How to Become a Chemical Engineer

- Salary, Qualification, Skills, Role and Responsibilities

#Chemical process engineering
#Universal engineer
#substance engineer

Who is a Chemical Engineer?

The triumphs of engineering skills rest on chemical engineering foundation ~ Anonymous

Are you wondering what is Chemical Engineer or how to become a Chemical Engineer in India? then here is the answer to your questions, read the entire article to know all the details. In a career as a chemical engineer, an individual plays a crucial role in the plastic industry, oil and petroleum industry, drug industry, paint industry, and numerous other manufacturing industries that require to development of certain chemicals to add to their products to improve their efficiency or pack them using chemicals.

A Chemical Engineer is someone who uses analytical and mathematical skills with the application of chemistry principles to develop various chemicals to improve human living standards. He or she works afterwards to keep up and improve those procedures. The chemical engineer's jobs are to structure and investigate processes for the creation of chemical compounds, fuels, nourishments, pharmaceuticals, and biologicals, just to give some examples.

A Chemical engineer is mostly employed by manufacturing plants that produce on a large scale. He or she is hired in order to give maximum quality output with minimum input, as well as to reduce cost. Students can opt for B.Tech in Chemical Engineering to become a chemical engineer. Chemical engineer jobs help various manufacturing organizations to reduce production costs to a great extent. Here we have discussed the details of chemical engineer careers, such as chemical engineer career path, chemical engineer jobs, and how to become a chemical engineer.

Chemical Engineer in a Nutshell

Chemical engineering jobs involve producing energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. A career as a Chemical engineer needs to work in research in life sciences, industrial biotechnology, and business services. A chemical engineer's career path must be aware of all aspects of the manufacturing of chemicals, drugs, or other products. Bigger organisations such as the blue-chip companies abroad or navratna companies in India provide numerous opportunities for chemical engineering jobs.

Quick Facts for Chemical Engineer

Industry
Technology
Average Salary in India
₹43000
Suitable for
Male, Female, Others

Generally, people say the suitability for a girl to do chemical engineering is 50-50. Girls can also establish a career as Chemical Engineer. The chemical engineering scope for girls depends on the type of job. They can easily go to work based on process design, process simulation, research and development, management works, and IT because of the nature of the work. But then it entirely depends on the individual and the company that is hiring this engineer.
Chemical engineering careers involve a lot of fieldwork. Both males and females or any other gender can opt for chemical engineer career options opposing the norms of society. But, there are several companies that are generally hesitant to hire girls for such tough chemical engineering jobs.
Any special needs
Yes

Establishing a career as Chemical Engineer with physical disabilities can be quite difficult and it may often be perceived as impossible. But as long as an individual has a perfectly functioning brain, he or she can acquire chemical engineering job opportunities. Being a production engineer on-site might not be an ideal case scenario for someone with a physical disability but, one can always work in an engineering company as a process design engineer. Anyone with a strong determination can acquire great success in a career as a chemical engineer.

Table of Contents for Chemical Engineer

What is the role of Chemical Engineer?

Types of a Chemical Engineer

What is the workplace/work environment of Chemical Engineer like?

How to become a Chemical Engineer?

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Chemical Engineer?

Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Chemical Engineer?

Career path progression for Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineer Jobs and Salaries

What is the job outlook for Chemical Engineer?

Frequently Asked Questions for Chemical Engineer

What is the role of Chemical Engineer?

Chemical engineer jobs majorly involve ensuring the safety of the products being manufactured. A career as a chemical engineer needs to develop safety procedures for those working with potentially dangerous chemicals. He or she has to perform daily tasks carefully and wear a protective suit to avoid any harm from chemicals. Career as a chemical engineer includes designing and planning the layout of equipment. An Individual who opts for a career as a chemical engineer performs tests during the production process as well as troubleshooting.

In a nutshell, a chemical engineer deals with both materials as well as energy at the same time. A chemical engineer can be found working in several sectors such as the manufacturing sector, nuclear sector, or petrochemical sector. An Individual who opts for a career as a chemical engineer has varied roles in all of these sectors but chemical engineering is one of those disciplines which stretches across various industries.

Ensuring safety

The role of chemical engineer, safety is one of the primary responsibilities that he or she needs to take care of. Any leak of industrial chemicals can lead to disastrous consequences, hence it is important to ensure complete safety. Making sure that the manufactured products comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Research work

Research work is again an important part of a chemical engineer's job profile. Finding new and better ways to produce, store, or transport chemicals requires a lot of research. It is important for chemical engineers to understand how a particular reacts to movements, and the temperature of contact with metals or other chemicals.

