Chemical Engineer
What is the work like?
As a chemical engineer (also known as a process engineer) you would use your expertise to research and develop new products, such as synthetic materials and biofuels. You would also design manufacturing processes that turn raw materials into domestic and industrial products, for example medicines, toiletries and plastics.
If you worked in research and development, you would:
- test new ways to develop products in the lab
- use computer models to work out the safest and most cost-effective production methods
- plan how to move lab tests into a pilot production phase, then onto large-scale industrial processing
- develop methods to deal with by-products and waste materials in a safe and environmentally-friendly way.
In manufacturing, you would:
- work with plant designers to create equipment and control instruments for the production process
- help to oversee the day-to-day operation of the processing plant
- monitor production and deal with problems
- work closely with quality control and health and safety managers.
Depending on the size of your employer, you may only be responsible for the research or the manufacturing side. However, in both cases, you are likely to manage a team of chemical engineering technicians.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To find work as a chemical engineer, you would normally need an accredited BEng degree or a BTEC HNC or HND in chemical or process engineering. You can find details of accredited courses from the careers website of the Institution of Chemical Engineers at Whynotchemeng, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) below.
To get onto a chemical engineering degree, you will usually need at least five GCSEs (grades A-C), and two A levels including maths and a science subject. Some universities offer a foundation year for people without qualifications in maths and science. Please check with colleges or universities for their exact entry requirements.
You may have an advantage if you have a Masters degree (MEng) as well as a first degree in chemical engineering.
If you have a degree in a different branch of engineering, or in a related subject like chemistry or polymer science, it may help your chances of employment to take an MSc postgraduate degree in chemical or process engineering.
See the websites for Cogent, IChemE, IET and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction for information about engineering careers.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working, you would normally be trained on the job by your employer, possibly through a structured graduate training scheme.
Gaining incorporated or chartered status
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
IChemE and IET also offer a range of short continuing professional development (CPD) courses for you to develop your skills and knowledge throughout your career.
Where can I go for more information?
2nd FloorWeston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
London
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871
Rugby
CV21 3HQ
Tel: 01788 578214
Centre Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1GG
Tel: 01925 515200
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Graduate starting salaries are around £26,000 a year.
- Salaries for experienced engineers are between £30,000 and £45,000.
- Senior chartered chemical engineers can earn up to £60,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In research and development you would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with extra hours sometimes necessary to meet project deadlines.
In processing and manufacturing, you could work on a shift system, including weekends, evenings and nights.
You could be based in a lab, an office or a processing plant. You may need to use protective clothing and equipment in the lab and some production plant areas.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a flair for maths and science, particularly chemistry
- good problem-solving and analytical skills
- planning and organisational ability
- excellent IT skills
- the ability to manage projects, budgets and people
- good spoken and written communication skills
- the ability to work as part of a team
- a clear understanding of wider commercial pressures.
What opportunities are there?
You could work in a wide range of industries, including paper manufacture, cosmetics, food and drink, pharmaceuticals, textiles, oil and gas, energy and water. You would also find opportunities to work on overseas contracts.
With experience, you could progress to senior process or design engineer, research and development manager, or plant manager, and eventually overall operations manager. You could also move into consultancy work.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
The Engineer
The Chemical Engineer website
JustEngineers.net
Engineering Jobs Network
Oil and Gas 4U.com
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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