Chemical engineers design safe, cost effective and environmentally friendly processes that are used to transform raw materials (such as oil) into a wide range of useful products (such as fuels, plastics, textiles and cosmetics).
Duties vary enormously but, in general, chemical engineers:
- decide on the best method of producing and purifying a product
- ensure that the processes used are safe and cost effective
- decide what to do with any by-products formed during the procedure
- find ways of reducing the number of unwanted by-products produced
- find ways of recycling the energy generated in the process.
Chemical engineers work standard full-time hours, which may involve shift and weekend work. They are usually based in offices, but may spend time outdoors, on factory floors or in laboratories.
Salaries range from around €30,000 a year rising to €90,000 or more at senior level.
A chemical engineer should:
- have specialist scientific knowledge
- have project management skills
- be able to manage resources
- have a thorough understanding of health and safety requirements
- be interested in maths and science.
Opportunities exist throughout Ireland. Employers may be involved in sectors such as oil and gas, chemical and allied products, food, energy or pharmaceuticals. Chemical engineers also work in central government departments, government agencies and companies that design and construct production plant. Employers range from large international companies and research organisations to smaller companies. Job prospects are very good and there may be opportunities to work overseas.
Most chemical engineers are graduates who have followed an accredited chemical or biological engineering degree course leading to a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) .
An MSc in biological or chemical engineering is almost always required to ensure career development. Other gateway degree qualifications include:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Bioprocess engineering
- Biochemical engineering
Alternative routes to a bachelor’s degree in this area may apply to students that have a PLC qualification in a related course or general engineering certification or diploma. For further details on eligibility requirements for third level entry following a PLC qualification, students should visit the CAO course search at Careersportal.ie.
Chemical engineers are encouraged to apply for chartered status. This involves gaining relevant experience and, in some cases, further study. It is important for chemical engineers to commit to a programme of continuing professional development (CPD) in order to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.
There may be opportunities for experienced chemical engineers to become project leaders, or progress into senior management positions. Some engineers may move into the commercial side of the business in areas such as banking, insurance or finance.
What is the work like?
Chemical engineers, known also as process engineers or biochemical engineers, are involved in designing processes to transform raw materials into a wide range of products. Oil, for example, can be used to make fuels, plastics, textiles and cosmetics. A chemical engineer aims to design production methods that are safe, cost effective and environmentally friendly.
Almost everything that is manufactured by humans involves the input of a chemical engineer at some stage. They work in sectors such as chemical and allied products, pharmaceuticals, energy, water, food and drink, materials, oil and gas, process plants, and equipment and biotechnology.
Biochemical engineers are chemical engineers who specialise in designing processes involving biological changes. They work in fields such as pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs and the treatment of waste.
Duties vary enormously but, in general, chemical engineers:
- decide on the best method of producing and purifying a product
- ensure that the processes used are safe and cost effective
- decide what to do with any by-products formed during the procedure
- find ways of reducing the number of unwanted by-products produced
- find ways of recycling the energy generated in the process.
Some chemical and biochemical engineers are involved in research that aims to improve the future of the planet and its inhabitants. Projects include:
- tissue engineering (producing replacement human organs) and stem cell research (finding cures for diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease)
- transforming the way we produce energy without harming the planet (for example, by researching renewable energy such as wind and wave energy)
- developing a new way of producing iron without creating harmful by-products
- making the world’s water cleaner and reducing water shortages.
Some chemical engineers are involved in designing and constructing plants for mass production of a particular compound. They scale up the process that is used in the laboratory and design the plant with the help of computer models and simulations. Once the plant is in operation they may be involved in maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, repair and replacement, quality control, and health and safety issues, as well as ensuring that the plant runs profitably.
Chemical engineers often work in multidisciplinary teams with other engineers.
Hours and environment
In general, chemical engineers in laboratories and research establishments work standard full-time hours, but those involved in processing and operations may need to be flexible and occasionally work longer hours, especially when meeting deadlines. Shift and weekend work may be required in some jobs. There may be some opportunities for part-time work.
Work environments vary. Many chemical engineers are based in offices, but they may spend time outdoors, on factory floors or in laboratories. Laboratory work is often carried out under sterile conditions.
It may be necessary to wear protective clothing appropriate for the job.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Recent graduates may start on around €30,000 a year.
- The average salary for a chemical engineer may be around €65,000.
- Chartered chemical engineers may earn €90,000 or more.
Skills and personal qualities
A chemical engineer should:
- have specialist scientific knowledge
- have project management skills
- be able to manage resources
- have a thorough understanding of health and safety requirements
- have good communication skills
- have leadership skills
- have a high standard of computer literacy
- be logical, with strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- have some business and legal knowledge.
Interests
It is important to:
- be interested in maths and science
- enjoy working as part of a team.
Getting in
There are opportunities for chemical engineers throughout Ireland and the UK. Employers may be involved in sectors such as oil and gas, chemical and allied products, food, energy or pharmaceuticals. Chemical engineers also work in central government departments, government agencies and companies that design and construct production plant. Employers range from large international companies and research organisations to smaller companies. Job prospects are very good and there may be opportunities to work overseas.
Further information
- The Institute of Chemistry in Ireland www.chemistryireland.org
- The Institute of Food Science and Technology www.ifst.org
- The Biomedical & Clinical Engineering Association of Ireland www.beai.ie
- The Institution of Chemical Engineers www.icheme.org