Develop processes

A career as a chemical engineer is supposed to develop various processes that usually separate components of liquids and gases or generate electrical currents using controlled chemical processes. These processes can be used for production processes, storage purposes or to study chemicals.

Layout designing

Chemical engineers often undertake design work for production, processing, or storage equipment. Layouting forms an essential component of a chemical engineer's job profile. How a chemical will be placed in a piece of particular equipment, whether it is close to heat or far away from it, all these things are taken into consideration while designing a layout.

Conducting tests

Conducting tests is a very important aspect of a chemical engineer's job profile. Tests are often conducted to enhance security or to increase productivity during a process.

Evaluation

Evaluation of equipment and process is done on a regular basis in order to make sure that everything is in order and that there are no anomalies present in the process or during the production of the chemical. It is also done in order to maintain safety standards.

Types of a Chemical Engineer

Are you wondering how to become a chemical engineer? Well, there are various other alternative options for chemical engineering. We will begin by giving you a brief introduction to chemical engineering alternative career options and discuss the chemical engineering career path in the next section. You are required to keep scrolling to get a complete overview of a chemical engineering career.

Analytical Chemist: An analytical chemist is responsible for assessing the structure as well as the nature of a chemical substance. He or she assists by providing knowledge and skills in a variety of areas, for example, drug development, forensic analysis, and toxicology.

Environmental Engineer: An environmental engineer uses the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, as well as chemistry to develop solutions to several environmental problems. He or she works in order to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. The Chemical engineering scope involves an environmental engineer career as well.

Manufacturing Engineer: Manufacturing engineering is the discipline of engineering that shares concepts from disciplines of engineering like chemical, mechanical, electrical as well as industrial. A Manufacturing engineer creates production systems that give maximum output with minimum input so that the organization is capable of building economically competitive products.

Materials Engineer: A Material engineer as the name suggests works with different materials for instance plastic or metal in order to create new materials. His or her job involves testing as well as developing materials used in order to produce various kinds of products like computer chips or car components.

Production Manager: A chemical production manager is one of the best chemical engineering job roles. He or she takes care of technical coordination amongst the people as well as the machines working. Being a chemical engineer, a production manager is also responsible for taking care of the chemical production process. He or she makes a production plan and takes care of it to ensure that the goal is met.

Quality Manager: A quality manager in a production company makes sure that the products being manufactured meet certain standards of quality. A quality manager ensures the level of quality is met before the product is sent to the market for sale. It is important in order to maintain the company’s reputation. Quality managers often work as quality controllers as well.

Also Read: Career as electrical engineer

What is the workplace/work environment of Chemical Engineer like?

A career as a chemical engineer provides work opportunities at industrial plants, refineries, manufacturing firms, and other locations, where he or she monitors or directs operations or solves onsite problems. Nearly all individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer work full-time. In addition, Chemical Engineering careers are also migrating into new fields, such as nanotechnology, alternative energies, and biotechnology, which will help to sustain the demand for engineering services in numerous manufacturing industries.

Does Chemical Engineer require travelling?

Likely

Chemical engineers work mostly in offices or laboratories. Individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer may spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Some engineers travel extensively to plants or worksites, both domestically and abroad. But, nothing is fixed. It depends on the kind of job profile one holds as a chemical engineer. Individuals with chemical engineering degrees get numerous opportunities to travel and explore places. It is quite clear that in a career as a chemical engineer, you are not limited to a certain place.

Employment Shifts

Full Time

Chemical engineering jobs is a full-time jobs. The kind of work a chemical engineer carries out cannot be done on a part-time basis nor he or she can work from home. This profession requires the individual to be present at the assigned workspace be it the office premise or field location. Work from home is least likely to exist in a career as a chemical engineer.

Employment Nature

Permanent, Contractual

Chemical engineering career options provide both types of opportunities permanent as well as contractual. The duration of the contractual term and conditions may vary depending on the requirements of the organization. It can also be extended on the basis of the evaluation of the work performance of a chemical engineer and his or her skills.

Work Place

Laboratory, On-Field, Office, Industrial Plant

Individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer can be assigned to work in any part of the world as it involves work in field locations. Chemical plants are generally located away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is done due to safety reasons, pollution control as well as the cheaper rates of land in these areas. Several Engineers stay involved in conducting studies on chemical properties and developing new materials by altering the properties of these chemicals.

