chemical Field.
To be a Chemical Engineer you should have:
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Excellent technical knowledge
- Good team working skills
- The ability to priorities and plan effectively
- A high level of computer literacy, particularly computer-aided design
- Good commercial awareness
- The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
- Good problem-solving skills and a creative approach for new ideas
Postgraduate study
ME in Chemical Engineering
Specific entry requirements
Previous relevant work experience is often a requirement.
Pathway Courses
In Abroad
Where to study?
- Aalto University
- Abo Akademi
- Alagappa College of Technology Campus
- Andrews University
- Aston University
- Bharath University
- California Baptist University
- College of Engineering Guindy Campus
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University
- Czestochowa University of Technology
- Eastern Michigan University
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Grand Valley State University
- Imperial College London
- Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto / SUPERIOR INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING OF PORTO
- Kaunas University of Technology
- Keele University
- Kingston University
- Klaipeda University
- Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
- Latvian Academy of Culture
- Loughborough University
- Madras Institute of Technology
- McGill University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Miami University
- Plymouth University International College
- Prathyusha Institute of Technology and Management
- Ryerson University
- Swansea University
- The University of Nottingham
- University of Birmingham
- University Of Bridgeport
- University of Connecticut
- UNIVERSITY OF DEBRECEN
- University of East Anglia
- University of Essex
- University of Iowa
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Kent
- University Of Limerick
- University of Liverpool
- University of Ljubljana
- University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
- University of North Dakota
- University of Porto
- University of Portsmouth
- UNIVERSITY OF REZEKNE
- University of Rhode Island
- University of Rochester
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Surrey
- University of Technology Sydney
- University of Zielona Gora
- Vanderbilt University
- Vidzeme University College
- VILNIUS UNIVERSITY
- Waterford Institute Of Technology
- Wayne State University
- Wentworth Institute of Technology