What Kinds of Careers are Available in Chemical Engineering?

What Kinds of Careers are Available in Chemical Engineering?

Careers in chemical engineering integrate engineering and chemistry concepts to produce one-of-a-kind jobs that mix the manufacturing and research sectors. Chemical engineers find solutions to issues relating to the handling and use of chemicals. Chemical engineers typically build equipment, create chemical manufacturing processes, test manufactured goods, handle waste, and oversee production. Chemical engineering careers are available in a variety of sectors, including business, biotechnology, clothes, paper, textiles, electronics, photographic equipment, and apparel.

Careers in chemical engineering require the application of ideas from mechanical and electrical engineering, physics, math, and chemistry. Chemical engineering encompasses a variety of chemical processes, on which certain chemical engineering jobs may concentrate. These include oxidation and polymerization as two of the processes. Additionally, these professions may concentrate on a single area, such as materials science, automotive plastics, chlorine bleach, or the creation of fertilizers and pesticides.

Chemical engineers use computers regularly on the job to maximize research and production, so those pursuing a chemical engineering degree should be technologically savvy in order to apply computer knowledge to process analysis, control systems and quality control. Additionally, chemical engineering careers place a large emphasis on both safety and environmental awareness. Since this field comes with its dangers, chemical engineers must learn how to adopt safety practices and procedures on the job to keep themselves, other workers, and customers out of harm’s way. Additionally, most chemical engineering jobs come with a responsibility to protect the environment from chemicals and toxins, and a chemical engineer’s knowledge gained over time in this industry can contribute to a healthier quality of living for many.

About 55 percent of chemical engineers work in a manufacturing industry, and of these, the majority work with chemicals, electronics, petroleum and paper. Other chemical engineering careers involve scientific or technical work such as designing plants and researching and developing for chemical companies. Although chemical companies are continuing to develop new products, jobs in this industry are declining. The best bet for anyone pursuing a chemical engineering career is to enter into a non-manufacturing position such as service, research, or testing.

Pharmaceuticals is one area of chemical engineering that is likely to have significant growth. Developing streamlined output processes for chemical companies is of primary concern for engineering companies, and any engineers who are willing to step up to this challenge can expect to excel in the industry. As with many fields, chemical engineers who pursue a master’s degree after undergraduate study can expect to earn more money and see more opportunities for advancement.

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