聚光灯
化学工程师,开发工程师,工程师,工程科学家,过程控制工程师,工艺工程师,项目工程师,炼油厂工艺工程师,研究化学工程师,科学家
Chemical Engineers are essential to developing a countless array of consumer goods, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, fuels, plastics, electronics, and other products.
They apply complex principles of chemistry, physics, math, and engineering to conduct research and design sophisticated manufacturing processes. In addition, they have to troubleshoot problems, conduct rigorous safety evaluations, and, in some cases, oversee chemical plants!
Chemical Engineers often work on environmental sustainability, developing processes that minimize waste and energy consumption. By analyzing data and conducting experiments, they’re able to continuously improve product quality, so that the things we use each day are safe and function the way they’re supposed to.
- Creating or improving products that contribute to our quality of life
- Working with multidisciplinary teams and cutting-edge technologies on innovative processes
- Helping to advance technology and sustainability
- Indirectly aiding the economy and ensuring job opportunities for others
工作日程
- Chemical Engineers work full-time, with the potential for extended hours during major projects or deadlines. They may work in laboratories, manufacturing plants, or offices, and sometimes need to travel to production sites.
典型职责
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, scientists, and technicians
- Discuss project goals, milestones, and budgets
- Use computer-aided design programs and other methods to develop chemical manufacturing processes for specific objectives
- Conduct in-depth research to improve existing products and processes
- Optimize production efficiency and reduce costs
- Develop and implement quality control procedures
- Analyze data from processes and experiments
- Scale processes from laboratory experiments into full production
- Ensure compliance with applicable environmental and safety regulations
- Troubleshoot and resolve production and quality issues
- Conduct safety evaluations and risk assessments
其他职责
- Establish budgets and timeframes, as necessary
- Requisition supplies
- Train technicians and other personnel on safety procedures
- Wear protective personnel equipment, as needed
- Collaborate on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary projects
- Write scholarly articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
软技能
- 适应性
- 分析性思维
- 注重细节
- 清晰的沟通
- 沟通技巧
- 创造性
- 独立性
- 创新
- 领导人
- 解决问题
- 自我激励
- 团队合作
- 时间管理
技术技能
- Chemical processes and equipment
- 跨职能合作
- Data analysis and statistical methods
- Environmental and safety regulations
- Industrial control software (computer numerical control; programmable logic controller; and supervisory control and data acquisition software)
- Laboratory skills and instrumentation
- Manufacturing processes and materials; lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
- Process simulation and modeling software
- 熟练掌握CAD 和 CAM 软件
- 项目管理
- Quality control and assurance principles
- Technical writing and documentation
- Thermodynamics and material science
- Chemical manufacturers
- Environmental consultants
- 食品和饮料生产商
- 政府机构
- Petroleum/petrochemical companies
- 制药公司
- Research and development organizations and universities
Chemical Engineers must develop safe, efficient chemical and material production processes. Their work is crucial for maintaining quality production standards and regulatory compliance. This requires precision, in-depth knowledge, and a commitment to teamwork.
They often participate in complicated projects with tight deadlines, which can lead to long work hours! Because of technological advancements, they’ve got to stay constantly updated with industry advancements such as new software, equipment, methods, and standards.
Chemical Engineering is evolving with advancements in digital technologies, such as automation, AI, and data analytics. These innovations are streamlining production processes and improving efficiency. Meanwhile, green chemistry and sustainability are growing focus areas leading to more eco-friendly processes and materials usage. That’s part of the reason why the industry is shifting towards renewable energy sources and integrating biotechnology, which is contributing to innovations in pharmaceuticals, food production, and environmental solutions.
Chemical Engineers often grew up curious about the natural world and how things work. They might have enjoyed conducting chemistry experiments or participating in activities like science fairs and math competitions.
- Chemical Engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field
- Advanced positions or specialized roles might require a master’s degree or Ph.D. Roughly 9% of workers in this field have a master’s, while 9% have a doctoral degree
- Note, that some students enroll in a dual bachelor’s/master’s program to save time and money
- Relevant undergraduate courses include:
- Chemical reaction engineering
- Fluid mechanics
- Materials science
- Process design
- Safety and environmental engineering
- 统计分析
- 热力学
- Some employers prefer candidates with relevant work experience. Internships, technician apprenticeships, and cooperative education programs are valuable for gaining such practical experience!
- Engineers can take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, earn a National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying’s Engineer In Training certification, and pursue a National Society of Professional Engineers’ Professional Engineer (PE) license when the time is right
- 可选的认证包括。
- 决定适合自己的课程形式(校内、在线或混合)。
- Seek an ABET-accredited program in chemical engineering. Look for schools with well-funded labs, research opportunities, internships, and co-op programs with industry partners.
