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Careers in Biology

Chemical Engineer

by Emily Porter;

Snapshot

Career Cluster(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Interests: Chemistry; Mathematics; Problem-solving; Critical Thinking; Analyzing Data

Earnings (Yearly Average): $108,540

Employment & Outlook: As Fast As Average Growth Expected

Overview

Sphere of Work

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations.

Work Environment

Chemical engineers work in offices or laboratory settings, although sometimes they must work in an industrial setting to oversee production.

Occupation Interest

Those with a strong interest in science and mathematics may enjoy a career in chemical engineering. This profession creatively uses the concepts of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to generate a variety of solutions to real-world issues and obstacles. Chemical engineers use their problem-solving skills and analytical minds to discover and fix problems and improve existing products and technologies.

CIBiology_p0085_1.jpg

Photo via iStock/sanjeri. [Used under license.]

Profile

Working Conditions: Inside Work

Physical Strength: Light Work

Education Needs: Bachelor’s Degree

Licensure/Certification: Optional

Opportunities for Experience: Internship; Apprenticeship

Interest Score: IR

A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities

Chemical engineers develop and design chemical manufacturing processes. Some chemical engineers, known as process engineers, specialize in a particular process, such as oxidation (a reaction of oxygen with chemicals to make other chemicals) or polymerization (making plastics and resins).

Others specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials (extremely small substances) or biological engineering. Still others specialize in developing specific products.

In addition, chemical engineers work in the production of energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. They must understand how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers.

Chemical engineers also conduct research in the life sciences, biotechnology, and business services. Biology plays a key role in the work of many chemical engineers, particularly those working in medicine. When it comes to manufacturing new medicines, medical treatments, and artificial organs, and understanding the chemistry of the human body, chemical engineers utilize biology in their day-to-day life.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conducting research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes

  • Establishing safety procedures for those working with dangerous chemicals

  • Developing processes for separating components of liquids and gases, or for generating electrical currents, by using controlled chemical processes

  • Designing and planning the layout of equipment

  • Implementing tests and monitoring the performance of processes throughout production

  • Troubleshooting problems with manufacturing processes

  • Evaluating equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations

  • Estimating production costs for management

Work Environment

Immediate Physical Environment

Chemical engineers work mostly in offices or laboratories. They may spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Chemical engineers must be able to work with those who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics who put the designs into practice. Some engineers travel extensively to plants or worksites, both domestically and abroad.

In addition, chemical engineers may need to be available outside of normal work hours to address unexpected problems that come up in manufacturing operations or rural construction projects.

Chemical engineers can be exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals and plant equipment, but such exposure can be avoided if proper procedures are followed.

Human Environment

Although some chemical engineers may conduct isolated work within their office or laboratory setting, many communicate with a wide range of individuals on a daily basis, from other engineers and lab techs to government officials, construction personnel, and machine operators. Developing healthy workplace relationships with coworkers is important to ensure practical communication between a team of engineers working on a project.

Technological Environment

Chemical engineers operate varying computer software, such as analytical and scientific software, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and office suite software. In addition to any equipment that they may design themselves, chemical engineers may use freeze dryers, heat exchangers, laboratory mixers, spectrometers, and microscopes of assorted sizes. They may operate plant equipment or use laboratory gear to deal with potentially hazardous chemicals, which must be maneuvered safely to avoid harmful accidents and exposure.

Education, Training, and Advancement

High School/Secondary

Students interested in studying chemical engineering will benefit from taking high school courses in math and science. When available, advanced courses in chemistry, calculus, biology, physics, and other math courses are useful to chemical engineering. English courses are valuable for sharpening communication and interpersonal skills. Because chemical engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software, computer programming courses may give students a jumpstart on understanding these complex computer systems. Beginners can gain beneficial experience in the field through engineering, science, or math clubs and other extracurricular activities.

Suggested High School Subjects

  • Algebra

  • Biology

  • Calculus

  • Chemistry

  • Civics

  • Computer Programming

  • Economics

  • English

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Geography

  • Geometry

  • History

  • Math Analysis

  • Physics

  • Statistics

  • Trigonometry

Related Career Pathways/Majors

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Career Cluster

  • Engineering & Technology Career Pathway

Transferable Skills and Abilities

Analytical Skills

  • Troubleshooting designs that do not work as planned

  • Asking the right questions and finding answers that work

Creativity

  • Exploring new ways of applying engineering principles

  • Investigating possibilities to invent new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and new applications in chemical and biomedical engineering

Ingenuity

  • Learning the broad concepts of chemical engineering and applying those concepts to specific production problems

Interpersonal Skills

  • Developing good working relationships with other workers involved in production processes

Math Skills

  • Using the principles of advanced math topics such as calculus for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work

Problem-solving Skills

  • Anticipating and identifying problems, including such issues as workers’ safety and problems related to manufacturing and environmental protection

Postsecondary

Chemical engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Programs in chemical engineering usually take 4 years to complete and include classroom, laboratory, and field studies.

