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Chemical Engineer Job Profile / Description
Chemical engineering involves working with pioneering valuable new materials and techniques, such as nanotechnology, fuel cells and bio-medical engineering.
Chemical engineers would work in many industries including, for example, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, energy, food and drink etc
They are mainly involved in designing and developing and operating industrial processes for all kinds of products.
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What's the role of a chemical engineer?
Here are some of the things you would be doing as a chemical engineer:
- Working closely with chemists and engineers to ensure the process plant is working efficiently;
- Appointing scale-up and scale-down process;
- Evaluating options for plant expansion or reconfiguration by testing process simulation models;
- Designing, installing and commissioning new production facilities;
- Optimization of production through the analysis of processes;
- Application of new technologies;
- Consideration of the potential security issues related to the project manager, environment, the process and the product.
What are the entry requirements?
The normal route is to have a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) which is a three year course or a Master of Engineering (Meng) which is a four year course. The preferred subjects would be in biochemistry/chemistry/engineering but other subjects that would be considered include applied chemistry, polymer science, environmental engineering, biomedical engineering and nuclear engineering.
To gain chartered status, as a graduate with BEng, you would need to do a period of further study and work experience however those with Meng would only need some kind of work experience.
Some employers would consider a foundation degree or HND if a degree or masters has not been obtained.
What skills should a chemical engineer have?
Some of the most important skills are:
- Interest in chemistry, maths and engineering;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Excellent project management skills;
- Good team working skills;
- Good leadership and management skills;
- IT skills;
- Attention to detail;
- Innovation and creativity.
What could I earn?
As a guide, starting salaries for graduate engineers are around £28,000. Experienced chemical engineers may recieve around £53,000. High level engineers can earn over £70,000. Salaries vary depending on the sector, location, size and type of organisation.
How many hours a week would I work?
You would be expected to work a normal office based 35-40 hours per week but some over-time is likely.
Is there career progression for a chemical engineer?
There is continuing professional development (CPD) offered through your career to help improve knowledge and develop your career. By receiving chartered status you will be progressing your career.
Graduates can gain additional experience through getting involved in a range of different projects and changing companies. There are opportunities to become project managers, jobs in specialist roles and development in commercial areas e.g. sales. Plus there are many international opportunities that crop up in large manufacturing companies.
What training is there?
Many companies offer internal training programs for graduates to make sure they get the wide range of experience to develop a career as a professional engineer. IChemE benchmark many of these schemes, known as accredited Company training schemes (ACTS).
IChemE offer a number of training events and is the professional body for chemical engineers. You can visit their website for further information.
Some employers offer on the job training and programmes that help you to work towards CEng status.
Where can I find chemical engineer roles?
Simply click on this link to find the chemical engineer roles in your location.
Search for chemical engineer roles here.
Get chemical engineer jobs sent to your inbox right here.
Browse through other engineering jobs here.
Find out information about other engineering jobs here.
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