M.Tech in Chemical Engineering

A chemical engineering degree develops technical and transferable skills that can lead to a range of jobs in business, finance and law, as well as engineering...

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Chemical engineer
• Energy engineer
• Petroleum engineer
• Product/process development scientist

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Analytical chemist
• Energy manager
• Manufacturing engineer
• Materials engineer
• Mining engineer
• Production manager
• Quality manager

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production.

Duties

Chemical engineers typically do the following:

• Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes
• Develop safety procedures for those working with potentially dangerous chemicals
• Develop processes to separate components of liquids and gases or to generate electrical currents using controlled chemical processes
• Design and plan the layout of equipment
• Do tests and monitor performance of processes throughout production
• Troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes
• Evaluate equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
• Estimate production costs for management

Some chemical engineers specialize in a particular process, such as oxidation (a reaction of oxygen with chemicals to make other chemicals) or polymerization (making plastics and resins). Others specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials (making extremely small substances), biological engineering, or in developing specific products.

Chemical engineers also work in producing energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. They work in research in life sciences, biotechnology, and business services.

Chemical engineers must be aware of all aspects in the manufacturing of chemicals, drugs, or other products. They must also understand how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers.

Work Environment

Chemical engineers work mostly in offices or laboratories. They may spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Chemical engineers must be able to work with professionals who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics who put the designs into practice.

Typical employers

Employers are as diverse as the products they produce and cover a broad range of industrial sectors. Any company involved in large-scale conversion of raw materials into a product will require chemical development engineers.

You'll find major employers in gas and oil extraction, oil refining, nuclear and other power generation and other process industries, including pharmaceuticals, fine and heavy chemicals and agrochemicals. Other manufacturing industries that need chemical engineers include those supplying:

food and drink;

toiletries;

pulp and paper;

plastic and metals;

fibres and polymers.

Many chemical development engineers work for engineering consultancy and contracting firms. Engineers are well equipped for business roles and go into careers in financial services, management or law.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Chemical engineers must be able to figure out why a particular design does not work as planned. They must be able to ask the right questions and then find answers that work.

Creativity. Chemical engineers must be able to explore new ways of applying engineering principles. They work to invent new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and new applications in chemical and biomedical engineering.

Ingenuity. Chemical engineers learn the broad concepts of chemical engineering, but their work requires them to apply those concepts to specific production problems.

Interpersonal skills. Chemical engineers must develop good working relationships with people in production because their role is to put scientific principles into practice in manufacturing industries.

Math skills. Chemical engineers use the principles of calculus and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Problem-solving skills. In designing equipment and processes for manufacturing, these engineers strive to solve several problems at once, including such issues as workers’ safety and problems related to manufacturing and environmental protection. They must also be able to anticipate and identify problems to prevent losses for their employers, safeguard workers’ health, and prevent environmental damage.