There is a vast array of chemical engineering jobs available in both the manufacturing and professional services sectors. Chemical engineering jobs can be divided into two areas: professional engineer and engineering technician. Chemical engineers and engineering technicians provide skilled services and expertise to meet a wide range of needs.
In order to qualify for chemical engineering jobs, candidates will need to complete a university degree, and pass an examination managed by the Professional Engineers Association of America®. This association is responsible for the professional engineering (P.Eng) designation. Chemical engineering technicians must complete a two- or three-year program from a community college.
Some of the most lucrative chemical engineering jobs are in consulting. Engineers who have more than 10 years' working experience can provide their expertise and project management skills to a wide range of projects. Some firms do not have sufficient work to support a full-time chemical engineer but require this skill set for specific, limited time periods. There are also many chemical engineering jobs available in the petro-chemical industry. These companies specialize in creating new products or enhancing existing products that are petroleum-based.
People who report the greatest satisfaction in chemical engineering jobs enjoy problem solving and working independently. Attention to detail, professionalism, dedication, and self-discipline are very important in this career. Career advancement opportunities are widely available but often require additional education or extensive experience.
Another area for these types of jobs is the manufacturing sector. Positions in this sector include product development, plant management, and quality assurance manager. Designing the products, testing, and moving to mass production is all part of this job.
Teaching positions in chemical engineering are often found in university and community colleges. These jobs are ideal for people who have many years of working experience. In this role, he or she can combine practical experiences with theoretical expertise. Teaching is a great way to share knowledge and encourage new people to join the profession.
The field of chemical engineering has experienced above average growth over the past 10 to 20 years, due in part to the increased use of plastics. As the consumer market shifted toward lower cost plastic products, the chemical engineering requirements for manufacturing firms increased substantially. This field is expected to continue to grow, as the number of products required expands.