At some universities, students can opt to enroll in 5-year engineering programs that lead to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. A graduate degree, which may include a degree up to the PhD level, allows an engineer to work in research and development or as a postsecondary teacher.

Some colleges and universities offer internships and/or cooperative programs in partnership with industry. In these programs, students gain practical experience while completing their education.

Related College Majors

  • Biochemistry

  • Biotechnology

  • Chemistry

  • Clinical Laboratory Science

  • Engineering

  • Forensic Chemistry

  • Materials Engineering

  • Pharmaceutical Science

Adult Job Seekers

Ideally, adults seeking a career in chemical engineering have experience in a similar or related field. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject is necessary when trying to find work in this field. Adult job seekers without a related degree or applicable experience that are interested in becoming a chemical engineer need to enroll in relevant continuing education courses or in a postsecondary accredited college or university. Without a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a similar subject, there are no opportunities for an adult to work in this field.

Professional Certification and Licensure

Licensure for chemical engineers is not as common as it is for other engineering occupations, nor is it required for entry-level positions. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure requires a degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited engineering program; a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam; relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years; and a passing score on the PE exam.

The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE).

Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require engineers to take continuing education to maintain their licenses.

Additional Requirements

In addition to having an advanced understanding of science and math, chemical engineers must have a willingness to provide creative solutions to real-world problems, find ways to make advancements on existing products, or create new products altogether.

Earnings and Advancement

Earnings of chemical engineers depend on their education and experience, employer, and the types of responsibilities they take on. Median annual earnings of chemical engineers were $108,540 in 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,430 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $168,960.

Chemical engineers may receive benefits such as paid vacations, holidays, and sick days; life and health insurance; and retirement benefits, usually paid by the employer.

Fast Fact

The field of chemical engineering is a diverse one, covering areas from biotechnology and nanotechnology to mineral processing. Some new topics in chemical engineering include environmental sanitation at factories, and developing types of energy other than those from gas or oil. Source: kids.kiddle.co

CIBiology_p0090_1.jpg

Photo via iStock/industryview. [Used under license.]

Entry-level chemical engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers. In large companies, beginner engineers also may receive formal training in classrooms or seminars. As junior chemical engineers gain knowledge and experience, they move to more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions.

Eventually, chemical engineers may advance to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Some may become architectural and engineering managers. Preparing for management positions usually requires working under the guidance of a more experienced chemical engineer.

An engineering background enables chemical engineers to discuss a product’s technical aspects and assist in product planning and use, which lends itself to a career in sales.

Employment and Outlook

There were approximately 26,300 chemical engineers employed nationally in 2020. Employment of chemical engineers is expected to grow as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2030, at a rate of 9 percent.

Demand for chemical engineers depends primarily on demand for the products of various manufacturing industries. Many chemical engineers work in manufacturing firms that provide products to other firms. For example, environmental and sustainability concerns have led chemistry and manufacturing firms to research alternative fertilizers, resulting in a need for chemical engineers.

In addition, chemical engineering will continue to migrate into other fields, such as nanotechnology, alternative energies, and biotechnology, and thereby help to sustain demand for engineering services in many manufacturing industries.

Related Occupations

  • Architectural/Engineering Manager

  • Bioengineer/Biomedical Engineer

  • Chemical Technician

  • Chemist/Materials Scientist

  • Nuclear Engineer

  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialist/Technician

More Information

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

415 North Charles Street

Baltimore, MD

410.347.7700

comms@abet.org

www.abet.org

American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

120 Wall Street, FL

New York, NY10005-4020

800.242.4363

www.aiche.org

Career Center: internships.aiche.org

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

1818 N Street N.W., Suite

Washington, DC

202.331.3500

www.asee.org

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)

200 Verdae Boulevard

Greenville, SC

800.250.3196

www.ncees.org

National Society for Professional Engineers (NSPE)

1420 King Street

Alexandria, VA

888.285.6773

www.nspe.org

Technology Student Association (TSA)

1904 Association Drive

Reston, VA 20191-1540

703.860.9000

general@tsaweb.org

www.tsaweb.org

Conversation With... Andrew Zydney

Distinguished Professor, Chemical Engineering

Pennsylvania State University

Chemical Engineer, 35 years

What was your individual career path in terms of education/training, entry-level job, or other significant opportunity?

