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Chemical Engineers

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 nor 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 upon 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 are 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
http://www.aiche.org

American Chemical Society
1155 16th Street NW
Washington, DC  20036
(202) 872-4600
http://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