Chemical engineers use the principles of chemistry and engineering
to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals. They
design equipment and develop processes for large scale chemical manufacturing,
plan and test methods of manufacturing the products and treating the by-products
and supervise production.
Chemicals are used in the processing and treatment of many of the foods
we eat, much of the water we drink, and many of the clothes we wear.
Chemical engineers develop the processes and design the factories that
make it possible to bring such products to consumers. Some chemical
engineers supervise the actual construction of new facilities. They
test equipment and teach operators how to use it. Other chemical
engineers work in the manufacturing process itself. They make sure
that standards of quality are met while production costs are kept as low
as possible. Some teach and do research at colleges and universities.
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. They also process chemicals, which are
used to make or improve just about everything you see around you.
Chemical engineers frequently specialize in a particular operation
such as oxidation, pollution control or the production of specific products
such as automotive plastics or chlorine bleach.
Chemical engineers are increasingly using computer technology to optimize
all phases of production and therefore need to understand how to apply
computer skills to process analysis, computer control systems, and statistical
quality control.
You usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering
to enter this field. It generally takes four or five years to earn
a bachelor degree in engineering. Many jobs in chemical engineering
also require advanced degrees. You can earn a master degree in one or two
additional years of full time study.
Many chemical engineers find that a master’s degree in business administration
is useful, especially if they want to become managers. If you want
to do research or teach at the university level, you will need a doctoral
degree. It usually takes about four years of full time study beyond
the bachelor’s degree level to earn a doctoral degree. Chemical engineers
must be willing to study throughout their careers so that they can keep
up with advances in engineering technology.
Chemical engineers can work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare,
design and construction, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food processing,
specialty chemicals, polymers, biotechnology, environmental health and
safety industries and other places.
Within these industries, chemical engineers rely on their knowledge
of mathematics and science—particularly chemistry— to overcome technical
problems safely and economically.
Most Chemical engineers generally work in clean, well-equipped
plants, offices, and laboratories. At times they must supervise construction
or production lines. Although chemicals can be dangerous, workers
follow strict safety regulations and injuries are rare. The basic
workweek for chemical engineers is 40 hours long, but overtime is often
necessary. They must be able to work as park of a team and to communicate
their ideas well. Chemical engineers must be creative and imaginative
and enjoy the challenges of mastering new areas of their field.
Chemical engineers held over 49,000 jobs in 1996. Two thirds
of chemical engineers are employed in the chemical, petroleum refining,
paper, and other manufacturing industries. The employment outlook
for chemical engineers is good. The number of jobs is expected to
increase about as fast as the average for all jobs through the year 2006,
mainly because of expansion in the energy and chemical industries.
However, computer technology is improving production techniques, which
will result in fewer job openings. Much of the growth in employment
will be in nonmanufacturing industries. Job opportunities for chemical
engineers will be better in pharmaceuticals, with specialty chemical manufacturers,
and in plastic materials.
Earnings vary depending on the experience of the chemical engineer,
the location, and the type of job. Currently, chemical engineers
with a bachelor’s degree earn a starting salary of about $42,800 a year.
Engineers with advanced degrees start at salaries that average about $59,200
a year. Experienced chemical engineers earn an average salary of
about $52,600 annually, whereas some senior engineers earn $99,200 or more
a year. Chemical engineers employed by private companies generally
earn more money than those working for the federal government. Benefits
usually include paid holidays and vacation, health insurance, and pension
plans.
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.
In conclusion, a career in chemical engineering
seems to be a positive one. There are not many negative aspects except
for overtime hours, and continuous learning, However, the positive aspects
surely outweigh the negative.