I received my BS in Chemical Engineering from Yale University, then went to MIT for my PhD in Chemical Engineering. I had always been interested in—and good at—science and math, and thought engineering might be a good fit. I didn’t know much about the field, but took an “Introduction to Chemical Engineering” course as a sophomore, and did so well that the instructor offered me a position as a research assistant in his lab. I loved doing research, and I became hooked on the discipline as a career path. I’ve never regretted that. I enjoy applying the principles of chemistry to solve problems, as well as the combination of mathematics with chemistry.

In graduate school, I was involved in a research project looking at the use of membrane filtration to remove toxic plasma proteins from blood, which was being considered as a treatment for diseases ranging from cancer to rheumatoid arthritis to lupus. I really enjoyed learning the fundamentals of membrane separations and was excited about the impact the work could have on human health. I have continued to do research in both membranes and health-related technology. I’m currently working on projects ranging from the purification of polysaccharide-based vaccines, to the use of novel membranes for the purification of plasmid DNA for gene therapy, to the analysis of virus removal filtration processes used to ensure the safety of a wide range of therapeutics.

What are the most important skills and/or qualities for someone in your profession?

My roles as chemical engineer and professor each have a somewhat different, although overlapping, skill set. Chemical engineers need a solid foundation in chemistry, physics, and the life sciences, as well as a strong background in math. They need to be good problem solvers who see the big picture.

As a professor, I have significant responsibilities in research and teaching. Both require strong communication skills, although the nature of the communications is very different. Research requires creativity and insight, including the ability to draw connections between ideas. As a researcher, I spend a tremendous amount of time writing manuscripts, funding proposals, and progress reports.

Teaching requires an ability to recognize that everyone has his or her own learning style. My responsibility is to try to connect with each student and effectively communicate complex material in a way that expands each student’s understanding.

What do you wish you had known going into this profession?

I initially had no idea of the field’s breadth. Chemical engineers provide a unique perspective to the industries in which they’re involved, with a focus on the chemical and/or biological reactions involved in making and purifying products and the molecular characteristics of novel materials and products.

I also did not appreciate the importance of strong communications skills; I naively thought all I needed was a strong technical base.

Are there many job opportunities in your profession? In what specific areas?

Chemical engineers find jobs in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, medicine, electronics, plastics, the food industry, consumer products, consulting, the environment, biofuels and renewable energy, nanotechnology, process safety, and the chemical and petroleum industries. Recent natural gas finds in the U.S. have created exciting new opportunities in energy.

How do you see your profession changing in the next five years, what role will technology play in those changes, and what skills will be required?

Developing more sustainable sources of energy and converting life sciences discoveries into cost-effective approaches for improving human health are key challenges. Solutions will require an ability to function effectively on interdisciplinary teams of individuals with very different backgrounds. In addition, chemical engineers will need a greater appreciation of economic constraints, policy and regulatory issues, and public perceptions.

What do you enjoy most about your job? What do you enjoy least about your job?

Chemical engineering is a vibrant field that builds directly on developments in the basic sciences and helps convert those discoveries into solutions to major societal challenges. To me, research and the challenge of working on a problem that no one has ever solved before is incredibly exciting. Teaching can be hugely satisfying as well; it’s wonderful to see a student have that “a ha” moment when everything falls into place after having struggled with a complex concept.

To be successful in research, one must write proposals that will generate external funding to support a research program. It’s time-consuming and often frustrating; competition is high and most grant proposals are rejected—so that’s probably the least enjoyable part of my job.

Can you suggest a valuable “try this” for students considering a career in your profession?

Playing with a good chemistry set is a great way to see if you enjoy chemistry. Do number puzzles and brainteasers to see if you enjoy solving problems because chemical engineers must be excellent problem solvers. Entering a science fair will give you a feel for what research is all about. As for teaching, help other students with difficult problems or concepts to see if you have a natural ability to teach and communicate.

This interview was originally published in 2015.

Citation Types

Type
Format
MLA 9th
Porter;, Emily. "Chemical Engineer." Careers in Biology,Salem Press, 2022. Salem Online, online.salempress.com/articleDetails.do?articleName=CIBiology_0011.
APA 7th
Porter;, E. (2022). Chemical Engineer. Careers in Biology. Salem Press. online.salempress.com.
CMOS 17th
Porter;, Emily. "Chemical Engineer." Careers in Biology. Hackensack: Salem Press, 2022. Accessed May 09, 2025. online.salempress.com.