Everything you need to know about a job as a chemical engineer

Do you have outstanding math and problem-solving skills? Then becoming a chemical engineer might be the right career for you! While chemical engineering comes with challenges, it’s rewarding too. Visit Job Mail today for various vacancies in the engineering sector.

What do chemical engineers do?

Chemical engineers use their knowledge of chemistry and math to develop solutions to problems that arise during the production of chemicals. Their understanding of biology and physics is also instrumental in this process. These professionals are responsible for planning and assessing production methods. They’re also involved in the treatment of byproducts and facility operations.

The tasks that chemical engineers can expect to perform include:

• Research
• Developing safety procedures
• Designing manufacturing processes and equipment
• Conducting tests
• Reviewing the performance of processes
• Resolving processing issues
• Calculating production costs

Areas of specialisation for chemical engineering?

Once you’ve decided to pursue a career in chemical engineering, you’ll be able to select an area of specialisation.

Your specialisation options include:

• Nanomaterials
• Biological
• Specific products
• Energy
• Electronics
• Food
• Clothing
• Paper

What are the advantages of becoming a chemical engineer?

Chemical engineers typically enjoy career stability. They benefit from long-term jobs at large and reliable firms. There’s a need for the services that they offer, which creates good employment opportunities both locally and internationally. This career is accompanied by good earning potential if you develop your skills. You’ll need to be committed to continuous development in order to stay up to date with the progress in the industry.

Chemical engineers benefit from working in a pleasant work environment. With new challenges to overcome and varied tasks, this job is both interesting and rewarding. Engineering has a far-reaching impact on people’s lives, so the work these professionals do benefit thousands of people.

What other careers are related to this field?

If you decide that chemical engineering is not for you, there are plenty of other employment opportunities related to this field.

Your options can include:

• Architectural Engineering Manager
• Biomedical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Food Processing Engineer
• Process Control Engineer
• Process Design Engineer
• Process Plant Manager
• Chemical Technicians
• Chemists

Educational requirements

You’ll need to complete a degree or diploma to work in this industry. Once you’ve completed your studies, you can register with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Registration with ECSA provides you with professional status both locally and internationally. As the industry is constantly progressing, you’ll need to look for opportunities to advance your capabilities as well as to keep up to date with the latest knowledge.

If you would like to study, here are some options to consider:

• National Diploma in Chemical Engineering
• Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering
• Bachelor of Technology in Analytical Chemistry
• Bachelor’s Degree in Technology – Chemical Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Technology – Chemical Engineering
• Doctorate Degree in Technology – Chemical Engineering

Skills required:

• Analytical capabilities

When problems arise, chemical engineers need to solve them quickly. They need to know what questions to ask in order to get the information they need to develop solutions timeously.

• Math skills

Calculus and other mathematical principles play a vital role in the ability of these professionals to complete their duties.

• Communication and interpersonal skills

Chemical engineering involves working with other people to get tasks done. You’ll require written and verbal communication skills to succeed as well as the ability to work as part of a team.

• Organisational capabilities

The role of these professionals comes with high levels of responsibilities as well as multiple tasks. You’ll need to have organisation skills to complete tasks safely and efficiently.

With so many benefits to becoming a chemical engineer, it’s easy to see why this is a popular career choice. Browse Job Mail and find exciting chemical engineering vacancies.