What does a Chemical Engineer do?
Chemical engineers apply principles found in the STEM fields, including chemistry, biology, physics, and math, to solve problems in the production or use of products. They transform raw materials into practical, everyday items including food, clothing, drinks, or energy.
Chemical engineers apply their learned STEM-related skill sets across a spectrum of consumer and other sectors including technology, food and drink, recycling, or treating disease. Chemical engineers are also responsible for the design process and the equipment often used in large-scale manufacturing plant and pest production methods. With basic training in math, engineering, physics and in-depth knowledge and understanding of chemistry and biology, they also influence various areas of technology by rethinking design processes for production, transformation, and for the transportation of materials. Chemical engineers have a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fields.
- Investigate and respond to complaints relating to engineering projects.
- Conduct feasibility studies and product/material evaluations. determines required budget, funding sources and time tables for new projects.
- Investigate, recommend and implement field changes. perform emergency design for field personnel.
- Determine need for future projects and conduct necessary preliminary studies and design.
- Occasional stooping, kneeling, twisting, and crouching may occur with this position.
- Serve as an engineering, architectural and technical resource for the division.
- Initiate and coordinate plan revisions with other division sections.
- Estimate quantities and costs and recommend annual capital improvements program budget.
- Assist in preparation of technical reports and design documents, including calculations, narratives, maps, charts, figures, and tables.
- Order materials and supplies for the completion of daily tasks.
- Provide scientific and technical support for multidisciplinary project teams.
- Be part of a highly collaborative interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists where communication skills and an attention to detail are vital to team achievement.
- Ensure high quality data generation throughout the process and provide analysis and technical reports.
- Practice safe work habits and adhere to safety procedures and guidelines.
- Carry out complex and innovative research assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures. prepare plans and write specifications.
- Help train and develop modeling expertise within the department.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business, chemical engineering, civil engineering, or engineering.
- Experience with AutoCAD and R Language software and systems.
- Prior experience as a consultant.
- Demonstrated leadership and decision making skills.
- A history of sound problem analysis and attention to detail for problem solving.
- Fluency in surveying, concept development, and project design.
- Comfortable sharing findings as well as conducting environmental impact studies and cost estimates.
- Able to assist with decision making using expertise, leadership, and a positive attitude.
- Can prioritize tasks and projects accordingly.
How much does a Chemical Engineer make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$100,783
/ yrChemical Engineer Career Path
Learn how to become a Chemical Engineer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Chemical Engineer Insights
NCP Alcohols“There is a lot to learn and it offers great experience in all engineering fields.”
Ecoservices“One pro is that there is good work life balance most of the time and is understanding of life events.”
Sime Darby“Good and best along with good benefits”
ExxonMobil“Good work life balance and great”
Chang Chun Group“Low pay and benefit are not good enough.”
Essential Industries“Was able to get myself comfortable in life and had decent opportunities to work my way up when I asked.”
Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries“kipic is the safest place to work and it is good growing company”
Keurig Dr Pepper“Great people the best”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of chemical engineers
A chemical engineer spends their day designing processes that assist a company's manufacturing or production. They perform laboratory testing, use a computer to draft design documents, and they create plans for implementation. They will collaborate with others in the company with emails, phone calls, and meetings to report on progress and oversee production.
Yes, many industries depend on chemical engineers for their roles in processing chemical materials. Chemical engineers are employed in pharmaceuticals, electronics, biotechnology, environmental engineering, and energy companies, among others. Working as a chemical engineer is usually a full time job.
Yes, the average salary for a chemical engineer is $100,783 in the United States. Chemical engineers in senior positions can make up to $159,410 per year. Pay varies based on the industry, location of the company, and job experience.
To become a successful chemical engineer you need a strong educational background in math, physics, biology, and chemistry. They are like scientists, performing experiments towards a desired outcome. This can be tedious and discouraging. Chemical engineers are constantly exposed to dangerous substances and need to be fastidious with safety protocols.