Chemical engineers are highly trained professionals with numerous important roles within society. Chemical engineers work in the production of chemicals and products requiring chemical processes for their manufacture. They generally work with industries and use their advanced knowledge of chemistry. Whilst research chemists work with the actual chemicals on a small scale, chemical engineers work to design and construct machinery and equipment that can reproduce the small amount of products that research chemists create on a large scale for mass manufacturing.

Chemical engineers need to have knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas including chemistry, physics, electrical and mechanical engineering. Some chemical engineers have specialist roles where they need specialized knowledge in certain areas such as oxidation or the production of plastics.

Chemical engineers are required in all sorts of industries, in fact most manufacturers require chemical engineers. Food and clothes manufacturers need chemical engineers as much as petroleum, chemical and electronic industries need them. Chemical engineers are needed to create the machinery and equipment used to manufacture goods.

 

 

The role of chemical engineers begins after research chemists have come up with a new product such as a new way to produce candy or natural gas. It is then the chemical engineers job to work out a way to produce this product on a large scale and outline the issues and necessities in manufacturing the product or process. They need to be very skilled at their job, as their designs can make or break a business, and can also put lives at risk if they create faulty machinery. They need extensive chemical knowledge to ensure that their machinery does not release deadly toxins into the air or affect the environment in a undesired way. Often chemical engineers will build mini small-scale versions of the plant they have designed to be able to see if there will be any problems that might occur before building the full-scale version.

Some chemical engineers work within factories and plants and ensure the smooth running of the machinery on an every day basis. If there are any problems with the machinery they will be on hand to identify and fix the problem before it gets worse. Other chemical engineers work as consultants, and they can be hired by smaller companies and businesses who may occasionally need the advice of a chemical engineer but not on a full-time basis. Chemical engineers who are doctorates may also work in universities and colleges either as teachers or researchers.

 

 

 

 

It is not easy to get into the field of chemical engineering, and the courses and education are very competitive and hard work. Chemical engineers need a minimum of a bachelors degree in chemical engineering before being able to enter the field. Engineering degrees generally take four to five years to complete, however most jobs in chemical engineering require you to have a masters degree as well which is an additional one or two years. If you want to work in a university either as a teacher or a researcher you must also complete a doctorate degree.

Before working as a chemical engineer (or any engineer for that matter) that offers their services to the public, you must have a license from the state that you want to work in. To get a license you generally need to have a degree as well as four years of engineering work experience and a passing grade on the states engineering exam.

Once you are a qualified chemical engineer you must also be willing to do more training throughout your career to keep up with the fast-paced developments of the industry. Usually employers will pay for extra training courses to ensure their employees are up to date.

The salaries of chemical engineers vary depending on experience and the type of job. The average salary of all chemical engineers in the USA is approximately $77,000. Those that only hold a bachelor degree have an average starting salary of approximately $54,000; and those with masters degrees generally start off on around $57,000 per year. Those with doctorates can expect to earn a starting salary of around $80,000. These salaries increase as you become more experienced.