Presence in Geographical Area

Rural, Semi-urban, Urban

Individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer can be required to work in any kind of geographical setting. It can be urban, semi-urban, or even rural. A Chemical Factory or industrial plant setting can be set up anywhere depending on state policies. Chemical Engineering problems often include working with hazardous chemicals. The Chemical Engineer job requires functioning after wearing personal protective equipment.

Time Pressure

Not Likely

The work pressure for Chemical Engineers is considered moderate. Career as chemical engineers usually work indoors in labs conducting their research and preparing chemicals for a particular project. A career as a Chemical Engineer usually requires working at least 40 hours per week. Individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer work irregular hours to monitor experiments that cannot be completed during regular working hours.

Overtime Details

Chemical Engineering jobs involve a minimum of 40 hours per working week. Sometimes, Chemical Engineers work hours get extended due to excess pressure as they are required to accomplish a project in less time. On several occasions, a Chemical Engineer may often be required to work 45 to 50 hours a week. Chemical Engineering work shifts may also vary. Individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer may often be required to work evening, and night shifts as well if working in production.

Weekly Hours of Work

Min 40 Hours

A Chemical Engineering work environment involves standard working hours. The workdays start between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Chemical Engineers in this setting are usually salaried employees. Individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer work for around 40 hours per week. Therefore, they work for eight to nine hours a day. Depending on the company, Chemical Engineering jobs offer five to six days working week.

How to become a Chemical Engineer?

Steps to become a Chemical Engineer

If you are willing to become a chemical Engineer then you are required to follow certain steps. Below, we have mentioned how to become a Chemical Engineer. We have discussed the steps in detail in the article. Read the complete article to know how to become a chemical engineer after 12.

Chemical Engineer skills
Enrol in formal Training/Course
Pursue specialised Certification
Build an attractive Resume
Explore Internship opportunities
Find job opportunities and apply
Prepare for Interview
Landing into Career

01 Step

Chemical Engineer skills

If you are looking for how to become a Chemical Engineer then you must have some of the relevant skills. We have mentioned below the soft skills and hard skills that are required to become a Chemical Engineer.

Some of the soft skills that are required to opt for a career as a Chemical Engineer are decision-making skills, communication skills, analytical skills, problem-solving ability, creativity and attention to detail.

Decision-Making Skills
Communication Skills
Critical Thinking
Analytical Skills
Project management skills
Resource management skills

If you are looking for how to become a Chemical Engineer and thinking about what hard skills or technical skills are required then here is the list of some of the hard skills for how to become a Chemical Engineer.

Semiconductor Device Fabrication
Separation Processes
Polymers and Paper engineering
Pharmaceuticals and Plastic engineering
Inorganic and Organic Chemical Technology
Process Dynamics and Control
Modern Methods of Separation
Microfluidics

02 Step

Enrol in formal Training/Course

Enrolling for a formal education or training program is a must to opt for a career as Chemical Engineer. If you are looking for how to become a Chemical Engineer then in this step we will guide you through the step-by-step procedure to become a Chemical Engineer. You are required to complete 10+2 in Chemistry, Physics Biology and Mathematics from a recognised board.

After completing 10+2, you can opt for a bachelor’s degree programme by giving an entrance examination mentioned below which will make you eligible for an entry-level job position or you can also opt for a master’s course to opt for higher-level job positions and it also adds more value to your degree. We have mentioned below how to become a chemical engineer after BSc, the Chemical Engineer entrance examination, a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.

Entrance Examinations

JEE Main	JEE Advanced
BIT SAT	IPU CET
WBJEE	VITEEE
SRMJEEE	KEAM

Bachelor’s Degree Programmes

B.Tech in Chemical Engineering	B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) Chemistry
B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) Chemical Engineering	B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) Biochemical Engineering
B.Tech. (Bachelor of Technology) Biochemical Engineering	B.Tech In Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering

Master’s Degree Programmes

M.Tech in Chemical Engineering	M.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) Chemistry
M.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) Chemical Engineering	M.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) Biochemical Engineering
M.Tech. (Bachelor of Technology) Biochemical Engineering	M.Tech In Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering

03 Step

Pursue specialised Certification

Along with the formal degree, you can opt for a specialised certification to gain more subject knowledge and skills but it is not a necessary step, it is completely optional. We have mentioned below some of the specialised certifications.

