Chemical engineer
Chemical engineers develop ways to turn raw materials into everyday products.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a chemical engineer in research and development, you could;
- test new ways to develop products in the lab, like biofuels
- use computer modelling to investigate cost-effective and environmentally friendly production methods
- plan how to turn lab research into pilot production, then large-scale processing
- develop methods to deal safely with by-products and waste materials
In manufacturing, you could:
- work with plant designers to create production equipment and instruments
- oversee the day-to-day operation of the processing plant
- monitor production and deal with problems
- work closely with quality control and health and safety managers
Working environment
You could work in a laboratory, at a manufacturing plant or in an office.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
Chemical engineers can be found working in many different sectors, including:
- pharmaceuticals
- energy production
- food and drink manufacturing
- environmental engineering
With experience, you could become a senior process or design engineer, or research and development manager.
You might go on to be a plant manager or overall operations manager.
You could also work towards chartered engineer status, which gives professional recognition of your skills and expertise in the industry.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- maths knowledge
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
Subjects include:
- chemical engineering
- process engineering
- biochemical engineering
You may be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if you have a degree in a related area like engineering, chemistry or polymer science.
Many courses include work placements which can give you valuable experience of working in the industry.
Some universities offer a foundation year for people without qualifications in maths and science, which allows them to move onto the degree course afterwards.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
You could apply to do a Science Industry Process Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This takes around 5 years to complete and combines learning on the job and time spent with a training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
You could join a company as a chemical engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join IChemE for professional development opportunities.
Further information
You can find more details about how to become a chemical engineer from IChemE.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.