Chemical engineers are among the highest paid
professionals in engineering with an average wage of $99,440 per year as of May
2011, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In general, chemical engineers
work in the design and development of chemical manufacturing equipment,
processes and products. Equipment used in chemical plants help in the
production of gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastic products, laundry detergents
and household cleaners, concrete and paper-based products. Engineers help
formulate the ingredients for chemical-based products, develop the equipment
used to manufacturer or process them and create the procedures used in the
process.
A primary function of chemical engineers is to
figure out how to turn raw materials into products for personal consumption or
public use. Over time, their assessments of raw materials help them develop
equipment and processes to create the transformation into products. In the
early 21st century, societal demands for better energy conservation and
environmentally safe business practices changed the nature of chemical
engineering a bit. In the past, engineers were most concerned with how to
effectively and profitably turn materials into usable products. Now, they might
also consider how to build solutions that more efficiently use gas and other
energy resources. Additionally, they have to consider whether any chemicals
used are harmful to the environment. Along with generating profit for
companies, chemical engineers make valuable contributions to many areas of
life. Chemical engineering helps lead to advances in health care, including
technology and medicine. They also help develop processing systems that more
efficiently manage waste disposal.
Chemical engineering plays a vital role in food
processing that helps companies make food consumable in a more affordable and
healthy way. Also, chemical engineers are a major player in national defence
with their involvement in the development of high-tech weapons and ammunition.
It would take too long to list all the products that are impacted by chemical
engineers, but knowing what industries employ them may help you comprehend the
scope of their work. Chemical engineers work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals,
healthcare, design and construction, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food
processing, specialty chemicals, microelectronics, electronic and advanced
materials, polymers, business services, biotechnology, and environmental health
and safety industries, among others.
Within these industries, chemical engineers rely on
their knowledge of mathematics and science—particularly chemistry— to overcome
technical problems safely and economically. And, of course, they draw upon and
apply their engineering knowledge to solve any technical challenges they
encounter. Don't make the mistake of thinking that chemical engineers only
“make things,” though. Their expertise is also applied in the areas of law,
education, publishing, finance, and medicine, as well as in many other fields
that require technical training. Specifically, chemical engineers improve food
processing techniques, and methods of producing fertilizers, to increase the
quantity and quality of available food.
They also construct the synthetic fibers that make
our clothes more comfortable and water resistant; they develop methods to
mass-produce drugs, making them more affordable; and they create safer, more
efficient methods of refining petroleum products, making energy and chemical
sources more productive and cost effective. Chemical engineers also develop
solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control and remediation.
And yes, they process chemicals, which are used to make or improve just about
everything you see around you. Chemical engineers face many of the same
challenges that other professionals face, and they meet these challenges by
applying their technical knowledge, communication and teamwork skills; the most
up-to-date practices available; and hard work. Benefits include financial
reward, recognition within industry and society, and the gratification that
comes from working with the processes of nature to meet the needs of society.
