CHEMICAL ENGINEERS California Occupational Guide Number 8 Interest Area 5-A 1998
THE JOB
CHEMICAL ENGINEERS convert scientific discoveries into marketable products. They are involved in many aspects of chemical production, research and design, as well as in the construction and operation of industrial plants. Chemical engineering is a diverse and complex profession. Frequently, engineers specialize in one area, such as food, pharmaceuticals, heat transfer and energy conversion, petrochemicals (chemicals made from petroleum or natural gas), or consumer products such as plastics, detergents, paint, and synthetic textiles. Others specialize in one particular aspect of chemical production, such as oxidation, evaporation, or polymerization (the process of joining single molecules together into long chains).
Chemical Engineers develop equipment for the manufacture of chemicals and related products and for the prevention of air, water, and soil pollution. They conduct research to develop new manufacturing processes, analyze operating procedures, equipment and machinery functions, and make recommendations for reducing processing time and cost. They design equipment for safe storage and transportation of chemical solids, liquids, and gases, as well as design control systems for chemical plants, based upon data from lab experiments and pilot plant operations. Chemical Engineers also perform tests and take measurements in order to determine the most efficient production methods and develop instrumentation and control systems that will safely and economically produce the highest quality product.
Because their work is multi-disciplinary, Chemical Engineers must be knowledgeable in chemistry, physics, and mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as in their own specialty. They may work closely with scientists and other engineers as members of a team, utilizing their extensive backgrounds to find solutions for environmental or biomedical problems. Other chemical engineers who have knowledge and experience in both the scientific and production aspects of the work may be employed as administrators, project directors, sales engineers, or technical consultants.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most Chemical Engineers are employed in the manufacturing and petroleum refining. They perform much of their work in various locations in the plant such as planning and evaluating projects in the office, doing research and conducting tests in the lab, or troubleshooting on the production line. Some also work in their company's administrative offices, while others with advanced degrees are employed in research and teaching positions in colleges and universities. Most Chemical Engineers do little, if any, work-related travel, although those who work as sales engineers or technical consultants may travel to a considerable extent. Many chemical engineers are members of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and its local affiliates.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 4,180 Estimated number of workers in 2005 5,300 Projected Growth 1993-2005 27% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,500
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The number of Chemical Engineers will grow at an average rate. Chemical processes are becoming more complex and automated, and recent developments in computer-aided design (CAD) have enabled engineers to create designs more intricate and accurate than were before possible. Continued emphasis on the ongoing need to solve pollution and environmental protection problems will create the need for more Chemical Engineers. The continuing development of new chemicals used in the manufacture of consumer goods, such as plastics and synthetic fibers, should also create new chemical engineering job opportunities. The fields of bioengineering and microelectronics, both of which have chemical engineering applications, are growing rapidly as well. In addition to job openings created by increased demand, many engineers will be required to replace those who leave the labor force or change occupations.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
According to a 1996 salary survey by the American Chemical Society, starting salaries for Chemical Engineers average about $39,000 for BS degree holders, $49,000 for MS holders, and $52,500 for Ph.D. holders. Pay increases with experience. Holders of a BS can earn $75,000 per year or more. Master of Science degree holders can earn $85,000 per year. Engineers with a Ph.D. can earn $120,000 per year after many years of experience.
ADVANCEMENT
Chemical Engineers usually begin their professional careers as junior or assistant engineers, and, as they gain experience, advance to positions of greater responsibility. They may advance to supervising engineer, chief engineer, or plant manager, depending on the structure and product line of the company. Those engineers who are engaged primarily in research may be given increasingly responsible assignments with increases in salary and recognition, and may progress to such positions as supervisor, project engineer, or director of research. Many engineers who seek top executive positions in administration or management find it advantageous to do additional graduate study in chemical engineering or business administration in order to improve their advancement opportunities.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering is the most common entry-level requirement. A master's degree or higher is required for some research, teaching, consulting, and managerial positions. College graduates whose degrees are in mathematics or chemistry may also qualify for some positions. Employers look for applicants who can communicate ideas, are analytical and innovative, and adept at solving problems
Passing a State board exam given by the Department of Consumer Affairs is required to do consulting work. In order to keep up with rapid changes and advances in the field, many Chemical Engineers continue their education throughout their careers by attending continuing education courses.
High school students who are considering the field of chemical engineering should take as many mathematics and science courses as possible, including trigonometry, calculus, chemistry, physics, and computer science.
Although primarily concerned with technological and economic problems, Chemical Engineers work with people much of the time. They must be able to communicate their ideas to managers, technicians, craftworkers, production workers, and customers, as written reports and oral presentations are often an important part of the job. They must be able to work as part of a team, and be analytical and innovative. They must also be adept at solving problems, have initiative, and be able to make sound, timely decisions.
FINDING THE JOB
Employers who hire entry-level Chemical Engineers usually recruit applicants at colleges and universities. They conduct on-campus interviews with interested students. Chemical Engineers may also find employment by submitting resumes and applying directly to companies that hire engineers in their specialty, or by replying to ads in newspapers and professional journals. Personal contacts through professional organizations or recommendations by employees of a company are also common ways of finding work. Applying to federal and other governmental agencies and taking the appropriate examinations may also lead to employment in this field. In addition, both engineers and employers can use private employment agencies and the California Employment Development Department Job Service.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Institute of Chemical Engineers 345 E. 47th Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 705-7338 www.aiche.org
American Chemical Society 1155 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 872-4600 www.acs.org
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Mechanical Engineers No. 5 Electrical/Electronics Engineers No. 12 Chemists No. 22 Civil Engineers No. 39 Ceramic Engineers No. 329 Nuclear Engineers No. 367
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Chemical Engineer (profess. & kin.) 008.061-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Chemical Engineers 221140
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group
(916) 262-2162
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