- 将学费成本与可用的经济援助和奖学金机会进行权衡。
- 评估教师资格和校友成就。
- 考虑毕业后的结果,如就业率。
- Focus on STEM courses, particularly chemistry, physics, and calculus
- Participate in science fairs, clubs, and competitions
- Seek internships, part-time jobs, cooperative educational programs, mentorship opportunities, or apprenticeships in labs or manufacturing plants
- Volunteer to help your college professors as a lab assistant, if allowed
- 在简历和大学申请中记录自己的工作和学术成就,并建立项目和研究经历的作品集
- Stay updated with industry trends and advancements by reading articles in Chemical Engineering Magazine and other journals, or by watching informational videos
- Reach out to do an informational interview with a working Chemical Engineer. See if you can shadow them at work for a day
- Join online chemical engineering-related discussion groups
- 申请中小型企业教育基金会奖学金等工程奖学金
- 查看招聘信息并阅读职位描述,了解雇主目前正在寻找哪些资格和专业人才
- 浏览Indeed、LinkedIn 和Glassdoor等门户网站上的职位列表
- Apply for internships, apprenticeships, co-op programs, and entry-level positions
- Use a Chemical Engineer resume template to get ideas for formatting and phrasing
- 包括相关的简历关键词,如
- Chemical Synthesis
- Cost Analysis
- 环境法规
- Process Engineering
- Process Optimization
- 项目管理
- Quality Control
- Reactor Design
- 安全合规
- 热力学
- Enhance your resume by acquiring certifications in key areas like CAD software or process improvement methodologies
- 创建数字作品集,展示您的项目和贡献。详细介绍您的角色、所使用的技能以及您的工作所产生的影响
- 工作通常是通过网络找到的,因此要通过参加专业协会的活动来建立联系。让您的网络知道您正在找工作!
- Be active in online forums related to chemical engineering
- Use LinkedIn and specialized engineering forums to discover job opportunities
- Prepare for interviews by brushing up on relevant terminology and trends
- 研究潜在的雇主,访问其职业网页,了解职位空缺情况
- 请前任主管和大学教授提供推荐信或推荐函
- 利用大学就业中心的简历帮助、模拟面试和招聘会
- 询问您的学术课程负责人是否与当地雇主或招聘人员有联系
- 面试时穿着专业
- Review potential job interview questions, such as problem-solving scenarios and technical knowledge assessments. Sample questions might include: “How do you ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations in your projects? Can you provide an example of a time when you had to address a significant compliance issue?”
- 随时了解行业信息。准备好在面试中讨论趋势和技术
- 积极寻求更多的教育和培训,使你的职业和雇主受益
- Consider specialized certifications such as the Certified Safety Professional certificate or a graduate degree to deepen your expertise
- 与上司讨论晋升机会
- 志愿参加具有挑战性的项目,展示自己的技能和适应能力
- 掌握最新的软件、工具和方法
- 与同事、管理人员和利益相关者建立牢固的关系
- 指导初级同事或实习生发展领导技能
- Consider switching employers to advance your career. Move to an area with more jobs. The states with the highest levels of chemical engineer employment are Texas, California, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania
- Get your Professional Engineer license to demonstrate your commitment to engineering
- Keep active in professional associations like the Society of Manufacturing Engineers to grow your network and reputation. Go to conferences, volunteer to serve on committees, and contribute scholarly articles to industry journals or publications like The Chemical Engineering Magazine
- Explore different areas within chemical engineering to broaden your expertise
网站
- ABET
- 美国科学促进会
- 美国化学学会
- 美国化学工程师协会
- American Institute of Chemists
- 美国工程教育协会
- 美国机械工程师协会
- Association of Consulting Chemists and Chemical Engineers
- Chemical & Engineering News
- GPA Midstream Association
- 化学工程师学会
- International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering
- 国际自动化学会
- 材料研究学会
- 全国工程和测量师考试委员会
- 全国专业工程师协会
- ResearchGate
- ScienceDirect
- Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society
- Society of Petroleum Engineers
- 女工程师协会
- 技术学生协会
- 水环境联合会
书籍
- Chemical Engineering Design, by Gavin Towler and Ray Sinnott
- Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, by Richard Felder and Ronald Rousseau
- Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, by Don Green and Marylee Southard
Chemical Engineering is just one of many fascinating STEM career fields! If you’re considering other options where you can use your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and technical knowledge, then check out our below list of occupations!
- Biochemical Engineer
- CAD 技术员
- 化学工程师
- 电气工程师
- 环境工程师
- 人因工程师
- 工业工程师
- 材料科学家
- 机械工程师
- 机电工程师
- 业务经理
- 工艺工程师
- 产品设计师
- 质量保证工程师
- 研究科学家
- 机器人工程师
- 安全工程师
- 供应链经理