Chemical engineers design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

  • Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
  • Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
  • Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
  • Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
  • Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
  • Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
  • Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.
  • Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.
  • Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations.
  • Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying.
  • Direct activities of workers who operate or are engaged in constructing and improving absorption, evaporation, or electromagnetic equipment.
  • Perform tests and monitor performance of processes throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.
  • Design and plan layout of equipment.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 87% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 69% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 55% responded "Extremely important".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 64% responded "Every day".
  • Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 64% responded "Very high responsibility".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 50% responded "Extremely important".
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Work Activities
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Determine causes of operational problems or failures.
  • Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
  • Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
  • Conduct validation tests of equipment or processes.
  • Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.
  • Determine operational methods.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Chemistry
  • Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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Skills

Science
  • Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving
  • Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Mathematical Reasoning
  • The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Category Flexibility
  • The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • CAD/CAM Hot Technology
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS Hot Technology
  • CD-adapco STAR-CAD Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • PTC Creo Parametric Hot Technology
Development environment software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Hot Technology
  • C
Data base user interface and query software
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
  • Relational database software
  • Chempute Software E-Notebook
  • G&P Engineering Software PhysProps
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