Chemical engineers translate processes developed in the lab into practical applications for

the commercial production of products and then work to maintain and improve those
processes. They rely on the main foundations of engineering: math, physics, and chemistry
(though biology is playing an increasing role). The main role of chemical engineers is to
design and troubleshoot processes for the production of chemicals, fuels, foods,
pharmaceuticals, and biologicals, just to name a few. They are most often employed by
large-scale manufacturing plants to maximize productivity and product quality while
minimizing costs.

The aerospace, automotive, biomedical, electronic, environmental, medical, and military

industries seek the skills of chemical engineers in order to help develop and improve their
technical products, such as:

 Ultrastrong fibers, fabrics, and adhesives for vehicles

 Biocompatible materials for implants and prosthetics
 Films for optoelectronic devices

Chemical engineers work in almost every industry and affect the production of
almost every article manufactured on an industrial scale. Some typical tasks include:

 Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations

 Conducting research into improved manufacturing processes
 Designing and planning equipment layout
 Incorporating safety procedures for working with dangerous chemicals
 Monitoring and optimizing the performance of production processes
 Estimating production costs

Education
At a minimum, a four-year bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, with coursework in
chemistry, physics, math (through differential equations), and computers is required. Some
universities offer a five-year program that leads to both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
Most chemical engineers have a master’s degree and/or a Ph.D.

A chemical engineer’s curriculum is similar to that of a chemist but also includes coursework
in engineering-related areas such as heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, fluid
dynamics, process design and control, and electronics. Economics, psychology, and
political science help chemical engineers to understand the impact of technology on society.
Although they learn a lot of theory in the classroom, most of a chemical engineer’s
knowledge of real-world applications is derived from on-the-job training, so internships and
practical experience are essential.

Licensing
Chemical engineers are encouraged to obtain a license, but it is not always required (as it is
for many other engineering professions). Licensing generally requires a degree from an
accredited engineering program, passing scores on Fundamentals of Engineering (FE,
taken just after graduation) and Principals and Practice of Engineering (PPE) exams, and
four years of engineering experience. Those who pass are called Professional Engineers
(PEs) and may need continuing education to maintain the licensure. One benefit of being
licensed is that there are some jobs that only PEs can do (e.g., in some states you must be
licensed to teach engineering courses), and having your license may set you apart from
other candidates when applying for jobs.
Workspace

Chemical engineers typically work in manufacturing plants, research laboratories, or pilot

plant facilities. They work around large-scale production equipment that is housed both
indoors and outdoors and are often required to wear personal protective equipment, such
as hard hats, goggles, and steel-toe shoes. A typical workday for a chemical engineer
working in a plant may involve traveling from one function to the next within a facility.
Chemical engineers who work in business and management offices often visit research and
production facilities. Interaction with other people who are part of a team is critical to the
success of projects.

Technical Skills
Analytical Skills Math Skills Interpersonal Skills

Chemical engineers use Math skills are

Interpersonal skills and teamwork are
analytical, problem-solving, important, such as
and deductive reasoning using calculus and required, especially when identifying
skills to determine why a other advanced and solving problems between
 design does not work as
planned and to troubleshoot
to find a solution that does
mathematics
people in production and
techniques to model
flow parameters manufacturing and when working
with technicians and mechanics who
turn the chemical engineer’s designs
into reality

Career Path
Entry-level chemical engineers typically work under the supervision of more senior
engineers, especially before they earn their license. They may advance to supervising
teams of technicians or other management positions. Moving into technical sales or sales
engineering is also a possibility.

Employment Statistics

 Chemical Engineers (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

 Chemical Engineers (O*Net Online)

Future Employment Trends

The demand for chemical engineers at major chemical and pharmaceutical companies is
expected to continue but at a slower pace than average through 2020. Employment is tied
to the overall state of manufacturing and to the technologies used to create products
(biotechnology, alternative energies, etc.).

As the biotechnology industry continues to grow, opportunities for chemical engineers with a
background in biology will expand. Chemical engineering research jobs are increasing in
importance with the development and implementation of new energy sources designed as
substitutes for the world’s diminishing supplies of petroleum and natural gas.

Professional Associations

 ACS Technical Division of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry (ACS I&EC Division)
 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
 Association of Consulting Chemists and Chemical Engineers (ACC&CE)
 Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
 Electrochemical Society (ECS)
 Association of Energy Engineers
 Electrochemical Society
 National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and
Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
 Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
 Engineering student organizations