What does a Chemical Engineer do?

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.