Career Details
Badge

Chemical Engineer

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 safe and sustainable manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production.

Chemical engineers typically do the following:
  • Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes
  • Develop safety procedures for those working with potentially dangerous chemicals
  • Develop processes to separate components of liquids and gases or to generate electrical currents using controlled chemical processes
  • Design and plan the layout of equipment
  • Do tests and monitor performance of processes throughout production
  • Troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes
  • Evaluate equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
  • Estimate production costs for management

Some chemical 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 (making extremely small substances), biological engineering, or in developing specific products.

Chemical engineers also work in producing energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. They work in research in life sciences, biotechnology, and business services.

Chemical engineers must be aware of all aspects in the manufacturing of chemicals, drugs, or other products. They must also understand how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers.
Personality & Interest

Not sure if this career is suitable for you?

Take our FREE psychometry test to find out now!

Chemical engineers typically have an interest in the Doer and Thinker interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Doer interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Thinker interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws.

If you are not sure whether you have a Doer or Thinker interest which might fit with a career as a chemical engineer, you can take a career test to measure your interests.

Chemical engineers should also possess the following specific qualities:

Analytical skills. Chemical engineers must be able to figure out why a particular design does not work as planned. They must be able to ask the right questions and then find answers that work.


Creativity. Chemical engineers must be able to explore new ways of applying engineering principles. They work to invent new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and new applications in chemical and biomedical engineering.


Ingenuity. Chemical engineers learn the broad concepts of chemical engineering, but their work requires them to apply those concepts to specific production problems.


Interpersonal skills. Chemical engineers must develop good working relationships with people in production because their role is to put scientific principles into practice in manufacturing industries.


Math skills. Chemical engineers use the principals of calculus and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.


Problem-solving skills. In designing equipment and processes for manufacturing, these engineers strive to solve several problems at once, including such issues as workers’ safety and problems related to manufacturing and environmental protection. They must also be able to anticipate and identify problems to prevent losses for their employers, safeguard workers’ health, and prevent environmental damage.
Related Careers

Related Courses



Why Edumetry?
Neutral Entity
We are a neutral party providing unbias opinions and content of courses, not pushing you unnecessary information.
Free Services
All of our services are provided to students free of charge.
Psychometric Test Profile
We are the one-of-its-kind intelligent career test system that recommends courses according to your personality profile.
Support Edumetry

Edumetry exists to encourage education in Malaysia.

If you find our free services helpful, kindly support us by fully making use of all our features:

  • Psychometry Test
  • Course Matching
  • Schedule Campus Tour
  • Speak to a representative
  • Course application

And of course, share Edumetry with your friends!

Your support will help keep Edumetry alive for future generations to come.


I'm Interested
Back To Career Details
Whatsapp Button