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics	Chemical Process Safety
Chemical Reaction Engineering-I	Basic Principles and Calculations in Chemical Engineering
Fundamental of Fluid Mechanics for Chemical and Biomedical Engineers	Optimization in Chemical Engineering

04 Step

Build an attractive Resume

If you are looking how to become a chemical engineer in India, then you must create an attractive and strong resume that will stand out among others. After you complete pursuing a certification course, now is the time to prove and impress yourself. Mention everything about you in the resume including your skills and knowledge, achievements, educational background, specialised certifications if any and some of your personal qualities and details.

05 Step

Explore Internship opportunities

Once you have built your resume, now is the time to explore some of the relevant internship opportunities. There are a lot of companies that are providing internships to students. You can find one of the best which suits your interests and field and can apply for it.

06 Step

Find job opportunities and apply

After you have completed your internship, you are now ready for full-time job opportunities. You can choose some of the best and top companies to work for full-time. You can either approach them directly or can go through various job offerings platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Naukri, Monster and others.

07 Step

Prepare for Interview

This is the last and final step for how to become a Chemical Engineer. After you apply for the full-time position, you can now prepare for the interview by going through the job description, and company profile, and recalling the internship tasks details, projects and skills. Prepare for the interview to give the best respond to the interviewer and groomed well.

08 Step

Landing into Career

It is the most important and final step in how to become Chemical Engineer. Once you have received the offer letters, select the best out of them and join the company. As it is the first job you must choose the best so that it might not affect your career in future.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Chemical Engineer?

Analytical skills
Creativity
Problem Solving Ability
Interpersonal skills
Mathematical skill
Ingenuity

Before enrolling yourself in a Chemical Engineering course in India, you must know the minimum chemical engineering job requirements to efficiently perform and acquire a chemical engineering job further after completion of a chemical engineering degree programme. We have mentioned below the required skills that will support you in functioning throughout your career as Chemical Engineer. Here we have mentioned some of the skills which are required in the chemical engineer career path.

Analytical Skills: In several industries, analytical tools are needed. Analytical thinking could assist individuals to solve issues, make judgments, and offer solutions. Analytics studies and discusses a topic or issue for pursuing more difficult ideas on that. Chemical engineering involves assessing customer requirements. If employees in the chemical industry have powerful analytical abilities, chemical engineers must be able to find answers to every challenge. Chemical Engineers need to be intelligent enough to figure out why a specific design is not working as intended. Chemical engineering jobs require an ability to ask the right questions and then find answers that work effectively.

Creativity: The career in chemical engineering provides plenty of creative opportunities. Creativity and innovation continue in product and process development. The development involves technological innovations, from its initial stages to the final stage of projects. Individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer must be in a position to explore new opportunities to utilize the principles of engineering. Chemical engineering jobs require inventing new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and new chemical and biomedical engineering applications.

Ingenuity: Ingenuity is a valuable aspect that is demanded not only in chemical engineering jobs but in almost all other professions. A major component of chemical engineering is a willingness to come up with new ideas and think creatively. Individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer generate new substances to function with advanced production methods involving innovative thinking. These engineers study general principles of chemical engineering, but their practice demands that they apply certain principles to particular problems in development.

Interpersonal Management: Chemical engineers should, therefore, build positive interpersonal relationships with industrial production individuals, as their purpose is to bring scientific and factual concepts into practice in the industrial sector. Individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer should establish positive interpersonal relationships with manufacturing people, as their job is to bring scientific theory into action in manufacturing industries.

Mathematical Skill: When one does not comprehend the appropriate mathematical theorems, it is difficult to sustain in chemical engineering. Appropriate analytical methods and concepts might be placed in order to resolve the dilemma and it seems more significant. Approach to solving mathematical formulas and the fundamentals of trigonometry and logarithms. Chemical engineers use calculus principles and other advanced mathematics topics in their work to analyze, design, and troubleshoot.

Problem-Solving Ability: In designing manufacturing materials and systems, chemical engineers strive to fix so many issues in one go, such as the safety and health of workers and issues relating to production and sustainable development. Individuals who opt for a career as a chemical engineer must also be able to anticipate and identify problems to prevent losses for their employers, safeguard workers health, and prevent environmental damage.

Popular Online Engineering Courses and Certifications

Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Chemical Engineer?

We have mentioned below certifications that individuals may opt for who want to establish a career as Chemical Engineers.

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics	Certified Chemical Plant Safety Incharge
Chemical Reaction Engineering-I	Chemical Process Safety
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics	Basic Principles and Calculations in Chemical Engineering

Internship Availability

Yes

Internships are also beneficial for making contacts, which can later help in getting jobs. There is a great learning curve and interns can pick up the tricks of the trade during internships. When it comes to chemical engineering a lot of practical knowledge about the field can be gained through an internship. No matter how much practical education your university provides you, knowledge about the work field can be gained by being there physically.

