Chemical Engineers Go Back to List 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.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Analytical or scientific software

Tasks
	Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
	Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying.
	Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.
	Direct activities of workers who operate or are engaged in constructing and improving absorption, evaporation, or electromagnetic equipment.
	Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.
	Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
	Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
	Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations.
	Design and plan layout of equipment.
	Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.

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.
	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
	Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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.
	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 m
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.   Related Experience:   A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $107,821.00 $51.84  $35.02  $39.51 - $61.25  Bridgeport/Stamford $133,607.00 $64.23  $39.54  $49.67 - $83.96  Danbury $99,827.00 $48.00  $34.71  $38.96 - $58.29  Hartford $106,966.00 $51.43  $34.41  $36.53 - $61.25  New Haven $99,899.00 $48.03  $35.54  $39.52 - $59.11

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   24   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

Related Occupations
	Logistics Engineers
	Agricultural Engineers
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	Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
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	Food Scientists and Technologists
	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.