What does a Chemical Engineer do?
Published 3 min read
A chemical engineer is someone who designs and oversees the construction of factories that produce chemicals. They also develop new ways to create and use chemicals.
Chemical Engineer job duties include:
- Developing processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing
- Identifying and resolving production problems
- Conducting research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes
- Planning and designing plant layout
- Estimating production costs and setting product prices
- Supervising the work of technologists, technicians and other engineers
- Selecting appropriate construction materials and equipment
- Monitoring environmental compliance issues
- Providing technical support to sales, marketing and other departments
Chemical Engineer Job Requirements
A chemical engineer typically has a bachelor's degree in engineering, although a bachelor's degree in chemistry is also acceptable. A graduate degree is often necessary for advancement. Chemical engineers must be licensed in all states. In order to become licensed, engineers must pass two exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The FE exam can be taken after earning a bachelor's degree, while the PE exam must be taken after completing four years of professional experience.
Chemical Engineer Skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Organizational skills
- Time management skills
- Leadership skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Teamwork skills
- Creativity
- Critical thinking
- Patience
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How to become a Chemical Engineer
A chemical engineer is someone who designs, develops, and oversees the construction of facilities and equipment for the manufacturing of chemicals. They also develop processes for the production of chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
There are many different types of chemical engineering, but all share a common goal: to create new materials or processes that can be used to improve the quality of life for people around the world.
If you’re interested in becoming a chemical engineer, you’ll need to have strong math and science skills. You should also be able to think creatively and solve problems. A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is typically required for entry-level positions in this field.
Once you have your degree, you can start working as a chemical engineer in a variety of industries. Many chemical engineers work in the petroleum industry, developing new ways to extract oil and gas from the earth. Others work in the pharmaceutical industry, developing new drugs and medical treatments.
No matter what industry you work in, as a chemical engineer you will use your knowledge of chemistry and physics to develop new products or processes that can improve the quality of life for people around the world.
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