Career Path Progression for Chemical Engineer

Junior Chemical Engineer: A Junior Chemical Engineer is a professional who is responsible for developing various chemicals to improve human living standards. He or she designs and develops a range of products. A Junior Chemical Engineer who works under the guidance of the Senior Chemical Engineers or managers.

Senior Chemical Engineer: A Senior Chemical Engineer is an experienced professional who analyses and improves the procedures or processes for the creation of chemical compounds, fuels, nourishments, pharmaceuticals, biologicals and others.

Chemical Engineer Jobs and Salaries

Junior Chemical Engineer

Monthly Salaries

Average Salary 16000

Job Description

The Junior Chemical Engineer job description includes producing food, energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. A Junior Chemical Engineer does research on various life sciences, and industrial biotechnology and develops safety procedures for people working with dangerous chemicals.

Salary Description

An entry-level Chemical Engineer salary in India ranges between Rs 0.9 Lakhs to Rs 5.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 2.1 Lakhs per annum. Junior Chemical Engineer salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors like skills and experience of the candidates, job location, and others.

Salary Source: AmbitionBox

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Senior Chemical Engineer

Monthly Salaries

Average Salary 70000

Job Description

The Chemical Engineer job description includes designing and planning the layout of equipment, doing tests and troubleshooting. A Senior Chemical Engineer ensures the safety, researches, develops processes and evaluates the equipment and process.

Salary Description

The estimated Chemical Engineer salary in India ranges from Rs 3.4 Lakhs to Rs 15.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 6.0 Lakhs per annum. Senior Chemical Engineer salary may vary depending on the various job factors.

Salary Source: AmbitionBox

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What is the job outlook for Chemical Engineer?

The career as a Chemical engineer scope is quite huge with numerous career opportunities. Employment is projected to grow by six per cent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for chemical engineer jobs is constantly increasing respective of services that largely demand products of various manufacturing industries. Chemical engineering in India has a positive outlook with numerous opportunities. The chemical engineering market is expected to grow in the future.

As every product manufacturing industry hires candidates with a chemical engineering degree. The chemical engineering scope is bright with the coming up opportunities in the industry. Such companies require candidates that fulfil chemical engineering job requirements such as skilled individuals who can increase output with a minimum amount of input and improve the quality of materials.

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Frequently Asked Questions for Chemical Engineer

Que. Do chemical engineers find jobs easily?

Ans.

Chemical engineers will find jobs directly related to their profession in the energy sector. Business and leadership are important parts of a chemical engineering degree, and these can be used to forge a career in manufacturing, textiles, or even retail management.

Que. Is chemical engineering a good career?

Ans.

Chemical Engineering is a very good field, with good career prospects. If you are a process engineer you are like a hot cake. There are many chemical companies, especially petroleum companies, that have a deficiency of well-experienced chemical engineers.

Que. What do chemical engineers do daily?

Ans.

Chemical engineering is all about turning raw materials into useful, everyday products. Chemical engineers work out the processes to make all these products, while also helping to manage the world's resources, protect the environment and ensure health and safety standards are met.

Que. Is chemical engineering good in India?

Ans.

Chemical engineers are required both in Govt (BPCL, ONGC) and private sectors. Their job profile ranges from production engineer, to design engineer and many more. Moreover, chemical engineers can have a very good career in R&D as well as teaching.

Que. Name some of the alternative careers for chemical engineers?

Ans.

There are various career opportunities for candidates with a chemical engineering degree. We have mentioned below a major career that candidates with a chemical engineering degree can opt for.

Nuclear Engineer

Industrial Engineer

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist

Materials Engineer

Agricultural Engineer

Que. Where do chemical engineers work?

Ans.

Chemical engineers operate in the manufacturing, healthcare, medical, construction and maintenance, food processing, petrochemicals, biopharmaceuticals, microelectronics, telecommunications and advanced electronics, commercial services, and environmental safety sectors.

Que. Is biology needed for chemical engineering?

Ans.

Most aspiring students ask 'is biology needed for chemical engineering?' Well, the answer is yes, biology is a mandatory requirement for Chemical Engineering. Good mathematical knowledge in calculus, trigonometry, algebra, and geometry including a detailed understanding of scientific subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology, is also required to join a programme in chemical engineering.