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Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers design and coordinate the construction and operation of manufacturing facilities and processes that convert raw materials into everyday products such as petrol, toothpaste, pharmaceuticals and plastics.

Chemical engineers usually work standard hours, but may be called in to meet demanding deadlines. Those with responsibilities for continuous process plants may be on call 24 hours a day.

Some may work shifts during the commissioning of new plants.

Workplaces range from laboratories and processing plants to engineering design offices and research institutions.

TASKS

Chemical engineers may perform the following tasks:

seek new and more efficient processes and materials, or improve or find new uses for existing materials
design methods and equipment to control and contain the processes that transform basic materials into useful products
ensure the safe, efficient and environmentally friendly operation of equipment and test products at various stages of production to check their quality
make plans and specifications for new production plants, taking into account available technology, the cost and size of equipment and storage space, market requirements, transport methods and disposal of surplus substances
review current methods of production for cost efficiency, environmental friendliness, maximum output and optimal product quality
identify faults in the day-to-day operation of process plants (such as oil refining, steel making and water treatment) and take corrective action
prepare reports, feasibility studies and cost analyses of processes
provide product process information to sales and marketing personnel or customers
direct and coordinate the work of maintenance and construction tradespeople or process plant operators

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy technical and engineering work
safety-conscious
able to identify, analyse and solve problems
good communication skills
aptitude for computing and design
practical and creative
able to work independently and accept responsibility

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Chemical engineers may specialise in the following fields:

Bioprocess - involves pharmaceuticals and the food and drink industries.

Chemical Process - involves the fertiliser industry, pesticides and herbicides, caustic soda, glass and specialty chemicals.

Combustion - involves large industrial furnaces such as those for steel manufacture or power generation from coal or gas.

Environmental - involves waste and water treatment, environmental regulations and recycling.

Minerals - involves major minerals industries such as alumina/aluminium, steel, copper, lead and gold.

Petrochemicals - involves the conversion of oil and gas into plastics, synthetic rubber and similar end uses.

Petroleum - involves the production of oil, gas and LPG from onshore and offshore fields.

Process Control - involves the instrumentation and control systems, which enable a manufacturing process to run smoothly, safely and efficiently.

Project Delivery - involves the construction of a process plant, converting the design into an efficient, safe operating plant.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a chemical engineer you usually have to complete an engineering degree at university with a major in chemical engineering or industrial chemistry. Alternatively, you can complete a relevant degree, followed by a postgraduate qualification in chemical engineering.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia or the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) in Australia. Visit their websites for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Major employing industries include manufacturers of iron and steel basic products, manufacturers of organic industrial chemicals, the minerals industry and petroleum refineries. There is also scope for chemical engineers to move into related areas such as biotechnology, food engineering and mineral engineering.

Others are employed by government agencies assessing and monitoring the risk and impact of chemical processes on the environment (checking air and water quality, for example). Those with several years of experience may become consultants with engineering firms or on a self-employed basis.

A range of careers also exist with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and state authorities concerned with gas, electricity, water supply and environmental protection.

With experience, and sometimes further training, chemical engineers may advance to become business, technical, financial or works managers; personnel directors; or managing directors of large companies.