Chemical Engineers

• Nature of the Work

  Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals. Most work in the production of chemicals and chemical products. They design equipment and develop processes for manufacturing chemicals, 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.

• Working Conditions for Engineers

• Employment

  Chemical engineers held over 50,000 jobs in 1994. Manufacturing industries employed sixty-nine percent, 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.

• Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement for Engineers

• Job Outlook

  Although employment in the chemical manufacturing industry is projected to grow very little through 2005, employment of chemical engineers should increase about as fast as the average for all occupations as chemical companies research and develop new chemicals and more efficient processes to increase output. Areas relating to the production of specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and plastics materials 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.

  (See introductory section of this chapter for information on training requirements, earnings, and sources of additional information.)

• Earnings of Engineers

• Related Occupations for Engineers

  Engineers apply the principles of physical science and mathematics in their work. Other workers who use scientific and mathematical principles include physical scientists, life scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians, engineering and science technicians, and architects.

• Sources of Additional Information about Engineers

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