Chemical engineering jobs require mastery of various skills beyond chemistry, mathematics, and physics, including project management, budgeting, safety, and knowledge of the latest technologies. Communication and interpersonal skills are also essential.
To be successful in finding suitable employment in chemical engineering, it is necessary to demonstrate mastery of a variety of different skills. To the uninitiated, the title of chemical engineer might seem like the ability to endure long hours in a chemical lab is one of them. This is far from the case, however. In fact, the skills needed to gain employment in chemical engineering go far beyond knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and physics principles. Many chemical engineering jobs routinely involve extensive field visits and contact with a variety of customers and colleagues, often on an international scale.
By definition, chemical engineering involves developing products that will be feasible and profitable to produce in volume in terms of both the manufacturing process and the investment required. On the surface, this indicates that the engineer must possess adequate skills in applied chemistry and mechanical engineering. While this is certainly true, it is also necessary to devise and adhere to projections related to the allocation of financial assets and labor. That means being able to balance a budget and chemical equations, plus the ability to exercise project management skills to oversee the project from concept to completion.
In addition to playing a key role in the development and production processes, the chemical engineer must also be concerned with related safety issues. Of course, coming into contact with various chemicals and formulas can present certain health risks. Therefore, the engineer must be familiar with standard manufacturing practices, not only in terms of precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to these substances, but also in the proper handling, distribution, storage and disposal of these materials.
The chemical engineer must also be thoroughly familiar with the latest technologies used in the industry or industries in which he or she is primarily involved. The scope of this knowledge can vary considerably as the field involves many different markets. For example, most chemical engineering job opportunities are typically found in the electronics, automotive, pharmaceutical, agricultural, construction, textile, and petroleum refining industries. Additionally, companies that specialize in developing sustainable energy solutions or providing environmental conservation and remediation services represent other avenues for employment in chemical engineering.
A career in chemical engineering requires a background in chemistry, mechanical engineering, physics and other related scientific disciplines, as applicable. Because most chemical engineering jobs involve a lot of interaction between internal personnel and management, as well as external customers, third-party vendors, and other design engineers, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are also required. Finally, it is desirable to be detail oriented and comfortable supervising individuals and teams.
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