Learn All About Becoming a Chemical Engineer

What is the job of a chemical engineer?

Chemical engineers solve problems concerning chemicals, food, fuel, and other items by applying math and science. They design manufacturing equipment, materials, and processes, as well as supervise production methods. Chemical engineers are responsible for the following tasks:

Research existing manufacturing processes

Chemical engineers meet with teams or clients to determine manufacturing needs and goals. They research existing processes and consider methods for improving productivity, lowering costs or meeting other objectives.

Design new equipment and processes

After conducting research, chemical engineers use chemical reactions to develop new ways to separate the basic components of elements like liquids and gases. They also design and use equipment to perform these processes.

Test and troubleshoot manufacturing designs

Once they complete the research and development phases, chemical engineers build prototypes and test their designs. They resolve problems with the processes or equipment and develop modified designs.

Advise about safety protocols

Because they work with chemicals and processes that may be dangerous, chemical engineers oversee safety procedures and comply with environmental regulations. They may advise colleagues about protocols or change equipment designs to eliminate safety issues.

Collaborate with engineering teams

Chemical engineers often undertake large projects with teams. They work closely and communicate regularly with other chemical engineers, project managers and manufacturing colleagues.

Average salary

Most chemical engineers have full-time positions. Their experience, professional certification, industry and location can impact their average earnings. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link.

• Common salary in the U.S.: $65,302 per year
• Some salaries range from $40,000 to $169,000 per year.

Chemical engineer requirements

Chemical engineer job descriptions typically require a combination of post-secondary education, on-the-job training, technical and soft skills and professional certification.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from a program approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is required for most field jobs. Candidates who earn a chemical engineering degree can expect to master a variety of chemistry, biology, physics and math fundamentals. Most degree programs focus on the processes and products related to molecular change and electronic, medical and commercial applications. Chemical engineering students typically take classes on thermodynamics, organic chemistry and transport processes.

Many ambitious chemical engineers also opt to pursue graduate degrees. Some universities offer five-year chemical engineering programs that enable candidates to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree within that time period. Many candidates also pursue independent master’s or doctoral degrees, especially if they want to advance to the highest positions available in the field.

Training

Chemical engineers often receive training through the cooperative programs and internships they complete as part of their undergraduate or graduate degrees. These programs often last for several months and allow aspiring chemical engineers to intern with local firms as they gain field experience.

Most chemical engineers also undergo on-the-job training programs when they start new positions. These programs teach new employees about the company’s procedures and technology and they may take the form of classes or seminars. The length of these programs depends on the employer.

On-the-job training also enables many chemical engineers to advance to higher-paying positions. Many work under head engineers and take on increasing tasks and responsibilities as they prepare to lead teams and projects.

Certifications

Entry-level chemical engineers do not usually need certifications or additional credentials, but advanced chemical engineers generally hold licenses. Those who offer chemical engineering services to the public also need licenses from their state of employment. Although state standards can vary, most states require the following:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from a chemical engineering program accredited by the ABET.
• Complete the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) test administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
• Gain at least four years of relevant work experience with increasing responsibility.
• Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to get a Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Skills

To succeed as a chemical engineer, you need the following skills:

• Analytical skills: Chemical engineers need analytical skills to research and make sense of encountered issues. They must know how to disassemble problems, determine what questions to ask and find solutions.
• Computer skills: Because chemical engineers use computers and technologically advanced equipment to test, experiment and document results, they need strong computer skills. Most use database and spreadsheet applications along with enterprise-level software to monitor their projects.
• Innovation: Chemical engineers constantly strive to devise new solutions to problems. They must be innovative and creative to develop new ideas and invent original processes.
• Interpersonal skills: Since chemical engineers often collaborate with colleagues throughout the manufacturing process, they need excellent interpersonal skills. They must build relationships to increase the impact and improve the success of their projects.
• Math and science skills: Chemical engineers use biology, chemistry, physics, calculus and other advanced math concepts in their daily work. They must apply these concepts as they research and design equipment and methods.
• Problem-solving skills: As they develop processes and materials, chemical engineers need advanced problem-solving skills so they can anticipate and resolve potential issues. Chemical engineers who can identify problems in advance typically produce more successful products.  

Chemical engineer work environment

Chemical engineers work in both office and laboratory settings, often shifting between the two on a typical day. They develop and test their designs in laboratories, and they perform administrative tasks in offices. Many also work in manufacturing facilities, especially when overseeing the manufacturing process.

Because their work can be dangerous, chemical engineers must follow strict safety protocols. They have to wear protective gear, including gloves, masks, eyewear and suits.

Since their work applies to so many industries, chemical engineers can find jobs in a wide range of fields. Many work in petroleum and coal manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing or food production.

How to become a chemical engineer

To get a job as a chemical engineer, follow these steps:

1. Pursue a bachelor’s degree: First, earn a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering to build a foundation in chemistry, biology, physics and engineering.

2. Consider a graduate degree: If you want to become a more competitive candidate or position yourself for an advanced field role, consider a master’s or doctoral degree in chemical engineering.

3. Take the FE exam: Next, complete the FE exam to become an engineer in training.

4. Get relevant work experience: Look for entry-level chemical engineering jobs to gain field experience. You need at least four years of experience with increasing responsibility to earn a license.

5. Earn a PE license: Finally, take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam and apply for your PE license.

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