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Chemical Engineer

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Chemical engineers design and coordinate the construction and operation of manufacturing facilities and processes which convert raw materials into everyday products such as petrol, toothpaste, pharmaceuticals and plastics.

Chemical engineers may perform the following tasks:

  • seek new and more efficient processes and materials, or improve or find new uses for existing materials
  • design methods and equipment to control and contain the processes that transform basic materials into useful products
  • ensure the safe, efficient and environmentally friendly operation of equipment and test products at various stages of production to check the quality
  • make plans and specifications for new production plants, taking into account available technology, the cost and size of equipment and storage space, market needs, transport methods and disposal of surplus substances
  • review current methods of production for cost efficiency, environmental friendliness, maximum output and product quality
  • identify faults in the day-to-day operation of process plants (e.g. oil refining, steel making, water treatment) and take corrective action
  • prepare reports, feasibility studies and cost analyses of processes
  • provide product process information to sales and marketing personnel or customers
  • direct and coordinate the work of maintenance and construction tradespeople or process plant operators.

Specialisations:

Chemical engineers may specialise in the following diverse fields:

  • Bioprocess - involves pharmaceuticals and the food and drink industries.
  • Chemical Process - involves the fertiliser industry, including pesticides and herbicides, caustic soda, glass and specialty chemicals.
  • Combustion - involves large industrial furnaces such as those for steel manufacture or for power generation from coal or gas.
  • Environmental - involves waste and water treatment, environmental regulations and recycling.
  • Minerals - involves major minerals industries such as alumina/aluminium, steel, copper, lead and gold.
  • Petrochemicals - involves the conversion of oil and gas into plastics, synthetic rubber and similar end uses.
  • Petroleum - involves the production of oil, gas and LPG from onshore and offshore fields.
  • Process Control - involves the instrumentation and control systems which enable a manufacturing process to run smoothly, safely and efficiently.
  • Project Delivery - involves the construction of a process plant, converting the design into an efficient, safe operating plant.

Chemical engineers may advance to become business, technical, financial or works managers, personnel directors or managing directors of large companies.

Chemical engineers usually work standard hours, but may be called in to meet demanding deadlines. Those with responsibilities for continuous process plants may be on call 24 hours a day. Some may work shifts during the commissioning of new plants.

Workplaces range from laboratories and processing plants to engineering design offices and research institutions.

Personal Requirements:

  • enjoy technical and engineering work
  • safety conscious
  • able to identify, analyse and solve problems
  • good communication skills
  • good at computing and design
  • practical and creative
  • able to work independently and accept responsibility.

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