Chemical (process) engineer: job description
Chemical engineers (or process engineers) are responsible for developing new industrial processes and designing new process plants and equipment or modifying existing ones. The processes that they come up with are used to create products ranging from oil and gas to food and drink. The role can include:
- testing new processes
- collecting data required to make improvements and modifications
- overseeing the construction of new plants
- using and developing process simulation software to work out the best production methods
- purchasing and installing equipment
- using scientific principles related to magnitude, momentum, heat transfer etc
- supervising plant operations
- investigating and troubleshooting plant/process problems
- scheduling and coordinating work to tight deadlines and within financial budgets
- ensuring that equipment works to its specification and to appropriate capacities
- assessing safety and environmental issues
- liaising with installation/project engineers and specialists
- ensuring safe working conditions and compliance with health and safety legislation.
You can find out more about chemical engineering by reading our chemicals industry sector overview, written by an experienced chemical engineer.
Vacancies are advertised online, by careers services and recruitment agencies, in local and national newspapers and in a number of technical journals such as TARGETjobs Engineering, The Chemical Engineer, Chemistry & Industry and Materials World.You can also find help on finding and applying for jobs with smaller engineering companies here.
- For help with applying for engineering jobs and internships, take a look at our engineering CV and covering letter tips and our advice on filling out online applications
- To find out how much money you could earn as an engineer, head to our engineering salary round-up
There are routes into this career for both graduates and school leavers. Graduates will need a degree in a relevant subject such as chemical engineering, biochemical engineering or mechanical engineering. Some employers will ask for a 2.1 degree but others will accept candidates with a 2.2 degree. Take a look at our list of engineering employers that accept 2.2 degrees.
A postgraduate qualification can be beneficial, and may be necessary for some posts. A list of accredited courses is available on the Engineering Council’s website and you can read our article on engineering postgraduate options to explore your options.
For school leavers, higher apprenticeships in process engineering or in various aspects of manufacturing engineering are available. To find out more about getting into engineering via a school leaver route, visit the engineering section of TARGETcareers, our website aimed at school leavers.
Opportunities to gain experience and an insight into the profession are provided by many employers via vacation work, sponsorship and industrial placements.Take a look at our list of engineering employers who offer industrial placements and summer internships.
Achieving chartered (CEng) status with the Engineering Council can help to demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to your field. To become chartered, you will need an accredited bachelors degree in engineering or technology, plus an appropriate masters degree (MEng) or doctorate (EngD) accredited by a professional engineering institution such as Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). You will also be eligible with an integrated MSc. To find out more, take a look at our guide to chartership.
Read our article on the skills engineering employers look for for more information and then find out how you can prove you possess these competencies at engineering assessment centres.