A chemical engineer studies data describing the results of a chemical reaction trial run.
Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals. Many work in the production of chemicals and chemical products. They design equipment and develop processes for manufacturing chemicals in chemical plants, plan and test methods of manufacturing the products, and supervise production. Chemical engineers also work in industries other than chemical manufacturing such as electronics or aircraft manufacturing. Because the knowledge and duties of chemical engineers cut across many fields, they apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and mechanical and electrical engineering in their work. They frequently specialize in a particular operation such as oxidation or polymerization. Others specialize in a particular area such as pollution control or the production of a specific product like automotive plastics or chlorine bleach.
Chemical engineers held over about 52,000 jobs in 1992. Seventy percent were in manufacturing industries, primarily in the chemical, petroleum refining, and related industries. Most of the rest worked for engineering services, research and testing services, or consulting firms that design chemical plants or do other work on a contract basis, or worked for government agencies or as independent consultants.
Although employment in the chemical manufacturing industry is projected to grow very little through 2005, chemical engineers should find favorable job opportunities. The number of positions arising from employment growth, which is expected to be as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005, and the need to replace those who leave the occupation should be sufficient to absorb the number of graduates with degrees in chemical engineering and other entrants.
Areas relating to the production of industrial chemicals, biotechnology, and materials science may provide better opportunities than other portions of the chemical industry. Much of the projected growth in employment, however, will be in nonmanufacturing industries, especially service industries.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor