A chemical engineer is a professional who applies the principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as gasoline, detergents, and paper
. They are involved in the production and manufacturing of products through chemical processes, which includes designing equipment, systems, and processes for refining raw materials and for mixing, compounding, and processing chemicals
. Some typical tasks performed by chemical engineers include:
- Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations
- Conducting research into improved manufacturing processes
- Designing and planning equipment layout
- Incorporating safety procedures for working with dangerous chemicals
- Monitoring and optimizing the performance of production processes
- Estimating production costs
Chemical engineers work in various settings, such as office environments, laboratories, and industrial plants
. They are often employed by large-scale manufacturing companies and can also find work in research and development, academia, and government agencies
. To become a chemical engineer, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field, and some employers may prefer candidates who have gained experience through internships or other practical experiences
. The median annual wage for chemical engineers in May 2022 was $106,260
